In my capacity as a teacher and school principal, I have noticed a common thread connecting all great teachers and leaders. That common thread is respect.
According to the online dictionary, respect is:
1. To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem.
2. To avoid violation of or interference with: respect the speed limit.
3. A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem.
4. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem.
5. Willingness to show consideration or appreciation.
Respect is, a bit difficult to grasp in finite terms, as it is subjective. If one insists on an absolute definition, I would say the closest absolute definition of respect would be:
total acceptance; not a hint of resistance to what another does
Short of this, respect is simply an accepting of what another does, whether you agree with it or not.
For me, respect is, at minimum, one person's condoning what another does as socially acceptable. At the higher end, it is admiration for doing something good or beneficial to society.
Many teachers and great leaders demonstrate this brand of respect by their actions. They are consistent in granting respect and set the example for all to follow. When one is shown respect the great feeling accompanying this gesture promotes the desire to give the same respect back. Once this is accomplished, the team you are leading will gain the confidence needed to achieve far beyond their own expectations and yours.
The common thread that runs through successful teachers and leaders is respect for others including children. Belief that students can achieve more than they thought possible is a part of that respect. It is also a respect for the process of teaching itself. Christa McAuliffe said it best: "We are in a position to touch the future. It's what we do."
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