RESPECT  What does respect mean to you?

 

We all have different values, principles and beliefs. They are shaped as we grow up — by our parents and families, teachers, friends, relationships, workplaces, sporting clubs and the world around us.

 

Growing up, one of my earliest examples of respect was my parents.

 

Dad was the breadwinner and Mum worked part-time. Mum generally looked after the cooking, washing and cleaning, while Dad spent his Saturdays maintaining the garden and outside of the house. He took the bins out. When Mum worked weekends, Dad helped inside. They shared the responsibility of raising us and getting us to sport and wherever else we needed to be.

 

They worked as a team.

 

Of course, times have changed. Today, women may be the breadwinner, men may stay home with the children, both partners may work full-time, or families may divide responsibilities in completely different ways.

 

There is no right formula.

 

For me, it isn't really about "who does what".

 

It's about respecting what each person contributes, communicating, appreciating each other and not taking one another for granted.

 

And then there is the workplace.

 

Thankfully, most workplaces have moved a long way from the old-fashioned hierarchy where the boss was the master and everyone else simply jumped when told to jump.

 

Most of us are simply trying to do a good job.

 

Respect at work means recognising that people bring different skills, experiences and challenges with them. We don't need unnecessary micromanagement, gossip, naysayers or workplace politics getting in the way. We do need to be able to communicate, disagree, contribute and still treat one another with respect.

 

Whether it's at home, at work, with family, friends or even strangers, perhaps the principle is much the same.

 

Respect doesn't mean we have to agree. It means recognising that other people matter too.

 

So, what does respect look like in your world?

 

Who cooks?

 

Who cleans?

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​​Who earns the income?

 

Who carries the mental load?

 

Who takes the bins out?

 

Who listens to a different point of view at work?

 

And perhaps most importantly...

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Do the people around you feel respected?