R-E-S-P-E-C-T

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die.
- Maya Angelou


We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. - Thomas Jefferson

When I hear the word “ respect “, I. can't help but think about Aretha Franklin belting out those words in that classic Motown beat, R-E-S-P-E-C-T .The tune is so catchy. The message is even more profound, because it emphasizes a foundational principle that guides every human being - that of respect for ourselves and for one another.

Thomas Jefferson penned it most accurately within the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of our great nation, as we celebrate on July 4th. The premise of all of our rights ? That ALL men ( and women) are created equal. This was profound writing for a nation yet to come out of slavery ; facing the political and economic tyranny of King George III in England. History tells us that this declaration exacted a heavy toll on many of the individuals who signed it, ranging from loss of land, property, and lives. A tremendous price was exacted for the freedoms that we so lavishly enjoy today, and I know that I personally take for granted. All people are created equal. None is above the other, and therefore all should be regarded with respect. Webster defines this as “ to view or consider with some degree of reverence, to esteem as possessed of real worth.” Because you are breathing, you are worthy of respect. You are a person of worth just because you exist. Sometimes we forget this important principle and digress into determining someone’s worth only in what they can DO for us. So if a person cannot benefit us in some way, are they no longer of value ? If a person disagrees with us in their beliefs or lifestyle , are they not still worthy of respect ? If someone can't provide me with economic success, are they still worthy of my time and respect ?

My dad was  a WWII vet, and was a stickler about respect to elders. When I was a boy, I remember some of my first words being “ please” , “ thank you” and “ yes sir” .  ( Keep in mind , I am writing from a Southern US perspective …) I realize that part of this is cultural , but courtesy and kindness is a universal language no matter where we are raised. My wife and I brought our sons up with these same manners of consideration, noting that you would rarely get in trouble in life by having too much respect. Why ? Because all people are created equal. Thinking about others and not just ourselves is the concrete foundation in the building of our life and business.

Doesn't this translate into business relationships also ?  We render respect to our clients by showing respect for ourselves by presenting a professional appearance , keeping our vehicles clean ; and being prepared for our meeting. If we truly respect our clients, then we show up on time, and if not , we communicate the reason for our delay. We show respect by adhering to the parameters of our meeting, not taking more than the allotted time UNLESS the client is asking us questions and wants us to stay. Respect also means staying flexible and empathic towards our clients when life throws them a curve. I recently experienced this situation when showing up early for a meeting with a designer. Once we were seated in the conference room, I could tell by her expression that she was stressed. She exclaimed, “ I just had two deadlines dropped on my desk this morning , and both of them are due today ! Could we possibly reschedule at another time so I can hear your complete presentation then ? “ That’s when we take a breath, step back, and say “ of course!”  Live to fight another day. If a salesperson is known for their respectfulness, they will be invited back . If we trample on the client’s time, schedule, and show up and throw up ; then we will be like a bad restaurant experience - people just won’t go back !

Just a little bit R-E-S-P-E-C-T goes a long way !

Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.
- Laurence Sterne