R – Respect Truly

“Only way to get respect is, to give respect.”

Opening Story:

Respect begets respect

 

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.  But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. “We must do something about father,” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.”  So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!  When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?”  Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his day, he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Moral: You reap what you sow. Regardless of your relationship with others, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. Always Respect, Care for and Love them.

Whether between spouses, friends, coworkers, or business acquaintances, if there is a history of mutual respect and sincere gratitude, the people involved are generally happier and more successful.

We live in a world where there are many differences between people, but with an open mind and an appreciation of each person’s contributions to this world, we strengthen our relationships and our community.

Why Respect Is Important In Life?

What’s so great about respect anyway? Why does it matter in the grand scheme of things?

1. Showing respect is the right response in a civil society.

One of the characteristics of a civil society is the showing of respect to fellow citizens. The conviction that other members of a family, a town, a city, a nation, or a region of the world are worthy of respect.

Showing respect for human life and human beings is fundamental to a civil society and civil world.

2. Respect affirms those worthy of respect.

When we respect others, it affirms their right to respect and their worthiness of respect. On the other hand, when we withhold respect from others, we imply they are unworthy of it.

3. It encourages behavior that’s respectful.

When someone is living in a way that brings them recognition, honor, and respect, it encourages their living that way. Not always, but usually. Behavior that’s rewarded tends to be repeated.

Or, put another way, “What’s rewarded gets done.”

Whether we wish that behavior worthy of respect would be common without encouragement misses the point. It’s simply human nature to do what gets rewarded and shy away from what doesn’t.

4. It provides a solid foundation for relationships.

There should be serious reluctance to maintain a relationship that does not offer respect. People don’t like to be treated badly. People don’t like to be demeaned, devalued, dishonored, and disrespected.

If a relationship lacks respect, it is almost certainly an unhealthy one. Toxic relationships nearly always have a lack of respect as a common element.

Meaningful, healthy, and mutually-beneficial relationships show mutual respect. It’s fundamental.

5. Without respect we lose heart.

Respect is so basic to human well-being that in its absence, people don’t thrive. They don’t need to have respect from everyone – but there are certain people from whom respect is virtually mandatory.

If you’re looking to improve your relationships, whether business or personal, try these five easy ways to show your gratitude and respect for others:

1.Listen

It sounds easy, but listening–truly listening–can be one of the hardest skills to master. If you want a person to know you respect him or her, then tune into what that person is saying.  Look them in the eye, put down your cell phone, and offer feedback when necessary.  Everyone appreciates the person who willing listens to them and shows genuine interest in what they have to say.

2. Encourage

If you’ve ever had a bad day, then you know the power a little encouragement can have. We’ve all had moments when we need someone to tell us, “don’t worry, things will work out.” It might not seem like much at the time, but that person will remember that you took the time and interest in their feelings and well-being. A smile and uplifting word can truly brighten someone’s day.

 

3. Congratulate

If someone does a great job, let them know about it. In fact, let everyone know about it. Openly congratulate someone for a job well done, especially if you’re a manager.  Employees will work harder and happier knowing their manager has a mutual respect for them and is willing to express praise and gratitude when it’s deserved.

 

4. Be Helpful

If you find a friend or coworker in a jam, be willing to help them if at possible. Not to say you should take on half their project, but offering some advice or throwing in a bit of your time will mean a lot. If that friend or coworker has helped you in the past, then returning the favor will be a nice way to show both your respect and gratitude.

5. Say Thank You

Many people just forget to say thank you or at least forget how to say it with sincerity. A thank you can be as small as two words or as much as buying someone a gift; nevertheless, if the action is not done with 100% sincerity then it is wasted.  Make sure people know you appreciate them and their actions.  Simply saying it in front of someone else can make a big impact.

With the daily pressures on all of us, we often overlook opportunities to thank and compliment people we are with. Take time to show your appreciation and gratitude. Not only does it make the other person feel better, but you will feel uplifted as well.

If you want your relationships or organization to do well, just remember two basic guidelines for success: mutual respect and gratitude.