In her
book, For Women Only, Shaunti Feldhahn writes, “While it may be totally
foreign to most of us, the male need for respect and affirmation—especially
from his woman—is so hard wired and so critical that most men would rather feel
unloved than disrespected or inadequate.” The survey indicated that if they had
to choose one of the following two situations, 74 percent of men would rather
be alone and unloved than feel inadequate and be disrespected. Only 26 percent
chose the other way around.”
I believe
everybody desires to be respected especially from those they have a
relationship with. As parents, it’s what
we all want with our kids; as coaches, we want it with our players; as teachers
we hope for it with our students; as employers we desire it with our staff and
as people, we want it from our friends and even our spouses.
R-Respect
Respect
communicates that we give a person position of high value and worth in our
lives. It signals affirmation and shows how much we believe in them. People are
willing to reach their highest potential when they feel respected. They are
willing to take extra risks and go farther in life simply because deep down
they know that there is someone who respects them for who they are.
Giving
respect benefits not only the individual but also the relationship. Respect in
a relationship is what will build loyalty in the long run.
You have
heard the old adage, “Respect is earned.” While that holds true, it’s also true
that respect should be given. Many people struggle to get along and give
respect with those who are in higher authority because of corrupt character and
therefore blame the system. Sadly, this is what is happening in our political
realm today. Many have lost respect for our political system.
But when
we learn to give respect to their position irrespective of character, it helps
us to appreciate the system and thereby work through.
Take Away Principle: Giving respect to someone
communicates our belief in them thereby enabling them to reach their highest
potential and therefore builds loyalty in the relationship.
Tips
on giving respect:
1.
Affirm
the person. Tell them how much you appreciate their strengths.
2.
Speak
well of the person in front of others.
3.
Listen
to them without interrupting.
4.
Even
while in conflict, speak respectfully.
