Respect
Respect is another one of those essential values that I believe people take for granted far too often.
It’s easy to over-look when you may be disrespecting someone else. However on the other side, it can be hard to work with or even have meaningful communication with someone who is disrespecting you.
When there is no respect, there’s no basis for trust, and when trust breaks down, watch out! Bad things will happen.
I think respect is important in everyday interactions with people that I may not ever see again, as well as with the people that I have long-term interaction and relationships with. Respect is one of the first things I notice about a person. Not necessarily if they happen to have respect for me (which may or may not be the case), but if they have a respectful demeanor in general. I think a lot of the time that influences whether or not I think they are worth getting to know.
The effect respect can have on your professional life is immense. It can be win or lose, all or nothing!
If a client catches you DIS-respecting them or their product, company, policies or procedures you could very easily be taking the early flight home with nothing to show for it except a bad reputation. Roll your eyes in the video-teleconference with the boss (when you think he’s not looking) and while he might not fire you on the spot, he’ll have a good reason to not be merciful the next time you mess up on the job.
Conversely, being respectful can help to open doors for future opportunities, soothe frayed nerves and calm people who may be stressing. Be respectful of people’s time, their way of doing things and their opinion. You don’t have to agree with it, but at least respect that they have the right to do things differently than you do.
In my experience, a disrespectful comment or action can negate an awful lot of respectful ones.
Respect can win the day, and help you land your next contract!
Until next time,
Cory
Funny how respect is one of the most sought-after traits in others, less frequently given by us (whether deserved or not) and often very difficult to teach. The impact of modeling respect is huge on those around you, whether you realize it or not. I wholeheartedly agree with your post!