Treating Each Person with Respect: A Reflection on Power and Human Worth

Do you agree with the idea that people should ‘treat the janitor with the same respect with which you would treat the CEO’? While this statement may seem idealistic, it is a profound reflection on the value of every individual, regardless of their position. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind why every person, no matter their role, should be treated with equality and respect.

Power Dynamics and Respect

The notion that a janitor should be treated with the same respect as a CEO may not be immediately embraced, especially when considering the disparities in power and influence these positions hold. According to my 52 years of work experience and 70 years of life, it is the everyday interactions with people in less visible positions that truly make a difference. A janitor, a server, a bus driver, or a cashier can have a far greater impact on your daily life and well-being than a CEO.

CEOS can wield significant power, and their words can often have a substantial impact on the lives of others. They can make or break careers, projects, and even the fate of a company. However, the same cannot be said for a janitor or a bus driver. Their influence, though more subtle, is no less important in ensuring the smooth functioning of society.

The Reality of Leadership

From my perspective, few CEOs reach their positions by prioritizing others' well-being. Leadership often requires a certain personality that emphasizes self-interest and corporate goals over the needs and desires of the people around them. While CEOs may donate to charity or encourage their employees to participate in community service, these actions are often motivated by tax advantages or public image rather than genuine altruism.

It’s noteworthy that not all CEOs are malicious, and not all service employees are warm and caring. Each person is unique, and we should not make sweeping generalizations. However, it is undeniable that the individuals we encounter most frequently in our daily lives—such as receptionists, accounting clerks, IT technicians—have a far greater impact on our day-to-day experiences. These individuals have the power to make or break our work, whether it’s by providing timely data entry or addressing absurd client demands.

The Tangibility of Their Impact

While the CEO may have a broader view of the company and its mission, it is often the clerks and administrative staff who have the direct and immediate effect on our work environment. For example, if you need a file or piece of data quickly, it is the receptionist or accounting clerk who can provide it. Similarly, if you need a new computer or access to critical information, it is the IT technician who can help. These individuals are the unsung heroes who ensure that the company functions smoothly.

Moreover, the power and decision-making capabilities of the CEO are limited in many ways. They may approve or disapprove a decision, but they rarely have the day-to-day influence that lower-level employees have. It is often the receptionist or the IT technician, even a server or a janitor, who is in a position to make a project easier or more difficult, more enjoyable or more challenging.

Respecting Individuals as Humans

Another compelling reason to treat every person with respect is the fundamental human worth of each individual. Despite the power dynamics between different roles, humans are fundamentally equal. The CEO, the janitor, and everyone in between are no less human and deserving of respect. Respect is not just about power or influence; it is about acknowledging the inherent value of every person.

Therefore, the true reason for treating each person with respect is our shared humanity. While a CEO may have more formal authority, they are still mere humans with hopes, fears, and aspirations. By treating them as we would treat anyone else, we acknowledge their worth and dignity.

In conclusion, while the words of a CEO can have a significant impact, it is the daily interactions with the people who support the company's operations that truly make a difference. If we can learn to treat everyone with the same respect and dignity, we will foster a more equitable and respectful society. The janitor, the receptionist, and the CEO are all essential components of our world, and each has a unique and vital role to play.