Be Respectful

30 - Respect

Have consideration for those around you and treat them with honor and dignity. Have respect for them and choose not to use offensive language, especially if it is vulgar. There is no place for bad language in a professional setting…or anywhere, for that matter. Honor your elders and those in authority. They have earned their positions and deserve to be respected. As a leader, you must model the behavior you want to see in your associates, family, and community. Be positive and gracious when dealing with others. Show them all respect and be flexible as they navigate life-work balance and pressures. Display your own self-respect and make choices and decisions aligned with your values, as you intend to earn respect from others by being true to yourself, your word, your commitments, and your actions.

Benefits and Characteristics of Respect:

• Loyalty.  Loyalty is built as you show regard to others. By respecting them, they build trust and devotion towards you. As trust is built, so is loyalty. They will be committed to you and your cause or business. Loyalty implies faithfulness that remains even in the face of adversity or temptation. It is a valuable asset in both a professional and personal venue. Continual respect for others and yourself will grow this loyalty in both ways. Fortunately, it is difficult to separate them once a strong bond has been developed.
• Resilience.  Where respect is given, resilience is built. If someone, including yourself, knows they are respected, they are more likely to grow an ability to adjust and withstand challenges. There is an inner strength and quality that is harnessed through respect. This deference fuels perseverance and tenacity.
• Courage.  Showing respect releases courage. Think about how you feel when someone regards you with respect. You feel more courageous and self-confident and more willing to give of yourself and your talents. There are suddenly fewer hesitancies, more certainties, and a desire to do the right thing. Take advantage of this courage and use it productively to benefit yourself or others.
• Dependability.  With respect comes loyalty, and with loyalty comes dependability.  When people believe in you, they put their faith in you and are trustworthy and dependable. They will not want to let you down; therefore, they will go above and beyond to ensure they follow through with their commitments or promises. They do what they say they will do.  They are reliable and hold themselves responsible for their actions.
• Enthusiasm.  A bond of respect builds enthusiasm and excitement. Perhaps it’s because someone cares about you enough to show loyalty and respect. Or perhaps you realized how much you care about and respect someone else. That is an energizing feeling. Allow the enthusiasm to thrust you forward to something productive, even if it’s sharing the joy with someone else. Let the energy and passion motivate you to other favorable or supportive actions. It feels good to give and receive respect.
• Gratitude.  Respect is an earned feeling or reaction.  It should not be expected without an instigating cause. Therefore, once it is earned, show gratitude for its delivery. Be appreciative of it and also show gratitude for anyone who helped you reach a position of having earned respect. You can never be too gracious. Show appreciation for even the smallest effort someone offers to you. You did not get into a place of leadership by yourself. There were many people along the way who guided, molded, and sacrificed for you, allowing you to grow, develop and flourish. Or perhaps someone is extending gratitude to you for your help or giving respect. Embrace the opportunity to express or accept this heartfelt gratitude.
• Character.  The giving and receiving of respect show and develop character. Graciously give respect where it has been earned or is deserved, without holding back. And humbly receive respect offered or shown to you. In humility, accept the honor of this gift and value its delivery to you. Let it build character and integrity, as it is a valuable treasure to be given.
• Optimism.  Respect is a feeling of high esteem for someone. It is a positive attribute and should be regarded optimistically. Use this positive energy flow and share its favor with others. Or use it constructively in your business endeavors. Let it energize your body, mind, and soul. Take a moment to think about how you feel when you show respect to someone. Now how do you feel when someone shows respect to you? Let the optimism that is unleashed invigorate your spirit.
• Patience.  Patience is often an attribute of respect. Perhaps there is such a strong admiration that you have the strength to show patience in decision-making or responding to a difficult request. Have enough respect for someone else to be patient with them. Or respect yourself enough to practice patience and do things the right way, even if it takes longer or reveals an error on your part. Be honest with yourself and have patience as you and others grow. 
• Humility.  We humble ourselves in front of others as we elevate them in respect, and vice versa. These two qualities go hand-in-hand. You can also be respected for being humble. Humble people are generally wise, quiet, and most likely respectful of others. While it may take a while to earn the respect of others, it can very easily be lost. Be sure to always conduct yourself in a way you will respect yourself and be respected by others. You must first respect yourself before you can earn the respect of others.
• Creativity.  The mind is open for creative and imaginative expression, along with enthusiasm and enlightenment partnered with respect. When you feel respected or even extend the gift of respect to someone else, the joyful feeling replaces negative thoughts and a cluttered mind. You become inspired and illuminated, allowing for innovative thoughts and ideas. Allow the creativity to flow and explore where it may take you.

“Keep in mind that the true measure of an individual is how he treats a person who can do himself absolutely no good.” 

Ann Landers

“Respect is earned by action alone, not self-graticulation.” Paul Combs

“Respect is a two-way street, if you want to get it, you’ve got to give it.” R. G. Risch

“One of the sincerest forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” Bryant H. McGill

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