1996: I was the boss; I had more letters after my name than in it… but I never took respect for granted. I strove to hold myself to the same high standards as I held my team. Sometimes I fell short, but I made no excuses. The respect I had, I earned.

You may think you’re guaranteed respect because of your title, position, age, or achievements. You’re wrong. People respect, or not, the individual behind those things.

 Fools take to themselves the respect that is given to their office. (Aesop)

Only one whose conduct merits it gains true respect. Fall short, or try to demand it, and all you get is lip service. Don’t settle for that: earn the real thing.

… interested in some inspiring tips on choosing to merit respect, and some exercises to get you started?