At a very young age of 35, I founded the Philippine Association of Professional Speakers (PAPS). After one year of my presidency, we were able to make it as the 15th country-member of the Global Speakers Federation. Since we started, our tribe has grown and we started to build the professional speaking industry based on global standards.
One tough question that was given to me in one of my speeches was, "How are you able to lead the people of different generations, many are way older than you are, different gender, different mental frames, and different interest?"
I played my leadership scenes over and over again and found my key to effective leading.
I never ever gave my peers the smallest clue and claim that I'm better than any of them. In return, they also don't give me the slightest clue that will make me feel they are better than me. We also believe that as peers, we are equal. No one is better than the other. We are simply different. I first respect them for who they are and what they bring to the community. Then they give me the same level of respect—somthing that I never had to ask because by respecting them, I earn their respect.
Mutual respect makes a lasting leadership. When people say it's lonely at the top, it only happens when you're alone at the top. Why not bring as many people as you can so you can all enjoy being on top?
Always remember mutual respect cuts across generations, gender, race, color, and even spiritual belief.
That's it for today. Get back to work and make it worth your time and energy.
