As a manager, respect is essential to building a successful, productive team.
While many managers struggle to gain respect from employees, respect can
actually be earned and maintained with simple behaviors that let people know
you can be trusted to lead effectively. Adopt the following behaviors and watch
employee respect for you grow:
1. Be encouraging. Offer sincere praise for a job well done. Tell your
employees that you appreciate their efforts while they are working, and
offer immediate recognition upon successful completion of a task, while
the work is still fresh in the mind of the employee.
2. Be trusting. People feel devalued by managers who can’t let go. It is
important, when delegating responsibilities, to trust employees to
accomplish tasks without telling them how to complete their work. Trust
and empower employees to explore ways to achieve success in a manner
that will lead to the development of their own skills.
3. Be honest. Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know the answer! No
one respects an arrogant fool, but respect is gained through honesty and
understanding. Similarly, give truthful feedback to employees rather than a
simple, “good job,” especially if the job done did not meet company goals.
4. Be available. In addition to leaving your door open, schedule time to chat
with employees. Letting coworkers know that your time is not too
important for them will cause them to value and respect you.
5. Be positive. No one is drawn to negativity. Work to see the positive in
your employees and express optimism regarding the progress of your
team.
6. Be helpful. Never be too busy to make yourself useful to others. Being
willing to stop and offer advice to those who ask for it, or to assist in areas
that may even be “below” your status are sure ways to encourage
appreciation and respect among employees – they will see that you
actually care.
7. Be relatable. Don’t be afraid to laugh and smile. Managers who are too
serious can seem sterile or even hostile, causing mistrust. Don’t be afraid
to occasionally have some appropriate fun with your employees.
8. Be open. Ask for the opinions of your employees, then actively listen and
respond to their views. People respect those who actually consider their
ideas and show interest.
9. Be humble. As Jim Collins observed in his book, Great by Choice,
companies that have incredible track records of success consistently
boast leaders who take personal blame for failures and setbacks, but give
others credit for progress and success.
10. Be reliable. Make sure that what you say and what you do match up.
Whereas consistency quickly earns trust, inconsistency leads to doubt and
a lack of respect. Following up and following through will quickly establish
credibility among employees.
What are some effective ways that you gain the respect of your employees?
We’re eager to share ideas with you. Contact us!