← Respect
Discover & understand · 1/3 · 5 min
What respect asks of us
Discover
Recall a moment when someone disagreed with you but still treated you with dignity. How did that change the conversation?
Understand
Respect is not the same as approval. We can find an idea mistaken, even harmful, and still recognise the person who holds it as a full human being with reasons, experiences and worth.
When respect disappears, disagreement becomes contempt, and contempt makes cooperation almost impossible. When respect stays, even sharp disagreements can remain productive.
The thread of responsibility
We are responsible for how we treat people — especially the ones we disagree with.
Respect is essential to Understanding Others, Constructive Disagreement and Dialogue & Listening.