Leadership Reflections: Give and Earn Respect

The topic of Respect resonates deep with me. 

Respect is a core value that has been instilled in me from a very young age and something I take seriously in my professional and personal life.  

Living a respectful life is a daily commitment and life-long journey.   Over the years I have come to learn that for me an attitude steeped in gratitude is an important part of earning respect.   My parents taught me that at the end of the day the world owes me nothing and when you take simple things for granted your respect bank takes a significant hit. 

Respect for the human condition is where it starts for me.  This includes self.  Knowing who I am, what I believe in and why, what my boundaries are and why, the accommodations that have been made for me and that my contribution is not exclusively my own helps me to adjust my posture in my interactions. 

A simple smile, acknowledging someone’s presence, recognizing their effort, their struggle, their sacrifice to be present in the same place as me is huge.  In the hustle of the work day it’s easy to take people for granted, to get frustrated and exhausted when expectations are not met.   

As a leader I am called to judge less and understand more.  Less standing, more serving, less looking around, more eye contact (and this includes the mirror), less talking, more listening, less telling, more showing.  Earning respect is not easy, but it is an extremely valuable grind.  Situations can get ugly, unattractive and complicated when there is a lack of respect; and once lost it is extremely difficult to win back. 

This quote from my dad always sticks in my head:  "Remember- you are a leader, not a follower or you will get lost in the crowd."

In my mind respect is a two-way street that requires one to give and give some more.  I have seen people go the extra mile in really tough situations for someone that they respect.  Respect is worth pursuing.

Everything counts and as our respect account grows we are all closer to achieving our common goals. 

Peace till next time,
- Karen