how do you refer the people higher up than you at your workplace?

[Alone]

Rank.

 

[zzuupp]

It depends on how I was introduced by first name then it has been that way since.
I have been introduced to some Mr. Lastnames, VP. & Never been corrected by some Mr. Lastnames that it's ok to call them firstname

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

i call them Kim.

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

-san

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

Originally posted by: spidey07
I generally refer to them by their first name followed by "-san".

I kind of like being called "spidey-san". Has a nice ring to it.

If they are REALLY important I call them Mr. <lastname>.

Eh?!? "First name-san?" Are you an executive?

 

[clamum]

First name usually, though I also use "sir" sometimes after "yes" or "no".

 

[jinduy]

call them "boss"

 

[looker001]

First name, unless they got some specific title, like director which you might use in front of their name.

 

[sjwaste]

First name, generally. Really depends on what they do or their profession, though. If I know they're a doctor, I use Dr. Lastname. If I know they're an attorney, I use Mr./Ms. Lastname. Those are the customs in their profession, so I try to work with that. Usually they immediately say to call them by their first name.

Everyone else, first name, with very few exceptions -- notably, senior partners who I do not have a repoire with, then I take the safe route and use Mr./Ms. until corrected to the first name. I know for a fact that none of them would mind if I didn't, but I also know they sign my raises, so I'm going to kiss a little bit of ass.

Use your judgment on what's most respectful. It's not like it's degrading oneself to be respectful to others, so you're not "lowering" yourself by addressing someone formally.

I also find it important to get names right. For a hard name, you get one freebie, but everyone else get it right. Don't transpose first and last names or mispronounce easy ones. If it's a name that has plausible alternate pronunciations, pronounce it one of the ways and then ask, or ask which it is at the outset. If it's a difficult last name, say it if you know you can get close and then ask for the correction. If it's really out there and you know you'll butcher it, apologize and ask for the correct pronunciation. There is nothing as fundamental as knowing someone's name and you should do your best to remember it after that one shot. So many people don't that it's almost impressive, when it should be a basic qualifier. I do think a bit less of someone who can't be bothered to learn my name, whether they're my superior or subordinate. It reflects a certain carelessness that you'll eventually see in their other work.

Sorry for the mini-rant.

Cliffs:

Names are important, know them and don't forget.
Address people however you see fit, as long as you know their name.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: SacrosanctFiend

Originally posted by: spidey07
I generally refer to them by their first name followed by "-san".

I kind of like being called "spidey-san". Has a nice ring to it.

If they are REALLY important I call them Mr. <lastname>.

Eh?!? "First name-san?" Are you an executive?

Advisor would be more appropriate.

But more to the US. I address everybody by first name or if need be in a show of respect in front of an audience "Mr. <firstname> <last name>".

Respect given is respect earned.

 

[IronWing]

Chuck

 

[BoomerD]

massa. 😀


I worked construction for over 30 years. NO ONE got referred to as Mr.

EVERYONE was on a first name basis. (or last name only)

 

[jagec]

To their face: "Sir"
Behind their back: "That prick from Management"

 

[JDawg1536]

Originally posted by: MartyMcFly3
In social settings it's first name basis. At work it's either Sarge, L-T, or Chief depending on who I am speaking to at the moment. Sign of respect.

Chief. Higher or lower, always chief.

 

[Toonces]

last name + "-san" or "-sensei"

pretty easy, one of the nice things about Japan.

 

[us3rnotfound]

I refer to them by "Chief"

 

[olds]

I D I O T

 

[Kadarin]

By their first names. Even the CEO.

 

[ShockwaveVT]

My direct boss and the next guy up, first name. Above that its Sir for the military guys (Colonels & Generals) and Mr. for the SES guys.

 

[nobody554]

First name. It helps that I was hired by the CEO of the company directly. But, everyone goes around on a first name basis anyway.

 

[Pegun]

Originally posted by: JDawg1536

Originally posted by: MartyMcFly3
In social settings it's first name basis. At work it's either Sarge, L-T, or Chief depending on who I am speaking to at the moment. Sign of respect.

Chief. Higher or lower, always chief.

Oh dear god, don't call them "sir." You will get a reaming.

But for me, depends. Either Boss-man, First name, or Chief.

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: Kadarin
By their first names. Even the CEO.

 

[rivan]

First name.

 

[Onita]

Mark!

 

[ggnl]

first name, but I've been here a long time and have worked closely with most of them.