R.E.S.P.E.C.T Why are we forgetting and ignoring it?
This week I had some trouble creating some meaningful content to share with you. I was struggling with what to write about. I could have repurposed some of my old content, but I did not because I respect you as my subscribers and followers.
This was when I started thinking about the value of respect.
This came about because I prepared some proposals to share this week and present to prospects. And they didn’t bother even answering. So I thought how disrespectful, and I felt disrespected for my work in creating these proposals.
They didn’t refuse it.
They didn’t answer, when I sent a follow-up email.
They didn’t even bother to answer a second, a third and a fourth.
What is R.E.S.P.E.C.T?
In 1967, “Respect” jumped into the spotlight and was made famous by Aretha Franklin, although it was written and originally recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. It became an anthem to human dignity and gender roles, and the feminist movement in the 1970s.
The word “respect” comes from “respectus” meaning attention, regard or consideration. Respect means accepting somebody for who they are, even when they’re different from you or don’t agree with them. Respect is the glue that holds your relationships.
“Respect is what I want! / Respect is what I need! / I got-ta got-ta have it! / Just give me some respect!”
– Redding, O. (1965)
Respect is looking at the other and thinking the other is you in a mirror. Respect is acknowledging the other exists. Would you disrespect yourself, your image in a mirror?
Respect is essential for leadership. The Centre for Creative Leadership ranks respect as the third characteristic for being a good leader. Some of us want to be good leaders and be so. As with all things in life, it is your responsibility to change your attitude to respect. You should not ignore and forget to acknowledge others’ presence, and you should not treat others the way you do not want to be treated.
How to show R.E.S.P.E.C.T?
Respect can come in a lot of forms.
Respect for independence and self-determination. Current Ukraine’s war is more than ego. It is on a broader spectrum a lack of respect for people.
Another example where we can show respect is while driving. How often we forget to use the flashlights to indicate our direction and path, how many times we cut in front of others and how many times we have road range episodes can lead to significant safety consequences.
Another way, this is my favourite, is to acknowledge other by saluting them with a smile, simply noticing the person in front of you, with a “hello”, “good day”, and “thank you”.
There are other ways to show respect. My favourite list follows:
- Complying with and respecting laws and regulations
- Listening to understand, not to respond.
- Be empathetic.
- Be grateful.
- Defining your boundaries with assertive communication.
- Apologize when we make mistakes, we are wrong or when we hurt someone’s feelings.
- Show interest in others, in their life and how they feel.
- Helping others when it is in our power to do so.
Remember that respect is a two-way street. If you want to be respected, you need to give respect and care. It does not work just asking and expecting to be respected. Show intention, attention, courtesy and tolerance.
Closing thoughts.
I think the world is in a respect crisis today, and it seems nobody respects nobody. And since the pandemic, we talk about empathy and compassion, and what I see is more and more people closed in their thoughts, in their lives where others do not matter. We need to have a war in Europe to create a sense of community, solidarity, empathy and compassion for others.
I feel disrespected when people don’t notice me.
I feel disrespected when I put in the effort, and I’m not acknowledged for it.
I feel disrespected when somebody infringes on my freedom.
I feel disrespected when people feel entitled to disrespect me.
And you, have you ever felt disrespected? If yes, how did it make you feel? Did you unwilling disrespect someone or show respect to others?
Let me know in the comments below.
See you next time.
Cheers! Bye!
DISCLAIMER. The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter/blog are those of the author. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything.