R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me…

Ah, Aretha. I feel ya.

When she’s singing, “All I’m askin’ Is for a little respect (just a little bit)…” I’m thinking, “OK, how to go about getting some?”

By definition, a disorganizer is trying to do more than they can achieve by their default place in the org hierarchy. 

The disorganizer is circumventing the situation in which they find them self. How do you earn some respect beyond the role you occupy? 

Turns out, there’s some social science about respect [and – trigger warning! – it plays into the hands of the middle class white male.]

According to Barking Up the Wrong Tree, the killer combo for respect is confidence and competence.

For competence, simple: work hard and become an expert at your job. Competence breeds real confidence.  It engenders a feeling of control, it kills fear. It gives you bearing…

Finally, sprinkle in some moderate overconfidence to garner the respect you feel is due. See the world accurately but have belief in your abilities, 

(*cough* white, male privilege.)

Bingo.

This Much We Know.