I’ve frequently seen a meme stating something similar to “I was raised to treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO.” I understand the sentiment and appreciate the point trying to be made. However, I think the adage may be backwards. Here’s what I mean.
The way this is statement is typically phrased gives the CEO a preferential position of respect. And the assertion is that the janitor receives less respect, although the meme wishes to correct that. It corrects the imbalance by raising the level of respect for the janitor up to that of the CEO.
There is an implicit respect for the CEO that’s missing from the janitor. Honestly, this is very likely the case in everyday life. People do tend to give respect to a position or a title and by transference the person who holds that position or title. However, it seems to me that respect should be based on the qualities of the individual instead of the title they hold.
Now in my personal experience over 45 years of life with 31 of those years spent engaging small businesses and corporations from a consulting perspective, I’ve found the janitors I’ve come to know have consistently possessed an impressive and awe-inspiring amount of character and self-respect. When compared to the numerous CEOs and executives I’ve met over those same number of years, the janitors tend to warrant a greater amount of respect.
There are exceptions in both groups to be sure and I’ve met many great CEOs. But if I was going to write a caption for the aforementioned meme, it would read: “I seek to treat the CEO with the same respect I’ve come to possess for the janitor.”
But I want to be very clear. Respect shouldn’t be ascribed to a role, even the role of janitor. It should be awarded to the person. Honesty, compassion, empathy, courage, and humbleness are a few of the things we should be looking for in people that merit great respect.
And I’m not suggesting we make people first earn our respect. My personal approach is to offer respect as the default. I give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Others have to work to lose my respect. But when I find those that exude the qualities I listed above, they have definitely solidified the right for respect.
So, here’s to all people in every role and title that exists. Focus on the quality of your character. That’s something everyone can respect.
What are your thoughts?
