We are all created as unique individuals. Think about it for a moment. Have you really ever stumbled upon two individuals that share all of the same characteristics? We have even found that identical twins are actually different. Check out what geneticist Carl Bruder of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and his colleagues determined here. So, what does a small detail like this have to do with our leadership journey? Everything. If we know that uniqueness surrounds us then perhaps we can begin to battle our instincts that detract us from mutual respect.
As we discussed in a previous article, to show true respect we must genuinely believe in the ability of others. We could struggle through the correct motions of respectful body language, but why not just really have faith in the cleverness of our associates? It is a much simpler approach. Another plus is that we don't need to fake it. If we really want to control our body language such that we present respect then we must remove our natural instinct to respond with disrespect. Are we all programmed to respond with such disrespect? We can prove to our self that we are programmed with this natural disrespectful reaction.
Let's try this. How about we pay particular attention to our own thoughts when the next debate or discussion comes our way. It is extremely likely that we will begin to think of how we plan to respond to our adversary while they are attempting to communicate their thoughts on the subject to us. Seriously. After the first few words our mind begins to calculate how best we can retaliate or rebuke this statement. What happens when we try to think and listen at the same time? Are we really listening intently? There it is, the ultimate form of disrespect. Tuning the other out as if their opinion adds nothing new to the world. In order to eliminate this instinct we must focus on controlling our own mind. By abolishing our ego we can begin to wield control over our disrespectful body language.
Imagine how our own instincts can be controlled by the subconscious internal ego. How will we actually show genuine respect when our internal self promotes us as an intellectual juggernaut with a wondrous gift for the earth and all of its inhabitants? Let's begin the battle with our own self today. Socrates was once quoted saying, "One thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing." Our body language will give us away. Take the simpler, more natural approach. Fight the battle within instead of attempting to juggle control over countless disrespectful outward reactions. Why not let our body language give away an individual stripped of ego, completely humble, a respectful, inquisitive professional.
Copyright © Robert Clinton Chedester 2012
As we discussed in a previous article, to show true respect we must genuinely believe in the ability of others. We could struggle through the correct motions of respectful body language, but why not just really have faith in the cleverness of our associates? It is a much simpler approach. Another plus is that we don't need to fake it. If we really want to control our body language such that we present respect then we must remove our natural instinct to respond with disrespect. Are we all programmed to respond with such disrespect? We can prove to our self that we are programmed with this natural disrespectful reaction.
Let's try this. How about we pay particular attention to our own thoughts when the next debate or discussion comes our way. It is extremely likely that we will begin to think of how we plan to respond to our adversary while they are attempting to communicate their thoughts on the subject to us. Seriously. After the first few words our mind begins to calculate how best we can retaliate or rebuke this statement. What happens when we try to think and listen at the same time? Are we really listening intently? There it is, the ultimate form of disrespect. Tuning the other out as if their opinion adds nothing new to the world. In order to eliminate this instinct we must focus on controlling our own mind. By abolishing our ego we can begin to wield control over our disrespectful body language.
Imagine how our own instincts can be controlled by the subconscious internal ego. How will we actually show genuine respect when our internal self promotes us as an intellectual juggernaut with a wondrous gift for the earth and all of its inhabitants? Let's begin the battle with our own self today. Socrates was once quoted saying, "One thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing." Our body language will give us away. Take the simpler, more natural approach. Fight the battle within instead of attempting to juggle control over countless disrespectful outward reactions. Why not let our body language give away an individual stripped of ego, completely humble, a respectful, inquisitive professional.
Copyright © Robert Clinton Chedester 2012