Simple Ways to Earn Respect As a Leader

Respect is something you cannot expect to be given to you just because you are a leader. As they all say, you should earn it. The problem is, there isn’t any specific formula to method that you can use to gain respect while you are in a leadership role. This is one of the challenges that leaders have to face. They have to look for ways they could get the confidence of their subordinates, while at the same time still showing that they have the authority in the workplace. But no matter how challenging it may be, there are small things you can do to gain respect as a leader.

1. Remain optimistic and have a positive attitude. Negative leaders are very hard to respect. In fact, people would usually ridicule such leaders behind their backs. Being pessimistic and having a negative attitude doesn’t develop respect, but fear and hatred.

2. Reach out to your employees more. It isn’t enough that you tell everyone that they can approach you anytime. Try to find time to interact with your employees and encourage them to speak up more. Employees would really appreciate it if you show them you are willing to listen to them about anything.

3. Don’t hesitate to help a member of your staff. As a leader, of course you are busy. But as you walk along the hallway and you see one of your staff needing some help, make sure you do offer help. This gesture may not mean so much to you, but for your employee, this is something special and respectable about you.

4. Tell your employees what you want them to do and not how you want them to do it. As a leader, you should trust the right people in your office to do particular things. And when you delegate tasks, be sure that you give them the freedom to choose whatever strategy they want to accomplish the task. When workers feel trusted and valued, they can see how good a leader you are.

5. Respect differences. Especially in a diverse workplace, it is important for a leader to know how to make everyone feel comfortable. During a meeting, for instance, give everyone an equal chance to express their opinions and show that all their input is valuable. A good and respectable leader is one who can make it possible for totally different individuals to work as a team.

6. Don’t hesitate to show your funny side. You don’t have to be serious-looking all the time to show your staff that you are all about business and career advancement. Especially when the pressure in the workplace is mounting, you should be the one to start trying to make the mood lighter. Crack jokes from time to time so your members will see the human side of you, which is an important factor in gaining others’ respect.