In my work with business owners and managers, one pattern is consistent: organizations that struggle to grow often struggle with respect. Not from bad intentions, but from underestimating its impact. Authority gets confused with credibility. Speed gets mistaken for effectiveness. Respect is assumed instead of earned.
It Doesn't Just Happen
Respect is built in small, repeatable moments – being prepared, showing up on time, answering clearly, giving credit, owning mistakes. These actions don’t draw attention, but they quietly shape culture. Respect must also flow both ways.
Leaders who demand it without giving it create compliance, not commitment. Teams that feel respected think harder, solve problems sooner, and care more about outcomes.
It also means being honest. Not blunt for ego’s sake, but clear to prevent confusion.
Beat Them with Kindness
Ghosting may be the new “no” and a way to avoid difficult conversations. And most of us do it – intentionally or unintentionally . Avoiding tough conversations may feel right in the moment, but it usually creates bigger problems later. In business, respect becomes a competitive advantage.
Customers notice it. Partners remember it. Employees protect it. It turns transactions into long-term relationships and reduces friction before it becomes conflict.
We don’t earn respect by demanding it. We earn it by practicing it – especially when it’s inconvenient. And once it’s part of how we operate, everything else gets easier to build.
I say with respect, of course.
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