R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Aretha Franklin had a huge hit with this song, R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Two weeks ago, I wrote about integrity. Respect is closely related.

It manifests itself in self-respect and in the respect or regard that others have for you.

One of the easiest ways to check your self-respect is to look at yourself in the mirror and to ask if you like what you see.

I’m not talking about how good you look. I mean, do you reflect well to yourself? Can you look yourself in the eye? Would you want to work with the person you see looking back from the mirror? Do you trust yourself? If you were seeing yourself for the first time, would you be interested in getting to know you?

Respect from other people is much the same. When they look at you, do they regard you as someone who has principles? As someone with a good work ethic? As someone who is fair? As someone who honors their word and does what they promise – and often more than that?

In fact, I think the chief questions to ask when checking references on someone is “Do you respect him or her?” and “Was he or she respected by the co-workers/subordinates?” You can learn tons about someone from this question. Listen to the answer and how quickly and easily it flows or how there is a hesitation or a few qualifying words in the response.

By respect, I’m talking about a healthy high-regard, an esteem, that you have for yourself and that others have for you as well.

* For more information about my consulting and coaching services visit my website stevehoffacker.com.