Many people are at work complaining about how much they hate the supervisor, how stupid the boss is and how no one running the company has a good idea about anything. For these people, respect for those in authority is a foreign concept. It is no wonder that people with this attitude find it difficult to succeed in the workplace. It reminds me of a line from a Staples Singers song, “if you disrespect everyone that you run into, how in the world do you expect anyone to respect you?”

I often hear people say that respect is earned, not given. This is simply not true. Respect is owed. Children owe their parents respect. Spouses owe one another respect. Employees owe their employers and supervisors respect. Respect must be given because it is owed. It does not matter that respect can be lost or that it is not earned by the recipient.

Let’s say you are the smartest person, the hardest worker, best person ever at your job. That does not excuse your lack of respect for those in authority. Respect for those in authority is a Biblical principle as well as good manners.  There are a few synonyms for respect including:

• regard
• esteem
• reference
• deference
• consideration

• show up to work early enough so that you are at your work-station at start time, not entering the building
• do your job completely and with a good attitude
• do not verbally disparage those in authority during the day at the workplace
• talk to those in authority in a calm manner that reflects esteem