Seven Tips On How To Earn Respect In The Workplace Rather Than Demand It

Too many leaders take their position of authority for granted. Many believe that their rank should earn them instant respect and that their status commands a level of cooperation and performance.

Although this is nice in theory, it is rarely the case. In this article we explore how to earn respect in the workplace.

Today’s leaders cannot demand respect. They must alter their mindset and become more accountable, actionable and fully engaged. They must realize that their actions influence productivity. Rather than command respect, in order to create an environment of trust, loyalty and earned admiration, they should roll up their sleeves and lead by example.

Here are seven tips on how to earn respect in the workplace and inspire greatness in your team:

1. Demonstrate Passion and Confidence: People gravitate to passionate, confident people. Show your team that you are passionate about your organization’s purpose and have confidence in their ability to succeed. Constantly drive interest in what you are trying to accomplish and trust that your team can achieve the goals you establish.
2. Remain Consistent. If you say you’re going to do something, follow through and do it. Remaining consistent will earn you the reputation that you stick to your word. You can’t expect accountability from your team, if you are not accountable for your own deliverables. It’s best to establish a consistent track record that shows your employees that you follow through. Avoid ending initiatives before they gain traction. Make a decision and let it play out.
3. Respect Time. Nothing frustrates people more than wasting time. Making people wait, or missing meetings is the first sign of disrespect. Time is everyone’s most valuable commodity. Make a commitment to your calendar and stick to the appointments and meetings you’ve scheduled.
4. Respond in a timely manner. Even with the advanced technology available today, monitoring and responding to communications can be challenging. Whether you communicate by email, texts, or through project coordination software, let your team know the best time and method of reaching you. You’ll earn more respect if you respond in a timely manner.
5. Encourage creativity and “Out of the Box” thinking. Great ideas develop through experimentation―trial and error. True leaders allow their employees to take moderate risks. Avoid the urge to micromanage. Instead, foster your team’s creativity and create a safe environment where employees can learn from their failures as much as their success.
6. Be Transparent. Wear your fairness on your sleeve. In leadership, there is no room for favoritism, jealousy or back-stabbing. Healthy competition is acceptable; however you should try to create a supportive environment where all teammates benefit from the success of each other.
7. Support, Guide But Don’t Placate. Real leaders are supportive and should guide employees when they are struggling or in a slump. However, bosses that coddle and pacify habitual troublemakers, put the success of the entire group at risk. You can support weaker teammates, however be prepared to cut them loose when they impede the performance and success of your team.

Where you stand in an organizational chart doesn’t necessarily make you a true leader. Leaders without respect tend to get the minimum effort. Your authority only gets you so far. Try implementing these 7 tips on how to earn respect in the workplace and they will impress you with their effort. If you need help to implement these, a coach can provide invaluable input and feedback on how to get the most out of your team. You can contact me easily by phone or through the website.