How to Become a Respected Leader

Most leaders take pride on being the unlikable hard ass.

My experience has found that this usually does more harm than good and is demotivating and uninspiring.

You can be a likable, respected leader. Nay, maybe even lovable.

Here I present five ways to be a respected yet likable leader.

1. GIVE A PURPOSE

People want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

Remind your team on a regular basis why they are there. What is the bigger picture? Are they building just a wall, or is it a wall that is a part of a massive cathedral or even hospital?

Get back to WHY- Inspire with action and vision.

Give them important and challenging projects to work on.

2. DON’T TAKE FOR GRANTED

Do not be fooled, people do have other options. With poor treatment it will be a matter of time that people will leave for greener pastures.

High turnover has a cost in many ways. Low morale, money to train, vacancies, increased work for those who stick around.

When you just expect exceptional performance, and not reward appropriately, don’t be surprised when people want to leave the team.

3. CHALLENGE

Delegate and then leave alone. Reduce decision making to the lowest level.

Give appropriate but challenging projects. This forces people to grow beyond their current capabilities. People are capable of doing more than you may think.

Identify strengths in your people. They should be working in their strength zone, and seeking opportunities in that.

Give responsibilities that go above their present perceived abilities.

4. ENCOURAGE

After you challenge, then you encourage.

Be available to coach when they come across any obstacles.

Have faith in their abilities to overcome any challenges faced.

Remind that they are capable of far more than they may think of themselves.

Listen and encourage others to freely discuss challenges and solutions for overcoming.

5. PRAISE

Catch them doing something good

Leaders are always trying to catch bad things and punish. Catch someone doing something good or great, and recognize and reward appropriately.

CONCLUSION

Follow these instructions to increase your respect in your team or organization. This list, of course, is not the be all/end all. There are many variances and nuances to leading and being a part of a successful team. I wish you good luck.