Sustainable Excellence Xtras #116 - Personal and Professional Power

Your position may give you authority, but how do you earn the respect of your staff?

Just because you are in a leadership role, doesn't mean you are viewed as a leader.

An effective leader is respected based on the way he or she treats others, communicates information, explains the decision-making process, tries to do what is in the best interest of the subordinates, and develops future leaders.

According to leadership expert, Betsy Allen-Manning, here are six ways leaders gain respect in the workplace:

1. Show confidence in your ability to lead - Effective leaders are constantly developing their people, communicating, and coaching skills.    

2. Don't demand respect, earn it - Earning respect starts by showing respect to others.

3. Listen to other's ideas - The more input you get from your team members, the more buy-in you get on your mission.

4. Remain humble - Value others above yourself and share the credit with your team.

5. Lead by example - If you want your staff to show integrity, work hard, and be positive, then you have to model integrity, hard work, and a positive attitude.

6. Communicate appreciation often - People like nothing more than to know their contributions matter. Constantly let them know you appreciate their efforts.

Working hard to gain your employee's respect will ultimately put you in a position where you will have more influence with them because they respect you.

Leave me a comment about your thoughts on how you can gain the respect of the people you lead.

Also, please watch the short video below about three people who used their personal and professional power to become leaders.