Respect is the Authority

Last week, I sat down for an interview that started as a conversation about the intersection of manufacturing and education. It quickly turned into something more personal, something that touched on how I view relationships, rapport, and the real world we’re preparing people for. One question in particular stuck with me: “How do you prepare students to be adults, that traditional education has failed to implement?”

My answer was surprisingly simple: We respect them.

In the environments many young people come from — schools, institutions, and even their families — they aren’t met with respect. They’re told to respect authority, but rarely receive it in return. So, when they step into the world, and feel something different, to be treated like equals from the moment institutional authority stops breathing down their neck, they can see how to live by the golden rule.

Too often, people confuse authority with respect. The older generations, generally, expect respect because of their position. In doing so, they’re missing the point. Respect, when demanded, becomes hollow. It’s no longer about connection or growth; it becomes about control. By forcing respect, they’re stifling curiosity and limiting potential. They’re treating knowledge like a hierarchy where they’re at the top, instead of fostering an environment of mutual discovery.

The interviewer then asked me how I thought these young people would carry that respect out into the world. Because they’ve experienced it with us, they’ll be able to give it to the world. When someone knows what real respect feels like — being seen, being valued — they want to spread that same energy. They won’t be caught up in pecking orders or power games. They’ll know they can interact cordially, solve problems collaboratively, and approach challenges with confidence rather than fear of stepping out of line. They want to be on the team. We set the standard, by living it, not making it an edict.

But here’s where the conversation turns; It’s not just about the young. This is life. It works for 7 year olds, 17, and 57 year olds. Respect is a two-way street that brings out the best in all of us. It’s not just a tool for mentoring; it’s a way to navigate every relationship, every interaction.

And this idea translates beautifully into how we communicate, teach, or even present to an audience. Whether you’re explaining a complicated process or writing for an audience that spans different levels of understanding, the same principle applies: respect the person in front of you. Meet them where they are, not where you wish they were.

It’s one of those lines that gets at the heart of how to answer questions thoughtfully. When someone asks about a deeply nerdy, technical topic, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overwhelming them with everything you know. But that’s not respect. Answer the question as it’s asked. Offer just enough insight to meet their need without drowning them in information. Trust that when they’re ready for more, they’ll ask.

This balance is everything. To respect the time of the person who’s brand new to the topic and the person who’s been deep in the weeds for years. Both deserve attention. This balance of building people up without dragging others down is an act of respect. It’s treating every person, no matter their starting point, like they belong, like they’re already part of the conversation.

Not to dumb anything down or diluting expertise, but offer clarity. When you respect someone’s intellect and curiosity, you’re patient enough to guide them through what they need now and trust them to discover more on their own.

That respect we give our students, our audience, or anyone we’re communicating with, creates space for growth. When people feel seen, they open up. They start to trust their own ability to figure things out. They start seeing others as allies, not competitors. And suddenly, that rigid hierarchy of knowledge and authority begins to crumble. In its place is something far more dynamic — a space where learning, innovation, and connection can truly thrive.

In the end, respect is more than a professional courtesy. It’s an invitation. It says, “I see you. I value where you’re at, and I believe you can go even further.” Whether I’m working with a student in the shop or presenting for an audience that spans beginners to experts, this is what I aim for: creating a space where everyone feels respected, everyone feels capable, and everyone feels like they belong. When we do that, we’re not just teaching, we’re empowering people to bring that same energy into every part of their lives.

And that’s how real growth happens, not just for the young, but for all of us.

Link nội dung: https://itt.edu.vn/the-authority-down-a143.html