OTB Behaviour: A conversation on respect with Marco Arnone

In our interview with Marco Arnone, Customer Experience Manager at Jil Sander, we explored his perspective on respect, how to create a genuinely inclusive environment and the advantages of having a diverse team.

What does “respect” mean? 

It means listening to people and in the work environment it means overcoming hierarchies and establishing an ongoing relationship of collaboration, confrontation and trust. It’s about actively listening to understand what the other person is trying to communicate and respecting personal boundaries. 

What do you think are the main factors in building an inclusive environment?  

Inclusion begins when diversity is valued. This includes not only cultural aspects, gender, and disabilities, which are very important, but also character differences and each person's ways of dealing with work. To me it means identifying diversity and turning it into positive levers and not as an element of evaluation.  

What are the benefits of working in a team composed of different people?  

I think it is essential to have a team with diverse people because each brings a unique contribution and you  avoid getting stuck on one approach, which may also be the least effective.  

Are there any characters that you think are inspirational regarding respect/ inclusion/equality?  

I recently read a book about famous people who have made their disability a springboard to greater achievement.  As a sportsman, I was particularly impressed by the stories of Alex Zanardi and Bebe Vio. Difficulties that would have stopped many others propelled them to extraordinary goals. 

Is there a quote on the topic that resonated with you?  

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it was quoted by Italian President Pertini in a speech. To me, it represents the concept of empathy, which is fundamental to respect.