“The days are over when you can treat people like scum and expect loyalty in return.” – Mrs. Harris
Respect, along with humility, go a long way. There are several scenes in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris that really demonstrate this. Mrs. Harris arrives to her fitting late one time and the head dressmaker refuses to proceed. Mrs. Harris had shown disrespect to their team and to the gown being made for her. She profusely apologizes and later makes amends by getting to know the people, sharing in their work, and finding common ground with them.
Mrs. Harris gets to know some of the people who work at Dior and connects with them both professionally and personally. People in fashion aren’t solely defined by their jobs. They are real humans who have dreams and interests beyond fashion even as so much of their day is filled with it. Mrs. Harris doesn’t minimize or stereotype each person, but respects them for who they are in their entirety.
At the end of the movie, after her dress gets destroyed, the Dior team goes out of their way to alter and gift her a dress to replace it. There is no way they would have gone to such lengths for a rude customer. It is only because Mrs. Harris took the time to see them as people and treat them with respect that it could happen.
Fashion business today works the same way. If you don’t treat people kindly, how can you expect them to want to help you? You and your factory or suppliers aren’t on opposing sides. You are on the same team and both want the project to be successful. Be respectful in everything you do and you’ll find you have plenty of people who have your back when things go up in flames.