WHAT CAN I DO
TO EARN RESPECT?
I
think there is a misconception about respect. We so often confuse
where our own personal emphasis should be. “What can I do
to earn respect?“ We crave it from our families – our spouses,
children, or siblings – especially our parents or mentors. We yearn for it from
our peers or colleagues. We wish our bosses would recognize all we
contribute and do to deserve it.
GIVE, NOT
EARN.
But
truth is, respect is not something I need to earn; it is something I
need to give. That is what I can contribute. Much like
the Golden Rule, giving to others what I would like to receive for myself,
respect is reciprocal.
Take
a moment and think of few people that you have respect for. Are any of them people
who didn't respect you in return? Or , if they're you haven't actually met in
person, are there any that you feel would not treat you with respect if you
were to meet them? If you answered "no" ,then I will take as point
made. If you answered "yes" then i want you to think about it again.
It's easy to confuse respect with admiration, envy, or even fear. If respect
isn't mutual...then it's one of them in disguise.
Over
the years, I have come to a place that calls for me to give the respect
due right off the bat and not worry about what comes my way. Wisdom
gained. For what goes around, comes around. I have found that when I treat
those I deal with as I wish to be treated or how I believe they wish to be
treated, that that is exactly what occurs.
RESPECT IS A
FUNNY THING.
Often
those who demand it, rarely deserve it and those who quietly fulfill
their ends of the bargain are the ones who rarely receive it.
Perhaps I am
over-sensitive, maybe I have had only a few bad experiences but they were
enough to alter my way of thinking and also change how I approached those with
whom I work, like, and love.
LESSONS
LEARNED, EH?
The homework is
easy when pride takes the backseat.