Be one of them . As a leader when you identify yourself as the pillar of support for your team , that brings you closer to them . Remember your chair is the position of respect and it’s up to you how you drive your team cohesively and earn a respect for yourself and not just your chair .

Earning team respect isn't a one-off event and it involves more than transparency and leading by example. Respect isn't built in boardrooms, but in everyday interactions. ? Use "micro-moments" (those casual 1:1 chats) to show genuine interest and appreciation for your team's input. ? Remember that trust breeds trust. When you trust your team with meaningful responsibilities, you demonstrate confidence in their abilities. This empowers them and reflects your respect for their skills. Respect isn't commanded but earned through giving it to others through genuine interest and respect, meaningful engagement and empowerment.

Building trust starts with being vulnerable. This takes courage, since it is natural for an emerging leader to want to appear strong and invincible. But it is by admitting that we are not perfect, and that we do not have all the answers that we appear more "human" in the eyes of others. Then ask yourself if you are appearing in the eyes of your people as a partner or a parent. Micro-management will make you look like a parent, while empowerment will position you as a partner. When you are seen as a partner, the energy of the relationship changes as you shift your attention from telling people what to do, to asking them what they think would be the best way forward. When you engage people in decisions, their loyalty and trust will grow.

There is nothing to worry about earning respect just because you have acquired a leadership position or title. If you bring value to your team, build trust, and show empathy, respect will follow. If you believe people should respect you simply because of your leadership position, you are a manager, not a leader. Respect is earned over time by consistently delivering value to others' lives. Leaders should create a safe and trusting environment where mistakes are not criticized. As a leader, you should be ready to take ownership of your team's failures and give credit for success to the team. Moreover, when you naturally stop using "I" and start using "WE," it is a clear sign that you have earned the respect of your team."