Aretha Franklin was certainly a woman well respected all around the globe. Her song R.E.S.P.E.C.T was written in 1967, at a time when respect was not freely given or available to all men and women on the planet.
Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.
Growing up I was taught to respect my elders.
Children should be seen and not heard…
Always address people as Mr or Mrs unless told otherwise and then it was Aunty or Uncle for familiarity.
Do as you were told, never question an elder.
Kids of today have no idea of what was expected in days gone by.
Respect was a cultural way of life, not an earned admiration.
My first full time job I was expected to call the boss Mrs Barnes, not by her christian name even though we were both adults. She was a bit of a tyrant, everything had to be done her way, with perfection or you certainly knew about it. Even though her methods were old fashioned, she used fear to get what she wanted. As a person who likes to do a good job, she certainly had me hopping to makes sure my work was to her standard and maintained that way.
It is not respect if it is respect based on fear.
In the workplace today…respect should not be freely given because someone is in a position of authority by chance, they need to earn your respect. I have the utmost respect for people who are selfless and honourable. I also have a great respect for people who go out of their way to make sure others are cared for and happy. Respect in the workplace is less common than you would think. There are a lot of bad bosses out there, you should never be fearful or frightened to go to work.
1respect
noun re·spect \ri-ˈspekt\
: a feeling of admiring someone or something that is good, valuable, important, etc.
: a feeling or understanding that someone or something is important, serious, etc., and should be treated in an appropriate way
: a particular way of thinking about or looking at something
Respect and respectful are two different kettles of fish. I can be respectful of someone who has not earned my respect by using my manners and being attentive and kind, but to earn my respect they will need to meet a whole set of criteria I have as standard.
To earn my respect you will need to meet the following:
- Give of your time and energy to ensure people are happy and productive
- Challenge me and support me through it
- Be caring and give praise where praise is due
- Give 100% to any task you are given
- Manage expectations realistically
- Be open and honest all the time
I also never expect people to just automatically respect me. I have to give them opportunity and reason to do so.
Earning someones respect can be the greatest gift they give you. You will not be a great leader without the respect of those you are in charge of. Leading by example is the best way to earn someones undying respect.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
A good mentoring relationship is a two way street where the respect runs both ways. When you take the time to find your perfect mentor, the relationship will be build on mutual trust, respect and agreed direction.
Invest in your future and get into the Secret Mentor Business program. Find a mentor who will guide you with respect and confidence.
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