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WE ALL WANT TO BE RESPECTED

By Kholwaphi Mdziniso | 2018-03-20

We all want and desire to be respected, yet respect is a virtue that is earned.

Many leaders get tempted to complain that people do not respect them, yet respect is reciprocated by the people when a leader has showed above average leadership qualities. We seek respect in our professional lives and gaining the respect of others in the workplace is something many people want.

The following guidelines can boost a leader in working a way that will earn him respect from his team peers and co-workers. The framework is sourced from Deisyme (2015).

n Have self-confidence

A leader has to show co-workers passion for company goals and encourage others to do the same. Further, the leader must maintain individual identity by not allowing the job to consume him. Employees must appreciate that you choose to work for them. Do not let the fear of losing some things hinder your job performance - that will give you the confidence and flexibility to be a visionary. Maintain a level of practicality and adjust goals as needed.

n Strive to set task and complete it in agreed times

Setting task and completing it in good time will demonstrate to both your superiors and team members that you are a responsible person who keeps their word. This also helps others trust you as that shows a high level of accountability. If you are given a deadline that is unreasonable, tactfully find a way to convey this information to the individual who set the deadline.

n Show humility

Be willing to admit your flaws, but do not focus on them. You should have some self-depreciation, but it should be paired with self-confidence. People generally will not respect a leader who appears insecure and continuously mentions their shortcomings. Show your human side but maintain a sense of boldness and self-assurance.

n Have patience with the different people that you work with

Realise that co-workers each have their individual levels of learning and adapt to new tasks and job assignments accordingly. Praise others as they master each step of their new assignments. Having patience with others will demonstrate you have confidence in co-workers and believe they can expand their knowledge and skills. People are most likely to respect those who treat them well and will not fear approaching them with problems or questions.

n Respect co-workers even if you do not like them

Despite not always seeing eye-to-eye with co-workers, you still must show professional respect to everyone you encounter during the course of the workday. Things change rapidly in the corporate world. Someone who is your subordinate may someday become your superior or a co-worker may join another company and become one of your future clients.

n Do not repeat workplace gossip

While it may be tempting to listen and repeat the latest office gossip, doing so will give the impression that you are not to be trusted with confidential information. It also gives the impression that you enjoy discussing the misfortunes of others. That is not a good way to earn respect.

n Be inclusive

Tell team members about changes in the organisation and what impact it may have on all involved. Encourage employees to ask questions and stay informed about what is happening within the company. One simple way to accomplish is to publish an office newsletter.

n Workers enjoy being praised

This enhances their confidence in their skills. It may encourage them to work harder and learn new tasks and skills. If you must give criticism, combine it with praise for what the employee does well. If something does go wrong, do not publicly blame anyone else. If addressing a group, explain the problem and what steps are being taken to prevent future occurrences.

n Share knowledge with co-workers

This action demonstrates that you have confidence in their abilities to handle new situations and that you respect them enough to share this important information. As you seek knowledge, you must also learn the value of communal learning. This will help you form a team mentality in the workplace and include others in your success. Respected people are seldom loners on the road to success. They include others along their journey and make it known that everyone has a role in the success of the company.

n Be neat and organised

An active workplace is indicative of a hard-working individual but a disorganised workplace leaves the impression that you have no regard for the image of the company. Every leaders dress code should reflect the idea that you value your professional image.

n Always be professional, even at office parties

The final word of advice to those who seek respect in the workplace is not to get drunk at company social functions. Although an event may be held off company premises, it is still a work-related event and it is not professional to act rudely or say something inappropriate.While your private life is your own business, you have to maintain your reputation at work by not over-indulging at social functions.

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