… the problem is, too often we don’t. As human beings, we’re habitually righteous about our opinions, thoughts and feelings and falsely believe others should adjust their opinions, thoughts and feelings to accommodate us! And many times, we don’t even know we’re doing it.
It starts with awareness …
A serial entrepreneur was having trouble selling anything! She would ask others to call her to setup meetings. When they did, she did not return their calls and did not follow-up with promised information. (This is not how one shows respect.) After she took a qualified assessment, we found she had difficultly accommodating others and following any type of system. Although she didn’t intend to be disrespectful, her lack of awareness conveyed to people that they were unimportant to her. (This was not how she truly felt about people.) Once she learned effective methods of streamlining and handling the details, she started selling, closing and making money!
Awareness is the first step …. then, taking appropriate actions.
What is respect? According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, in short, a feeling or understanding that someone or something is important and should be treated in an appropriate way.
6 Key Respect Factors:
- Honor your word. When you say that you’ll get something done, do it. Stop relying on excuses to justify your lack of follow-up and follow-through. Even better, take the opportunity to meet and exceed expectations.
- Return all calls and emails. You are not so important that you do not need to return calls or emails! Although, you may rely upon the excuse, “I’m too busy,” not only are you disrespecting your customers, vendors and suppliers, you will not earn their respect.
- Compassion and acceptance. Most people will not complete a project, handle an interaction, or facilitate a group the way you would. Stop being overly critical and instead develop compassion for their efforts (flaws and all) and accept your own less than perfect abilities.
- Listen and be present. Hearing the words is not listening. As a result, a few minutes can turn into hours when you don’t to respect the speaker (this usually happens when you’re attempting to multi-task). Be 100% present in your conversations.
One man loved to talk on his phone and drive. Yet he couldn’t understand why people stopped talking with him! He would often forget critical aspects of the conversation, expect them to be his personal assistant, and would lie about anything he had forgotten to do. The reality is, you will forget more than 50% of the conversation when you are attempting to multi-task – it reduces your effectiveness.
5. Appreciate others and their time. We need others in this life in order for us to become successful leaders, business contributors, etc. Acknowledge their efforts and remember to say the magic words, ‘thank you’ and ‘please.’
6. Respect yourself. Stay away from gossip – it creates mischief. It will become your karma if you choose to repeat it, or rely upon it!
Remember, being aware and taking appropriate actions show others that you respect them. When you respect others, they will respect you!
©Jeannette L. Seibly, 2015
It can be lonely at the top! An experienced business advisor, always accessible and at a nearby desk can make a positive and powerful difference for you, and your employees. My goal is to be your in-house advisor, your ally and sounding board as you navigate the complex world of your business! (Contact Jeannette: JLSeibly@SeibCo.com OR 303-917-2993)