Carrots and Sticks Don't Work: Build a Culture of Employee Engagement with the Principles of RESPECT

CHAPTER 12Implementing the RESPECT Model

When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us.

—Arapaho proverb

While introducing Vince Lombardi prior to his receiving Fordham University’s Insignis Medal, Red Blaik said of his friend, “He believes strongly that respect is the essential ingredient that cements successful human relations.” Great leaders like Lombardi have always understood that respect is a two-way street and that people follow leaders whom they respect and by whom they feel respected. If you look at any list of great leaders, you will find that most come from the fields of religion, politics, the military, and sports; very few come from business. This relative dearth exists, I believe, because most ...