Respect

Respect (vs. Rudeness)

Treating others with honor and dignity

To practice Respect I will:

• Notice those around me.
• Respect the feelings of others.
• Not use offensive language.
• Not play loud music in public.
• Be careful how I dress.

Deference brings to mind the waiter rule. ‘A person, who is nice to you but rude to the waiter, or to others, is not a nice person.’ This was penned by Raytheon CEO Bill Swanson in a booklet of 33 short leadership rules he called Swanson’s Unwritten Rules of Management. Many rude people can justify their behavior because they aren’t doing anything ‘wrong’ but Deference challenges us to do more ‘right’. We may have every right to say offensive things but it doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do. The character quality of Deference knocks the Me Generation down a notch or two. Where the Me Generation lives by entitlement, Deference requires the giving up of pleasures if it offends others.

This month, practice Respect by being cognizant of those around us and taking responsibility for living together in harmony.

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
– Dr. Seuss, Horton Hears a Who

“Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect”
– George Washington