10 Ways to Gain Respect
Over the years of leading organizations, small businesses, and after numerous employee huddles I have discovered that one verb is critical when defining successful leadership…respect. How a leader treats other people, garnering achievements, solid character, and competency goes a long way in developing the reputation of being a leader worthy of respect.
Merriam-Webster defines respect as “a relation or reference to a particular thing or situation; expressions of high or special regard or deference”.
Just like trust, respect is gained based, in part, on our actions. If I constantly show up to work late, put people down or don’t achieve the results the organization needs, I will, over time, lose my team’s respect.
Aretha Franklin released her famous song of R-E-S-P-E-C-T in 1967. A song, that is just as relevant today as the day she first sang it. As the song says, “Find out what it means to me R-E-S-P-E-C-T.”
To gain respect, here are a few things I try to do and encourage the team to do as well:
- Demonstrate Reliability: Consistently meet deadlines, fulfill commitments, and be someone others can depend on. Don’t exaggerate the part you play in the overall success of the organization, rather, share the success.
- Effective Communication: Clearly convey your ideas, actively listen to others, and engage in open and respectful communication. Don’t gossip.
- Professionalism: Uphold high standards of conduct, dress appropriately, and maintain a positive and composed demeanor. The company standards apply to everyone…especially us, the leader.
- Competence: Continuously improve your skills and knowledge, staying current in your field and demonstrating expertise. You don’t know it all, don’t act like you do, and take full advantage of the opportunity to grow your skills.
- Team Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment by valuing others’ contributions, offering support, and working well with colleagues. Don’t play favorites.
- Initiative: Take the lead on projects, contribute ideas, and be proactive in identifying and solving problems. Don’t create problems, be a problem solver.
- Adaptability: Embrace change with a positive attitude, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in challenging situations. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken.
- Ethical Behavior: Uphold ethical standards, be honest and transparent, and demonstrate integrity in all your actions. It only takes one lie for people to start questioning you.
- Acknowledging Others: Recognize and appreciate the efforts and achievements of your colleagues, promoting a positive workplace culture. Treat others like you want to be treated.
- Strive for Excellence: Aim for high-quality work, set, and achieve challenging goals, and consistently deliver results that exceed expectations. People want to follow someone who wants to be one of the best in their industry.
“Leaders who win the respect of others are the ones who deliver more than they promise—not the ones who promise more than they can deliver.” ~Mark A. Clement
Keep cultivating respect.
Jeff
