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Respect: Aretha Franklin Nailed It, And So Can You

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Last week, we shared our thoughts on empathy and what it means at our company, Fishbowl. Simply put, before judging, we place ourselves not only in the shoes but in the hearts of others (seeking to understand from a new perspective). 

Empathy is empowering, and respect for everything around us can emerge as a natural outcome if we are open to the possibility that events in our lives are opportunities for learning, growth, and development.

Michael Sternfeld, producer and therapist, who collaborated with us on the topic of polarity in the Forbes article “Powerful Strategies To Help You Climb Out Of A Work Rut,” read the column and offered some helpful suggestions on how empathy creates a higher degree of respect.

Michael is a strong believer that everything in life works better when unconditional love is added and accompanied by a steady beat and musical groove, especially if that rhythm comes from the “CEO of soul” herself – Aretha Franklin. “All she wanted was a little respect and baby, she got it. Aretha, the Queen of Soul, knew that just a little respect would be enough to get her by and then some,” shared Michael.

Here are the recommendations that Michael shared with us to develop a higher degree of respect:

Couldn’t we all use a little more respect? You bet! Aretha nailed it. How do you get respect? You give it. Yes, it’s that simple.

Tina Turner, another musical great, once exclaimed, “What’s love got to do with it?” Our response: Everything.

Love and respect are the opposite sides of the same coin.

Respect Is A Powerful Motivator

The key ingredient underlying respect is unconditional love.

Every great leader who earns the respect of his colleagues, co-workers, or followers has earned that respect on the basis of the depth of their love.

An excellent example of love and leadership in action is Val Hale, who serves as the Executive Director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development, devotes much his free time to volunteering and service.  His love for education, the Navajo Nation, and projects like Habitat for Humanity have earned him great respect. And that devoted service is grounded in his unconditional love for people.

Val was inspired to help because he felt a great desire to “learn from another perspective.” This unconditional love-based service is one of the character traits that we admire greatly, and respect is a natural outcome.

We were fortunate to read the pre-release of his book, Living a Life That Matters: 7 Keys for Purposeful Living. We won’t give away the ending, but we can share that humility, respect, and love got him through some of his most challenging moments.

Respect Comes From Different Angles

We respect people who demonstrate integrity, approach life with kindness in service, or reflect a genuineness and sincerity in all their interactions.

However people choose to earn respect, we often find that the motivating force of unconditional love is behind their actions.

People demonstrate kindness and sincerity in their actions because they genuinely care about all those that they interact with. People demonstrate honesty and transparency in their communications because they know that dishonesty creates discomfort and doubt in those that they are negotiating with.

Michael believes that unconditional love is the motivating force behind the actions that produce respect.

Everyone can be “respect-full.”

Michael and Val inspire us to not only strive for success but to enjoy the journey and everything that it offers.

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Additional reporting for this article provided by Mary Michelle Scott, Fishbowl President. For additional resources: www.fishbowlworkforce.com