Sunday 2 March 2008

A LITTLE RESPECT


One of my favorite and most influential teachers was a high-school English teacher. His class was extremely difficult and challenging, but I loved it and worked diligently in order to do well. The reason I respected this teacher so much is that he listened to me and valued me. We would all like to be respected by others, and so we try many ways of gaining that respect. Some try to gain it through controlling others or by demanding it. However, one of the ways respect is gained is by appreciating others and showing them respect.

Something to share….

“Respect is to be earned and not demanded.” How true it is! When a boss demands respect from his employees, the respect shown to the boss is just a superficial one. It is not a true, sincere respect from the heart. Perhaps it is just a fear of being scolded, a fear of no annual increment, and a fear of not getting any bonus, a fear of no promotion or even a fear of loosing the job.

Mutual respect is one important aspect in life. An old Chinese saying puts it this way,” When a person respects me with only 30%, I shall in return respect him with 70%.” When a boss treats his employees as valuable assets and treats them with due respect, then he will be highly respected in return.

In one occasion, I told one of my ex-bosses that respect was not to be demanded. I still remember that he got stun, judging from his face expression, after hearing what I had told him. Then I noticed his face changed with a little smile shown with his lips as I continued to say that he had earned my respect. Undoubtedly, we will respect our bosses much more when they are willing to listen to us, acknowledge our performance and contribution, and appreciate us as valuable assets to their organizations. After all, the key to a good and successful employer/employee relationship is none other than for bosses to treat their employees fairly with proper respect and trust.

My ex-boss was quite satisfied with the field condition during one of his visits. He told me in front of the Managing Director, “Loh, if you can keep all the fields clean, then we will rather spend time having tea with you in your bungalow.” But a boss is a boss. Even though knowing happily that we had achieved the budgeted crop, somehow he still commented, “Loh, I think your cost is a bit on the high side.”

In Luke 6:31, it was clearly stated,” And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” In other words, you have to treat others the same way as you want them to treat you. That’s mutual respect!

Give a little respect to others; in return you’ll earn a bigger respect!