Securing respect

By S.R. Balachandran

    It is very important for us to lead a respectable life for happiness. Even your wealth, qualification, social status, etc., serve no purpose once you lose your respect (both public and private). It is always better to analyse this and adjust your life accordingly. Listed below are different types of respect one would earn in one’s life.

a) Selfish respect: It is an acceptable fact that some people respect you (even praise you) to secure benefits. For example they may require a loan, job, promotions, favourable business contracts etc and may let you down once their ambition is fulfilled. They may lead you in the wrong path (even illegal). One should be very careful about such people. Healthy criticism is always better. There is a famous saying ‘God save me from my friends, enemies I look after.’ An honest enemy is better than a dishonest friend.

b) Official respect: It is natural for junior officers, peons, etc., to respect their superiors. It must be remembered that it is due to the position you hold and you must improve it. Do not use official respect for your personal benefits and fall into trouble. Imagine the position of a managing director who had been caught for fraud, by internal auditors who are his employees.

c) Talented respect: As explained in the previous paragraph develop your position by way of devotion sincerity, and honesty

    One must:

i. Approach the work professionally

ii. Plan the work with proper allocation amongst staff and finish efficiently

iii. Show no discrimination or favouritism amongst staff

iv.Have human approach towards the staff

v. Be honest in every respect

vi. Give due respect to all (staff, customers, Govt. officials, etc.) and maintain a smooth and healthy atmosphere.

vii. Be easily accessible to important parties (staff, customers, etc.)

d) Grateful respect: When one achievers good results talent efficiency, the management, staff etc with ones and will create grateful respect.

For example, a department may be making continuous losses and faces the danger of closure or retrenchment.

There is a fear created in the minds of staff about their future. Once this loss incurring department is converted into a profit making department, additional benefits such as salary increments and bonuses will be paid and the staff gain confidence about their future. They will be grateful to such person and support him/her in every aspect.

e) Affectionate respect:

    By one’s humane approach towards the staff, in addition to ones talent, staff will create affectionate respect towards you. They will not hesitate to safeguard you at the time of facing difficulties danger, etc.

    There have been several instances where staff rushed to donate blood when required by their superiors or members of their family.

The following actions are suggested to secure respect:

i. Develop ones personality by way of devotion, qualification, efficiency, sincerity etc (cricketers, cinema actors, doctors, lawyers, professionals great national leaders etc are the best examples).

ii. Maintain etiquette including professional etiquette.

iii. Do not make hidden personal benefits

iv. Do not get involved in illegal matters.

v. Pay immediate attention to scandals created and take corrective action.

vi. Secure media support (pen is stronger than a sword)

The steps suggested below are applicable to personal life also:

i.Show affection towards your family members

ii. Pay attention on your children, education, health, etc.

iii. Be a law abiding citizen.

iv. Be grateful to your parents and look after them

v. Say ‘no’ to liquor, smoke, narcotic drugs, fatty animal food and unsafe sex (imagine your position once you are identified as a HIV patient).

vi. Create a sense of humour which will make you happy.

vii. Hope the readers will benefit from this article.

(The writer, B.Sc, FCA, FCMA (Sri Lanka), is a Tax Consultant.)