8 Traits of a Respected Leader
Respect is essential as a leader. According to the Oxford Dictionary, respect is “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.”
Therefore, someone who disrespects a leader is in essence saying, “I don’t admire you. I don’t admire your abilities, qualities or achievements.” When that happens within an organization, this negative workplace environment results in inefficiencies and overall poor production.
Hang out in certain break rooms and you’ll hear people complaining about their leaders. Spend time in other companies and you will listen to the people talk well of their leaders. Why are some leaders respected and others disrespected?
This is a good question and one that should not only be answered, but be followed up with action. It’s important to earn respect as a leader so that the business and your team can prosper. When you model respect, you’re creating a healthy workplace environment. Also, when you have respect from others, it greatly enhances your emotional well-being and adds momentum to your leadership path.
The most disrespected leaders are those who feel entitled to the admiration and appreciation from others. These leaders believe their titles and positions are enough, and they demand respect rather than earn it. What every good leader knows is that they have to give respect in order to get it.
The following are 8 traits of a respected leader. They are those who:
- Speak well of their staff. They build the team rather than tear it down with words.
- Give credit where it’s due, and encourage instead of berate when improvement is required.
- Set up a reward system that can become part of the everyday culture of the business.
- Do what they say they will do. Great leaders are consistent in how they operate and respond.
- Create a way to communicate and make themselves accessible to the team.
- Admit when they are wrong and teach others to take responsibility.
- Ask their team for help and advice. This makes the team members feel valued.
- Make hard decisions, including letting troublesome staff go. This sets the standards high for the group.
Leadership is a responsibility, but it is also an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people. Remember, it’s not just the tasks of a business that make it profitable, it is the people who make it succeed.