Hi Steve, I’ve been thinking about respect a lot lately. I think we’ve lost some of it in our society, in our organizations. Thanks for your insight – can’t have a relationship without respect!

Terrifically practical post on what could be an esoteric topic.

I especially latched onto the bullet point about “respect”. My experience has been that, absent respect, it’s really impossible to have a relationship of any positive consequence. And, that there IS such a thing as chemistry which can be totally absent while talent is actually present.

As you suggest, make a move–and do it quickly. Nothing good can come of a connection that lacks mutual respect.

I noticed the word “infectious” was used at the end of the post. I’m intrigued by its inclusion. Its meanings are primarily negative, such as “pollute” or “contaminate”, but I interpret you to mean to “exemplify” or “encourage,” which I wholeheartedly agree with.

Exemplification, for me, is a foreign element that shows people new possibilities for behavior. Subtle and undemanding, it may lead to someone deciding to behave differently. And because it’s freely chosen, it’s the change most likely to stick.

The paradox — although you can’t change others, your example may change others.