What's missing?

Respect. My computer dictionary defines it as "to recognize the value of" or esteeming as valuable without necessarily evaluating (agreeing or disagreeing).

Months ago I coached a group through a rigorous reconciliation process. Each thought he was respecting others but wasn't being respected back. Relationships progressively worsened as did the productivity and profits.

Respect reciprocates - usually immediately. So does disrespect.

The culprit was the motive of the heart (focus on self, not others) AND a lack of understanding how others in the group needed to be respected. When they took the time to understand and see the value in each other, they were able to express the reciprocating power of respect in meaningful ways. Relationships, trust levels, and productivity improved. The makings of a great team began to emerge.

Respect is the glue that makes great teams great. Uniqueness and differences are celebrated where respect rules. Disagreements don't turn into departures and final decisions of hotly debated issues aren't secretly sabotaged. Why not? Because time is taken to hear and understand the various viewpoints.

People express themselves openly without creating chaos when respect is clearly given upwards AND downwards in the organization. Great ideas and unbounded, optimistic efforts are not lost or smothered. The force of this quickening quality sparks hope, energy and enthusiasm throughout your group.

Overstating the matter? Not hardly. Check the pain you have (or had) deep in your heart - chances are it's tied to someone not showing you respect.

Here's the bottom line. You are a leader - one that has huge influence with the people you interact with (please don't underestimate this!). You hold their future within your grasp - they press ahead or throw in the towel based on the degree of how you "esteem them as valuable."

Respect releases. Disrespect destroys.

Consider the invincible teams that eventually blended into oblivion. Were they destroyed by disagreement or could it have actually been disrespect?

Are you truly respecting others or are you just quietly and impatiently tolerating them?

Respect focuses on others. So often we "respect" others on our terms and wonder why we haven't earned their heart-felt devotion and loyalty.

Let's take inventory today (and, as leaders, frequently). Does your home and work permeate with respect? The essence of our leadership is the ability to connect with people in a way that releases the greatness in them. How can we show respect in a distinct and impacting way - on their terms, not ours?

Leaders initiate. Waiting for others to do the right thing BEFORE you do negates your leadership. How (or better yet, who) are you going to put your leadership in action today?!!

The next email issue will include practical examples of showing respect. If you have some examples from your life, please email me. Thank you!