RESPECT: A Fundamental Ingredient for Effective Leadership

Every platoon commander knows this truth; never reproach a sergeant in front of his men. Respect is a fundament ingredient in effective leadership. A leader cannot be effective if he does not command respect from the people he is leading.

The natural question is, how do leaders earn respect? By making sound decisions, admitting their mistakes and putting what is best for their followers and the organization ahead of their personal agenda. Diligence, hard work and excellence are catalyst of respect. When you lead well, your respect in that area of endeavor grows.

Respect is never demanded but earned. When respect is demanded before it is given, such respect is simply the product of manipulation. Respect is the by-product and the interplay of competence and character. If you want to be respected as a leader, you must be a person of integrity. You must be a man of your words.

The people being led must be able to trust their leader to lead them successfully. They must respect him that he is capable and competent enough to take them from where they are to where he says is a better place for them. This is crucial as leadership is taking the people from where they are, to where they ought to be.

As a leader, earning the respect of your followers is one thing. Enhancing it is a different ball game. A leader must bear in mind that his people want to be respected and they want their time to be respected too. Thus, being punctual at meetings with his people is vital. Keeping secrets secret adds to a leader's respect. A leader must be disciplined to keep confidence. A leader who cannot keep confidence can never be respected. When you discuss people, your followers will listen but they will be wary of you. They know they can be the next victim of your loose mouth.

Avoid being over familiar with your followers. Sure, you cannot influence people if you isolate and insulate yourself from them but over familiarity is another thing. Over familiarity cheapens and reduces the respect people will have for their leader. Too much familiarity breeds contempt.

Among the things a leader must avoid if he does not want to lose respect are dishonesty, incompetence, immorality and double standard. Incompetence and bad character will rob a leader of respect and once respect is diminished, leadership influence dwindles.

How do you test the effectiveness of your leadership? Here is a suggestion. Create changes in your organization. Then observe the numbers of your followers, who are willing to follow the new course. That is the ultimate test of respect.