What you want, Baby, I got it. What you need, do you know I got it. All I’m askin’ is for a little respect…

— Respect, Aretha Franklin

What I Wore to Work This Week is focused on R-E-S-P-E-C-T in the workplace.  I’ve been working since I was 15 years old, and respect at 15 is still the same at 60. It’s one of those things that you can just feel — you know it when you see it, and most especially when you don’t.

I asked a few of my dear friends about R-E-S-P-E-C-T to find out what it means to them:

Respect means approaching people with no pre-conceived notions and treating them as though they are the best version of themselves until they prove you wrong. And if they disappoint you, you remember that everyone has a story. Respect used to be about treating people how you want to be treated. To me, it’s about treating people better than you want to be treated. — Charlene

I had a tough time finding words to describe what respect means to me. Maybe because its worded definition is so intertwined with feelings and much more recognizable in actions. Then I came upon the saying below (I do not know the author).  All of a sudden sooo many examples of this showed true when I thought back over the last few years. I finally learned and am still learning to set boundaries in business, friend, and family relationships.

I was thinking about those tense times building the house and when the tradesman or whoever really was so disrespectful (and treating me like I am a stupid female) and that’s when tension was getting high, you just feel it coming. … I all of a sudden was recognizing how this applies to so many past issues. I am sure I am guilty on the other end also. I need that quote tattooed on my arm to remind me on both sides of the equation. — Suzanne

Respect to me is treating others the way I want to be treated; love each other for who we are; and understanding it takes everyone of us to make it work! A few more thoughts on Respect…knowing that winning isn’t always winning; knowing just because you can-doesn’t mean you should; respecting sacrifices of those before us and respect to those we leave behind! — Sharisse

Respect is earned, not entitled. It’s about giving credit where credit is due. From a military perspective, there is respect from the lowest ranking member to those who have gone before him/her with a higher ranking. It’s about accomplishment!! — Kim

Respect to me means valuing and appreciating someone, regardless if it aligns with what you might relate to as an individual. It’s simply what we all want — to be valued as individuals. — Emily

To treat everyone the same in a positive, friendly, kind, helpful manner in true sincerity, regardless of who or what they are.  Hopefully, you will be treated back the same, but, if not, carry on. — Leah

Respect is responding to others from a place of love, which means being kind, compassionate, transparent and sincere in dealings with others. It’s also treating others the way you want to positively be treated.  — Cassandra

The definition of respect — feeling of deep admiration as a result of a person’s abilities, qualities, or achievements — is fascinating in that it’s meaning is directly linked to what individuals or societies value. Also because it is earned (by definition), there is an impulse to think it is owed.

For most of my life, I have spent an inordinate amount of time chasing my version of respect though education, work accomplishments, status, title, as that is what elicited my respect of others.  If I am honest, it still changes how I approach people – either in my actions or in my heart.

However, over the last 10 years I have come to link the word more closely with the virtue of humility. We are all flawed. We all have dignity. It’s the play between the two addressed with honesty.  Knowing limitations, honoring others, and seeing value in human beings as well as in a human’s doing. — Heather

What does R-E-S-P-E-C-T mean to you?

Monday

Skirt: Eva Farro; Sweater: Whistles; Shoes: Gianvito Rossi Hunter Green; Purse: Vintage Chanel Backpack; Jewelry: David Yurman

Tuesday

Dress: Alberto Makali; Boots: Public Desire; Purse: Chanel Classic Jumbo Double Flap; Jewelry: David Yurman

Wednesday

Skirt: ECI; Top: Vintage Harolds; Sandals: Tory Burch

Thursday

Pants: Loft; Shirt: Karen Kane; Shoes: Steve Madden; Purse: Amazon; Jewelry: David Yurman

Friday – working from Dallas

Shorts: Crown & Ivy; Top: ECI, Shoe: Steve Madden; Tote: Louis Vuitton NeverFull

XOXO