Marc Estes

Developing healthy teams requires more strategy than just sharing a common vision. Although vision is important, if a team does not have the respect of it’s leader, the reality of vision fulfillment is greatly diminished. You will find that those who desire to follow you the most are those that respect you the most. Respect is not given, it is earned.

Respect is defined simply as, “The state of being regarded with honor or esteem. Respect is an unassuming resounding force, the stuff that equity and justice are made of.” It means being treated with consideration and esteem and to be willing to treat people similarly. It means to have a regard for other peoples’ feelings, listening to people and hearing them, i.e. giving them one’s full attention. Even more importantly, respect means treating one with dignity. Respect is the opposite of humiliation and contempt. So where the latter can be a cause of conflict, the former and its opposite can help transform it.

There are five “C’s” that you will find that will be necessary in order to develop a team culture where people will respect you as their leader. Try applying these simple, yet crucial principles to your leadership style and watch the respect level rise in your team.

1. Be Consistent – Say what you mean, do what you say, and always be true to your word. Be prompt, professional, and proficient in everything you do.  Model the attributes you desire others to live and remain consistent in your vision, values and philosophy.

 

2. Be Caring – Take the time to find out what is going on in the life of your team members. When you find out that someone is hurting help them. If they are discouraged, lift them up. If they are tired, give them a break. If they make a mistake, send them some grace.

 

3. Be Clear – Learn to be honest even if it hurts. Don’t hold back a concern or frustration and share it with everyone but the person that needs to hear it most. Build a reputation that is honest, up front, real, caring and to the point. Once you share a concern, help them with the solution. Their success is your success.

 

4. Be Courageous – Always be a few steps ahead of your team. Be willing to go where you ask others to go. Stand for your morals and values even if it costs you something… even if it costs you much. Don’t be a reed in the wind, or be double-minded. Have some back bone and stand strong.

 

5. Be Courteous – Model what a polite leader looks like. Give people the respect they deserve. Allow people to share their thoughts even if they don’t seem important to you. Give people your undivided attention. Walk down the hallway and give them the time instead of sending them a text or email if it is a big issue.

 

Respect will be your great ally or a lack of it, will be  your worst nightmare. Maybe today you could take a few steps down the ladder and climb off the platform and give people a little more respect. You never know, you just might benefit from it!