A Sign of Respect: A leader is someone who takes a stand for Self, Others, Community, Leaders, Organisations, Society and the World.
“If we want our children to grow up in a society that values respect, honesty, and responsibility, we must model those values ourselves.”
Respect.
1. A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
2. Due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others.
Interesting.
How do you feel about your feelings, wishes and rights being heard?
Do you notice yourself paying close attention to the feelings, wishes and rights of others?
As an expert in connecting people with their core values, the driver of their life’s purpose, what is truely and deeply important, that stems from our childhood shaping the decisions and actions of our life, I have come to realise that the value of Respect is the top of my list.
Now, I am not politically minded, nor politically educated, nor politically motivated.
While there are people far more qualified to talk politics or even women’s rights than me, there is no doubt - whether you’re watching closely or afar, the people of the United States are going through what some are calling an “unprecedented” time in history.
Regardless of your political preferences, who you like and don’t like or even your opinion about their character, with Karmla Harris’ in the race against Donald Trump for Presidency, what’s hot on the lips of many is the issue of women’s rights.
Why! There are many reasons, but let’s go with the big one.
The reversal of Roe v. Wade in the United States in 2022 (and how it is now) reignited intense debate over women's rights to access safe and legal abortions. This landmark decision not only impacts women's autonomy over their (own) reproductive health, it highlights a broader issue of systemic neglect of women's needs.
You may be wondering, what does this have to do with me?
Great question!
Firstly, you may choose to stop reading because this has nothing to do with you.
You’re not a woman, you’re not American, you don’t intend of having children, so quite frankly it doesn’t impact you personally, so it’s none of your business? True.
Secondly, you may equally choose to sit on the couch and watch TV, read an article, or engage in social media and be full of rage about the behaviours of others.
Regardless of your choices, among many things, there is one thing I’ve learnt (you could say, the lesson I needed to learn and the lesson I need to teach) is that focussing on the behaviours of others (no matter how bad or right you are) does not change anything.
That is a lot to easier said than done, especially if you’re surrounded by people who behave badly, inappropriately, threatening, aggressive and righteously opinionated, as if somehow what you have to say does not matter. I get it.
While it may even occur a little disparaging, as if somehow I am saying you should back down when people are bad. That’s definitely not what I am saying; in fact, far from it. You should definitely take action to stand up for yourself, speak up for yourself, get clear about your boundaries and, if needed, get the support you need so you can take a stand for what’s right.
What I am saying and what I know to be true: about how the brain works, about my own lived-experience, about the lives of the thousands of people I’ve coached, and (believe it or not) about success in leadership, is simple:
“You get what you put your attention on”
Focus on bad behaviour and you get bad behaviour. Focus on the solution and you get a solution. Focus on the future you are committed to creating, which for me is respect: showing deep admiration for self and others, and what you get is what you create; and you get what you create.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Joining me on The Uncharted Leader Podcast to talk about her fight for women’s rights in the fitness industry is Mish Wright, a visionary educator, consultant and Head of Education at Women’s Fitness.
Just as the restriction of abortion rights underscores a pattern of ignoring and undermining women's health and well-being, the fitness industry has historically overlooked the specific health requirements of women.
Mish's journey, as a leader in her field, is deeply personal and transformative. Early in her career, she rigorously followed protocols taught in Certificate 3 and 4 courses, only to discover that the guidelines were based on research focused predominantly on young, fit men. This oversight had severe consequences, leading to pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition that changed her life and perspective on fitness forever.
Mish's vision is clear: to empower fitness professionals with the right knowledge and skills to support women effectively, regardless of their age or stage of life.
my favourite quotes from my favourite leaders on respect:
"I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university." - Albert Einstein
"If we lose love and self-respect for each other, this is how we finally die." - Maya Angelou
"Mutual respect is the foundation of genuine harmony." - Dalai Lama
"Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg
"We must use time creatively, and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right. Respect for others means being kind even when others are unkind." - Nelson Mandela
"True forgiveness is when you can say, 'Thank you for that experience' and have no resentment. It's a way of self-respect." - Oprah Winfrey
PODCAST HIGHLIGHT:
Change is hard, but it can be approached by taking small steps and surrounding yourself with supportive people who believe in you, vs alienate or discriminate against you.
IGNITE YOUR PASSION!
Follow The Uncharted Leader on Linkedin, Instagram and YouTube.
Connect with Mish on LinkedIn and explore her groundbreaking consultancy work and practical programs that transform the fitness industry.
Book a call with Kylee and ask about The Emerging Leaders Program to ignite your passion, grow your influence and amplify the impact you have in the world.
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