People aren’t vending machines. You don’t press a button and get loyalty, respect, or enthusiasm on demand. If someone is consistently dismissed, ignored, or undervalued, it’s only a matter of time before they stop showing up. Respect isn’t earned through titles or pay packets, it’s built through consistency, empathy & integrity.

Reliability Matters

Blow someone off repeatedly? They’ll stop making time for you. Stand them up for appointments? Don’t expect them to rush to reschedule. People remember how they were treated, especially when they were made to feel like an afterthought. Reliability isn’t just professional, it’s personal.

These Attitudes Waste Time

Every missed meeting, every ignored message, every last-minute cancellation, it all adds up. These behaviours aren’t just rude; they’re inefficient. They waste productive hours, derail momentum, and force others to chase clarity that should’ve been given upfront. If someone’s constantly cleaning up after your inconsistency, they’re not doing their best work, they’re managing your mess.

Culture Starts with Attitude

Want to attract top talent? Build high-performing teams? Then start with how people are treated. Culture isn’t a poster on the wall, it’s how leaders behave when no one’s watching. If the attitude is dismissive, arrogant, or inconsistent, the best people won’t stick around. They’ll go where they’re valued.

The Bottom Line

You get what you give. If respect is wanted, it must be shown. If commitment is expected, it must be earned. If excellence is the goal, space must be created for it. People mirror the energy they’re given, so bring the kind that deserves reflection.