Letter:

Securing respect

It is very important for us to lead a respectable life for happiness. Even your wealth, qualification, social status, etc serve no purpose once you lose your respect. (Both public and private).

It is always better to analyse this and adjust your life accordingly. Listed below are different types of respect one would earn in one's life.

a) Selfish respect

It is an acceptable fact that some people respect you (even praise you) to secure benefits. For example they may require a loan, job, promotions, favourable business contracts etc and may let you down once their ambition is fulfilled. They may lead you in the wrong path (even illegal). One should be very careful about such people. Healthy criticism is always better. There is a famous saying 'God save me from my friends, enemies I look after'. A honest enemy is better than dishonest friend.

b) Official respect

It is natural for junior officers, peons etc to respect their superiors. It must be remembered that it is due to the position you hold and you must improve it. Do not use official respect for your personal benefits and fall into trouble. Imagine the position of a Managing Director who had been caught for fraud, by internal auditors who are his employees.

c) Talented respect

As explained in the previous paragraph develop your position by way of devotion sincerity, and honesty

One must -

i) Approach the work professionally.

ii) Plan the work with proper allocation among staff and finish efficiently.

iii) Show no discrimination or favouritism among staff.

iv) Have human approach towards the staff.

v) Be honest in every respect.

vi) Give due respect to all (staff, customers, government officials etc) and maintain a smooth and healthy atmosphere.

Vii) Be easily accessible to important parties (staff, customers etc).

d) Grateful respect

When one achieves good results, talent, efficiency, the management, staff etc will create grateful respect. For example, a department may be making continuous losses and faces the danger of closure or retrenchment. There is a fear created in the minds of staff about their future. Once this loss incurring department is converted into a profit making department, additional benefits such as salary increments and bonuses will be paid and the staff gain confidence about their future.

They will be grateful to such person and support him/her in every aspect.

e) Affectionate respect

By one's human approach towards the staff, in addition to one's talent, staff will create affectionate respect towards you. They will not hesitate to safeguard you at the time of facing difficulties, danger etc.

There have been several instances where staff rushed to donate blood when required by their superiors or members of their family.

The following actions are suggested to secure respect:

a) Develop one's personality by way of devotion, qualification, efficiency, sincerity etc (cricketers, cinema actors, doctors, lawyers, professionals, great national leaders etc are the best examples).

b) Maintain etiquette including professional etiquette.

c) Do not make hidden personal benefits.

d) Do not get involved in illegal matters.

e) Pay immediate attention to scandals created and take corrective action.

f) Secure media support (pen is stronger than a sword).

The steps suggested below are applicable to personal life also:

i) Show affection towards your family members.

ii) Pay attention on your children, education, health etc.

iii) Be a law abiding citizen.

iv) Be grateful to your parents and look after them.

v) Say 'no' to liquor, smoke, narcotic drugs, fatty animal food and unsafe sex. (Imagine your position once you are identified as a HIV patient).

vi) Create a sense of humour which will make you happy.

Hope the readers will be benefitted by this article.

S R Balachandran

Tax consultant