How do you show or demonstrate respect?  I started listing ways in my mind and I immediately realized there are an infinite number of opportunities.  Some days we recognize, notice and act on them.  Some days we unconsciously choose to wait for others to give us a little. 

I’m going to go out on a limb and claim we don’t do enough of the former and tend to do too much of the latter.  It’s than darn fragile, never satisfied, always hungry ego again.  We’re singing it out with you, Aretha!

Giving respect is a powerful way to build relationships with our spouses, sons and daughters, customers, supervisors, and anyone who serves us.  Every Friday I try to make it easier for the garbage collector to grab and go.  I’ve gotten better at being more conscious and conscientious at doorways.  (It’s not all about me and my schedule!)  Listening has taken a higher priority than talking - in most situations.

I advise business presenters to “listen with their eyes,” to pause after an audience member asks a question, to at all times demonstrate to the listeners that they are always more important than you and your “stuff.”

If you get better at giving respect and no one has to spell it out for you, I’m guessing your relationships with improve, your audiences will respond more positively, and you’ll receive more respect than you’ll know what to do with!