Earning respect as a manager is the essential element to reaching the top. But there are plenty of employees handling managerial positions who have difficulty earning respect from their subordinates and colleagues. You may be admired, feared at times – but if you are held in high regard by your colleagues, you will accelerate your career success.
Several studies show that good people usually leave excellent jobs because of bad managers, not because of salary, title, duties, etc. Here are a few things you can improve and be admirable in the workplace.
Learn To Listen
The key to effective leadership lies in simple things, one of which is listening. According to John Baldoni, listening to someone shows respect, and you value their ideas and are willing to hear them.
Active listening is an excellent quality to develop as a leader. Good leaders listen to their team members with utmost attention and sincerity. It enables them to better understand people and their perspectives. Likewise, it builds trust and lasting relationships within the workplace.
Good leaders communicate carefully, focusing both on the person and the message. Furthermore, they don’t interrupt and appreciate what is being said by their subordinate or colleague. Acquiring this skill is not easy because it needs self-awareness and humility to respect others’ points of view.
Ask Questions
Many great leaders shared inspiring stories and their experiences in Ted Talks. If you’ve noticed, these leaders are knowledgeable and curious. Their thoughts, views, and ideas are unique and thought-provoking.
Inquisitiveness and curiosity allow leaders to pursue various interests and keep them busy doing them. This quality builds a rational and positive attitude towards any problems, and in return, helps the leaders to be admirable.
Talk Less
Talking less is a quality of an effective communicator. Leaders should be great speakers who express their opinions in a respectful manner.
This communication skill helps prevent misunderstandings or miscommunications in the future. Instead of making assumptions or vague statements, good employers should encourage employees to share their thoughts, concerns, or suggestions.
In addition, influential leaders are not harsh. Instead, they choose the words and expressions which suit the situation. Not only that, but they also allow others to express their thoughts and ideas freely.
Good leaders understand how imperative it is to acquire communication skills. They are conscious about their actions and learn from others’ behaviors, giving them a profound understanding of human complexities.
Follow-up Employee Performance
Generally, leaders always monitor the employee’s work to make sure everything is up to the organization’s quality standard. However, the annual employee performance review is no longer the best solution to assess employee performance. It’s outdated, and no longer keeps up with the fast-paced modern workplace.
The follow-up to employee performance review is as necessary as the review per se. As a leader, it helps you ensure that employees execute your feedback. Likewise, it keeps employees and managers on track and encourages two-way communication about goals, progress, and performance.
Care About Others
The best leaders care about their people. They understand the value of work and life balance. Also, they put a premium on employees’ health and wellness because they play an essential role in attaining the organization’s success.
Aside from that, they inspire their team members and ensure that the staff, customers, beneficiaries, and clients feel respected. To be admirable, leaders should understand the importance of appreciating and recognizing employees and fostering mutual respect within the organization. They strive towards providing them with an environment where everyone can be successful.
