"There’s no checklist for respect. But we know what it feels like. And we know when it’s gone."

When leaders talk about what they expect from their team, “respect” is almost always at the top of the list. But what does it actually mean? And where does it really come from?

In this week’s article, we explore the idea that respect isn’t something you can demand, and it’s not always something you can earn. It’s something that emerges. Like trust. Like culture. Like all the things that live in the invisible spaces between people.

This piece is less about answers and more about reflection; an invitation to pause and ask:

What’s my relationship with respect?

And what kind of space am I helping create between myself and others?

Latest article

✍️ Respect isn't a rule, it's a relationship.

Latest Podcast

🎙️ Episode 8 of The Smoosh Podcast
Title: MacGyver, Milk & the Muse: how creativity sneaks in, spills out, and saves the day.

What's happening with Melis

Reading:
Irreducible by Federico Faggin on consciousness quantum physics and spiritual awakening. You had me at qualia.

Listening to:
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Astronauts, relationships and the 1980s. You had me at NASA.

Doing:
I’m preparing to move (again) but this time to our forever farm Mistwood. I’m also working with many leaders on their own inner development, which is always heart opening when they are open too.

Pondering:
I’m pondering panpsychism and design. What on earth is the smoosh there? Anyone?

What's happening with Ben

Reading:
Nothing to do with my gestalt therapy literature review. That's because I finished, submitted, and let it go!!!

Listening to:
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. Melis listened to this a little while ago. My turn!

Doing:
Lots of mobility exercises in the morning. These tight hips hold an untold story.

Pondering:
The relationship between retroflection and burnout. Retroflection is a term I learned in gestalt therapy. It refers to a process where a person turns back on themselves something they would prefer to do to someone (or something) else. Rather than expressing an impulse outwardly, the person redirects it inward. Too much holding becomes toxic. And I'm wondering if burnout is the result?

We have gratitude and respect for you for the way you show up every day.

You've got this.

Love,