Respect

What a powerful word and one that is very important to me – and my leadership model (CARE). But, it’s also a word that, when practiced, makes the academic environment unbeatable.

As a leader, this quote from Michael Hyatt is something I take seriously:

“It’s the leader’s job to guard the line between disagreement and disrespect.”

A good disagreement can be a good thing. In meetings, I often give people permission to tell me that the idea I just expressed is the “dumbest thing they have ever heard.” People laugh and then continue the conversation. While no one has said those exact words, I like that many are starting to share their thoughts more openly with me. It’s a way that I learn. Sometimes I learn that they see something I didn’t; sometimes, I realize that I just communicated poorly. Occasionally, we agree to disagree. Either way, we each learn.

It bothers me when I talk with colleagues who share stories of people shouting at each other or calling each other names. That’s not a disagreement; that’s disrespectful. As a leader, I will guard that line. The best example of genuine respect is regularly displayed by two friends. On the political spectrum, he is right, and she is left. Not just a little, but a lot. Occasionally, in meetings, they have serious discussions where you would think there’s no way they get along. But after the meeting, you often hear one says to the other, “Where are we going to lunch?” Regularly, they agree to disagree, but they always have respect for each other.

I have an immense amount of respect for the work that each of you do daily. Your work with students, colleagues, and stakeholders can sometimes be intense. Over the years, we’ve made a tremendous effort to hire folks who get the job done. We are smart. For the most part, we find the tools we need to be effective at doing our jobs. Guidance is available to us, and we have opportunities to grow here at the College. Do we always agree with each other? No. Do we understand that all of us are working to advance the mission of the College? Yes.

An environment of mutual respect sets a tone for getting things done. A lack of respect undermines the effectiveness of clarity and accountability. And don’t forget, we all need encouragement. So thank you for putting aside differences and respecting each other, being curious about your colleagues rather than being judgmental, and working to understand and support one another. At the end of the day, we are blessed to work with some of the best people at CofC. Respect for each other is paramount no matter where we stand on any issue.

YOU make a difference.

Remember: