Earning and maintaining respect

(By Rick Lambert)

Leadership is the ability to build trust, respect and integrity into an organization or a cause. 

On a simple level, respect is holding a place in someone else’s opinion

On a work level, respect is your “approval rating” that contributes to or diminishes support and cooperation from others

On a leadership level, respect is what makes or breaks your reputation

Respect is simply to be impressed with someone.  To make note of their strengths, consistency, or assistance, and as a result, hold them in high regard.  It recognizing what stands out in someone’s life that you admire.

Overall, respect is directly connected to something you value in that person.  If you value character, you’ll respect the demonstration of character in others.  If athletic ability is what you value, then you’ll respect successful sports figures.

Respect is easy to loose, but in most cases, it can be won back. 

However, when it is lost, it doesn’t need to be something big; little things can cause you to lose respect:

• Poor listening skills (Not listening when someone is talking to you)
• Acting dictatorially
• Playing favorites
• Failure to give or share credit
• Consistently completing jobs late

“Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of -- for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear” (Socrates).