Respect isn’t What They Say, it’s What They Show

Over the weekend I had a thought I wanted to share with you. I am curious what you think.

I find that most people around me continue to confuse attention with respect.
They think if someone praises them, validates them, or buys from them, that’s proof of value.

It’s not.

The real test comes after the transaction ends.
When they no longer need something from you, how do they treat you then?

That’s when you see who’s loyal to your leadership versus who was addicted to your usefulness.

Because in both business and life, manipulators don’t take your power by yelling.
They take it by making you question your worth.

And I’ve felt this first hand.

By twisting the mirror until you doubt your own reflection.
By acting like you’re too much, too intense, too direct, right up until they need you again.

I’ve watched founders, sales leaders, and entrepreneurs give away years of power to people who only “respect” them when they’re performing.
I’ve done it too. Until I learned this: respect isn’t earned by being available. It’s earned by being consistent when you’re not.

The same law applies in sales.
Your prospects will say all the right things when they want your time.
But the real data is how they behave when you hold a boundary.
Do they respect your process, your price, your expertise, or do they test your self-worth to see how easily you’ll bend?

Leadership is no different.
If you’re always the one adjusting, apologizing, or over-explaining, you’re not leading. You’re managing insecurity.
Withdraw unearned access. Stop negotiating for respect. Let silence and distance speak for you.

Watch who stays when you stop over-giving.
Those are the people who trust you, not just need you.

The highest form of respect isn’t verbal.
It’s energetic alignment.
It’s the client who pays on time without being reminded.
It’s the team member who honors your time because they’ve seen you honor your own.
It’s the partner who shows up the same when no one’s watching.

Respect in leadership and sales isn’t about control.
It’s about clarity.
You set the tone.
You teach people how to treat you by how you treat yourself when the spotlight’s off.

Respect isn’t what people say when they need you.
It’s how they act when they don’t.

If that hit, reply and tell me where you’ve been mistaking validation for respect.

And if you’re ready to lead and sell from truth, not tactics, continue reading these emails so you can consistently lead with Human-Centric Leadership and the systems that scale trust, not noise.

And if you want to book a call to connect hit the link here.

Keep leading. Keep growing.

Kayvon