Webster's New World Dictionary defines respect; To hold in high regard; show honor or courtesy to. It can also be deference or duty to. I work with troubled kids who often seem to confuse the two definitions. They tend to think respect is derived out of a sense of duty or fear. If they can inspire fear in others then they will receive the "Respect" they feel is due to them. I can't help but to believe this is how it is taught in their homes and their communities. The kids call it being "Hard." If you are "Hard"then others will show you proper respect. If they do not, then you must teach them a lesson in respect.

When I look around at the kids trying to win the respect of others I can't help but to feel sorry for them. They are so far off base and they are traveling a road of self destruction. The really bad part of it all is that you often see a similar mentality in the business world. Mangers are often running around using scare tactics and the power of a position to enforce their will on others.  Who has not worked in an environment where you did as expected or you got your walking papers? That is a terrible place to be, especially when you are dependent on the job to pay mortgages, feed little ones and so forth.

I have met some really good managers over the course of my career and I have met some less than stellar ones. So it brings me to the question. What makes the difference?  There are allot of things. I believe there are two important differences in the good managers and the poor ones. 1. The ability to make complex things simple and 2. The ability to give and receive respect.Trevor Gay, a manager (leader) from the UK is an outstanding example of keeping things simple and giving and receiving respect.

Trevor is the Author of an outstanding series of books on Simplicity. The first in the series is titled "Simplicity Is The Key." In his book, Trevor talks about a number of issues on management and leadership. The most compelling points are his genuine desire to create a work environment based on respect for all workers at every level. He really has a genuine concern for those who actually do the work. Most organizations are driven by the bottom line. Often people tend to be expendable "Resources" in these kind of organizations. Trevor sees things differently. He views people as the reason for the job.The bottom line is a by product that is better managed in organizations based on respect, mutual inclusion, and concern for those producing the work. Trevor has 17 oustanding points that he has a passion for promoting in the business environment. They are:

1. Staff at the front line know all the answers all the time
2. The words “managing people” should be exorcised from the workplace. Nobody “manages” people any more - people manage themselves.
3. If a manager has any job at all in 2004 it is to move heaven and earth to make it easier for front line staff  to do neat work
4. Get other people to do bits of your job - they usually do it better than you
5. Management is simple
6. Leadership is not - it is an art form
7. The basics are the new cutting edge
8. I’m not convinced leadership can be taught
9. Give all the budget to front line staff ….yes I did say all the budget
10. Complexity is merely the sum of simple parts
11. Forget MBA think MST (Masters in Story Telling)
12. We are all Chief Executives of our own future
13. “Powerlessness is a state of mind - not a state of reality” Tom Peters
14. I don’t know what “a big organisation” means in 2004
15. I would take a pay cut for some leaders ….I would not follow some leaders if they doubled my wages
16. Our greatest motivation is always from within
17. The older I get the more I like words like “difference” and “diversity” …and the less I like words like “right” and “wrong”

Those are 17 very powerful points. I believe this is why Trevor seems to garner a great deal of respect in all his endeavors. He doesn't just write these things, he lives them. He advocates them. He puts them to use. Trevor has "A passion to see change. A passion to promote and celebrate ethical behaviour in management and leadership. A passion for fairness. A passion for valuing and celebrating diversity. A passion for making a difference. A passion for “taking part” rather than standing on the sidelines."

Trevor is an outstanding example of leadership. He has started some great new initiatives with his series on "Simplicity". He is the driving force behind the Rattle The Cage website and movement. He is an innovator and a great friend. He has worked hard for many years and is finally beginning to see a payoff for his hard work and determination. This quote by Samuel Johnson provides a great example of his character:

 "Few things are impossible to diligence and skill ... Great works are performed, not by strength, but perseverance."

Trevor is truly a TERRIFIC PERSON. When you get the chance to speak with him, personally or virtually, you feel the genuine respect and care and concern he has for others.