The Role of Self Respect - Part Two

What does “appropriate” mean? Is this term another example of the dreaded political correctness?” In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

Here are 3 examples to illustrate the critical nature that self-respect plays in business, and in our lives: 

1. The “blowhard” is a person who makes a lot of noise, and needs constant bolstering, validation, and recognition, even where there is little, if anything to recognise. This person is quite likely to have low self-respect, and will cover this up by bluff and bluster, as there is an internal conflict between their (negative) view of themselves, and their ego drive to be recognised and valued.

 

1. The selfless person who no-one has a bad word to say about, and who tirelessly works, and provides support to those that need it, with discretion, and with no outlook of reward. This person is usually the “go to” person in a business, family, or group, as no matter how busy they are, they always seem to be calm, and able to offer the right advice at the right time. This person is quite likely to have a realistic perception of themselves, and is also likely to have a well developed self-respect, which manifests itself, not as cockiness or arrogance, but in an ability to reach out and help those in pain, and the resilience and ability to cope with most if not all that life throws at them.
   
   
2. The “victim”, for whom the glass is always half empty, and who usually runs and hides at the 1st sign of a threat (real or perceived). When cornered, such a person can become angry, defensive, and may resort to cutting criticism or sarcasm. In short, the “victim” is hard work, and is either pitied, or avoided. This person’s self-respect level is likely to be very low, either due to background or misfortune, and such a person will either be very withdrawn and suspicious of others, or will be drawn to the beacon of light that is the selfless person.