A couple of weeks ago, USA Today ran an article that highlighted Raytheon CEO Bill Swanson. Mr. Swanson has written a booklet of his personal observations on leadership. One of which is “a person who is nice to you, but rude the waiter, or to others, is not a nice person."
Mr. Swanson's point seems to have made an impact with lots of people. Last Friday’s edition of the paper had several letters from readers who agree with him. Johnnie Godwin, of Gallatin TX said “Everybody is somebody. Nobody is a nobody.”
Kathleen Breen of Willmar MN said “USA Today’s article about the Waiter Rule should be required reading for every student – certainly before they go job hunting, but maybe as early as grade school, when they are young enough to change bad habits. We should all teach our children that no matter what they accomplish in their lives, they are no better than anyone else. I think this is the most important, basic lesson they can learn.”
Dr. Michael Gorback of Houston said “doing an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay deserves respect, no matter what the occupation.”
Mr. Swanson’s message of respect resonates with lots of people – me included. There is dignity in work, and we should all respect and honor that dignity. Sly and the Family Stone said it pretty well, back in the 70’s: “I am no better and neither are you. We are the same, whatever we do”.
This is especially true for leaders. Good leaders know that they cannot succeed without the commitment and effort of the people they lead. The best way to secure commitment and effort is to respect the people you lead.
And, Mr. Swanson is right on another point. People don’t turn respect for others on and off. As he says, people who are rude to some people aren’t nice people – even if they are nice to you.
So, make an effort to respect everyone with whom you come into contact – the doormen in your office building, the housekeepers at the hotels where you stay, the taxi drivers who get you from the airport to your meeting, your waiter and bus person, the person on the street passing out handbills, the customer service rep on the other end of the line – even the telemarketer. They are all people who have a job and who are doing their best everyday. And they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect – from you and me.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading. For more common sense advice, log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com.
I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Bud
I've always taught my kids (and anyone else who'll listen) that "you are as valuable as every other human being on the planet." Not more, not less, the same. I'm hopeful that it's stuck.
Posted by: Steven List | May 14, 2006 at 01:42 PM