“I have a lot of time for that guy.”
It’s a common phrase, expressed when someone respects another. Which, of course, reveals a deeper – and potentially more troubling – issue: Aren’t we supposed to respect everyone?
Some might argue: No. You’re not supposed to respect everyone. Respect has to be earned. And that makes sense at one level. If I don’t respect you, I don’t have time for you.
That’s all fine, of course, unless those leaders want to go to the next stage of excellence: If they’re a leader or a teammate who’s committed to the success of the team, they don’t get to choose who they respect.
Too many teams stall, divided by camps of who respects who. Breaking the barriers of higher excellence require us to respect even those whom we’re inclined to avoid. Sidestep those we don’t respect, and we avoid our breakthrough.
Who do you have more time for today? Go lead with excellence.
“R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me!” Aretha Franklin’s soulful and passionate expression in song of this message may transcend all relationships, including professional relationships.
Respect is a conscious determination to see the good within the people we work with and/or those we lead(serve). No one is all bad, moreover, “the truth is, it’s impossible to have less than zero of what we need to succeed.” Enough said. Great post, Craig!
John – thank you for your link from this concept to Degrees of Strength. Thanks for your leadership brilliance and all you inspire!
“Respect is a conscious determination to see the good within people…” well said, John! It’s not easy, but it’s necessary if we’re to move together as a team. I have high regard for leaders who live and lead like this on a regular basis.
Thanks for your passion for leading forward, John!
Craig