I want respect and you want respect and we both respect each other, but why don’t we feel respected?
It all comes down to the definition of respect, which is different for different generations. Each generation has its own associations and ideas about respect.
The Baby Boomers see respect as being linked with authority. They respect their elders, their boss, and others based on the authority they have. Gen X’ers tie respect into trust. They respect people and companies that they can put their faith in and believe will be successful and has proven results. Finally the Gen Y’ers see it as something that is earned, not given. They are looking for companies and people that “do good” and care. They respect those which they can genuinely like.