Respect is not something that is bestowed upon you. Respect is earned.
If you have ever had to remind someone that you are in charge; if you have ever had to resort to using the words, "Because I said so;" or if you have ever wondered why your colleagues just aren't listening to you, you need to take a step back and ask yourself if you have worked to earn their respect.
Respect is the ultimate reward for your continued leadership efforts. If you can consistently demonstrate the following behaviours then you’re on the fast track to earning the respect you seek:
- Treat People As if They Are #1 - Leaders focus on making others feel as if they are a top priority. That means putting down the blackberry, making eye contact and taking the time to really listen to your colleagues’ ideas and concerns. When you can genuinely communicate in word and deed that you value others, you lay the foundation for a relationship built on trust and respect.
- Be Predictable - Leaders earn respect when they consistently bring calm to chaos, harness their emotions during stressful times, and bring perspective to challenging circumstances. When you show others that you can be counted on time and time again, even when times are tough, others will look to you and rely on your positive example.
- Lead As You Are - Leaders recognise that life is not a popularity contest. When you have the courage to be who you are – projecting your strengths, improving upon your weaknesses – then you inspire trust, confidence and respect.
- Demonstrate Integrity in All that You Do - Respected leaders are those who are able to tell you not what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. They are able to praise positive results, and also able to deliver bad news when it is needed. When you rely upon your integrity to communicate with honesty, compassion, sincerity and directness, you will earn the respect of others.
If you can work to improve upon these four behaviours, you will discover that earning respect will have a profound impact on your leadership abilities.
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