The image is one of letting the meaning of another s words shine through into you, rather than listening through the tightly guarded doors of your own opinions and judgment. We have equated belonging and peace with being alike. Disrespect excludes and minimizes the contributions of others, shrinks creativity, and fosters distrust.
Respect is essential to any conversation that seeks openness and the advantage of an expanded view.
They make it almost impossible to create a level playing field where differences are respected and contributions are not limited by expectations associated with role and authority. Even in groups of peers, there will be unspoken roles and authority relationships. It is difficult for us to hold them lightly or leave them at the door. And yet, to the degree that they limit us in speaking or listening openly, they limit our learning and the development of shared meaning. Roles limit our perceptions of the value of someone s contribution.