06/25/2025

Three Pillars of Respect

How to learn from anyone

If we’re willing and available, we can learn from anyone. This month, I learned a critical principle of contribution from the leading American authority on the principles of acoustic guitar construction — master luthier, teacher and author Ervin Somogyi.

An apprentice in Somogyi’s workshop shared this critical principle in an article in Fretboard Journal. Somogyi said that successful candidates for apprenticeships must demonstrate "respect for self, others and the work itself." Business leaders want the same thing. They seek leaders and team members who consistently exhibit these three qualities. Here is how these respect factors play out. 

Respect for self

Strong self-worth is a hallmark of self-respect. Elements include living in alignment with personal values, practicing proactive self-care, setting clear boundaries and managing emotions effectively. These behaviors help a person act with integrity and dignity.

Please select this link to read the complete article from SmartBrief.