GIVE RESPECT TO GET RESPECT

It is an established fact that great leaders are much more successful if they are respected by the team, which happens only when they are worthy of earning respect from them. Respect cannot be demanded but it has to be earned. Great leaders should be remembered for the positive impact they have created in any organisation and not merely boosting the profits. They should endeavour to become role models for others to emulate and should be remembered for their influence exercised in the personal journeys of their team members within that organisation in particular and life in general. By doing this, they are able to make the teams work harder in order to achieve their shared goals.

Giving respect to someone means that treating a person with dignity, giving appreciation and regarding a person for their individual qualities and traits. When leaders take the time to appreciate and understand their team members about how they work, innovate, act, behave and are genuinely concerned about the advancement and welfare of others by enabling their talents, then they start earning respect from the team members. Earning respect is akin to a journey where it is all about making the workplace better through going the extra mile to deliver results for the organisation. Where people are really treated as individuals having their own triumphs and tribulations but who have special talents that require nurturing. In this trustworthy atmosphere respect has to be shared both ways which is by the subordinates with the leader and vice versa as also amongst peers. A few of the components of treating anyone with respect is to treat them kindly, listening to their points of view even if they do not agree with the organisational goals and above all humility.

Creating a positive atmosphere at the workplace helps in reducing stress levels which directly affects the physical and mental health of the employees. By recognising their strengths and accomplishments and giving positive strokes where required, leaders give the message of showing appreciation and respect. This also contributes towards an increase in productivity due to a collaborative atmosphere as the employees tend to feel more comfortable and enthusiastic to overcome challenges thrown at them professionally. Thus giving a boost to creativity and employee satisfaction typically results in their talent retention. The other benefit of giving respect is accrued by creating a fair playing environment at the office where favouritism and nepotism are rejected. Some of the other methods of earning respect is to pay attention to their body language and non-verbal communication such that some messages can be read and understood without having to speak, like making eye contact and nodding etc. Transparency is another motivator as people feel trusted if leaders share information with them about the larger picture and goals of the organisation. It is always better to value the time of others and empathise with the workload of employees to gain their admiration. Being courteous and kind in one’s demeanour can work wonders on handling people. Another best practice would be to include all levels in team celebrations right from the cleaners to the top. This gives a sense of belonging even to the lower most echelon and motivates them to work harder to earn their leader’s appreciation.

Trust, loyalty and respect have to be earned over a period of time being exercised with the same intensity and genuineness. They can only be sustained by constant display of actions and not mere words and promises. Many great leaders may not always be liked by all people but they may be highly respected for the manner in which they have led their teams during times of crises with ingenuity by using their intelligence, ethics and capabilities.

In these modern times when the workplace is evolving continuously by becoming more transparent, collaborative and sensitive to employee requirements, it is imperative that leaders do not rest on their laurels having been appointed to their positions or use their powers based on the titles bestowed upon them unnecessarily nor should they take authority for granted. Instead they should give the impression of being hands on every task and show willingness to pitch in when the chips are down to earn respect. It must be forever remembered that leaders are under the constant watch of the team members perennially checking them for their distrustful tendencies.  

One way of being in the forefront is to be proactive in all one’s dealings. Leaders are respected when they honour their commitments and keep their promises. Talking ill about others behind their backs gives the impression to subordinates that their leader could speak badly about them too in another forum.  It is important to not fall in the trap of trying to please everybody all the time. This indicates that a leader can be manipulated by the team members into doing anything that they want. If hard decisions need to be taken then they must be taken with a rationale given. There should be a difference between humility and trying to be too nice all the time. It has also been observed that any leader who keeps apologising all the time for every little thing is not respected at the workplace at all. It gives the impression of being a weak personality. Leaders have to have an open mind and be willing to listen to the ideas and suggestions of others at the same time they should be able to make value additions. Anybody who constantly keeps blowing their own trumpet speaking about their past accomplishments is neither going to win the respect of the team nor be regarded as an inspiring leader. Preparation for any task in hand is the key to success in any situation be it at any level. Leaders who are afraid to speak up when they feel otherwise about something tend to be looked down upon. In fact this fuels a fear amongst the employees that their leader may not stand up for them in a time of their crisis. Leadership is not about giving sermons to the teams all the time but also about practicing listening skills.

Finally, to gain respect of the people both upwards, downwards and sideways, it is imperative that leaders should be indicative of taking actions rather than merely speaking words standing tall to their true ideals and principles at all times. Their main plank should to treat people around them with dignity and justness. Showering appreciation for work well done giving a boost to well-deserved employees and promote inclusiveness.

Lastly, leaders should never forget the golden rule, “Give Respect to Get Respect”.