Fame Fortune or Respect

In Filipino, this is a typical saying Filipino,” knowing where you came from and respecting others.” Unfortunately, not everybody may be like LeBron or Kobe, much more like our own Pacquiao. We know of several people who had a slight taste of fame or fortune, seem to have developed some dementia. They cling so much to not letting go of fame and fortune. It was like their security blanket.

Successful Entrepreneurs always attribute and acknowledge their humble beginnings. They are never embarrassed about where they started. Respect is consistently earned and can quickly multiply in many folds if done correctly.

Let me cite some examples:

How can respect be earned? At home, consideration can be achieved if the parents demonstrate and talk about the principles of honesty with their children. However, if they hear stories of how their parents could cheat and work their way off in amassing wealth, how can children correlate to what their school teaches them? Or when household helpers are maltreated much like slaves? I have visited houses where even meals of the helpers are different from what the family partakes.  

At work, not all employees are the same or perfect. Yet to dress down an employee in public or in front of other staff is definitely a no-no. Individuals have feelings too. There is definitely a suitable place to have a heart-to-heart talk.

Respect can be strengthened when the entrepreneur demonstrates and leads in doing things. It is easy to issue direction but not understanding what the front liners experience is not worth respecting. I have witnessed some Japanese companies. From the uniform, everybody, regardless of rank, wears the same. The eating-place is commonplace for everybody to rub elbows and exchange stories. The business cards of these Japanese companies did not even have a title underneath their names.

People who gained respect are remembered most. We have political leaders who, to this day, are honored. People like President Manuel L. Quezon will be celebrating his 135^th birthday. While researching President Quezon, I came across in Wikipedia the Civics and Ethic Codes he promulgated. Of the 16 statements, two have the word “Respect.”

Respect the Constitution that is the expression of your sovereign will. The government is your government. It has been established for your safety and welfare. Obey the laws and see that they are observed by all and that public officials comply with their duties.”

Love and Respect your parents. You have to serve them gratefully and well.”

The late Secretary Jesse Robredo of DILG, when his wake just made the city of Naga burst to seams. He was so loved by various people from all walks of life. Almost every person had a story to share. How the late Secretary made a difference in their life. Funny as it may seem, but some politicians talked to each other in one of the telecasts. One asked whether the crowd would be as big as that of Secretary Robredo? The other politician was heard answering, “Better have ourselves cremated.”

Bottom line: It is never too late to start earning respect.

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You may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome for questions and more information.

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