Respect by Dilenschneider

I know a lot of people who write books, and I feel I need to read them to give them the honor they deserve. However, when Robert L. Dilenschneider writes a book, I rush to get it and WANT to read it. Everything he writes gets to the core of the issue and not only provides an analysis of the topics but also includes easy, sensible ways to make changes for the better. His latest book Respect / How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time is such a must-read, and try-to-follow, book.

In today’s world, respect seems to have declined. This includes respect for each other, our politicians, many of whom I feel have lost the right to be called States-people, and every other type of person-to-person interaction we could have. I find it appalling, as does Dilenschneider, but he provides solutions, and the bottom line is that the solutions can start right now with each of us. It doesn’t need a movement to begin now.

One person can make a difference. Perhaps not a dramatic difference, but it would have an impact on everyone they engage with, including onlookers. Opportunities for change exist as long as we are conscious that change is necessary, and then we can start doing our part.

It costs nothing to show civility, courtesy and respect. We can start by simply listening carefully to the points of view of others. Where there is disagreement, it can be done without accusation or denigration but with a desire to understand them and possibly to find common ground; and if not, then an agreement to disagree and move on to something else. A refusal to listen to a discordant point of view is a sign of disrespect and a signal that any accommodation cannot occur. With that, both will walk away likely as closed-minded as when they started, and perhaps angry.

Respect covers a large range of situations and particularly provides caution when serving as a role model for young children and others who might view you as a role model. Good behavior, kindness and respect are noticed just as much as the opposite. Shaping the behavior of a young person sets a pattern that will last a very long time, with the potential to influence countless others that person will come in contact with, and also when they will become a role model as they develop and grow. This is an important responsibility and needs to be appreciated and accepted.

Dilenschneider’s book is very important and hopefully will become a catalyst that could start a movement for respect, with each of us showing respect one interaction at a time. Respect should be read, considered, thought about and acted upon. Read this book, and you will be doing yourself and all of us a big favor.

Each person has it within their power to start making changes. So, make it your role to start. There is no downside to being respectful, and it might create an important upside.