The secret to earning respect

When things don’t go the way we want them to at work, the urge to throw a tantrum can be overwhelming.

Just ask Jose Mourinho. The feisty Man United boss has previously stormed out of a post-match press conference after becoming irritated at the ‘lack of respect’ he gets from the media.

Respect in the workplace – particularly if you’re the manager – is essential but hissy fits are not the way to earn it!

These are the best ways to earn the respect of staff and colleagues. No huffs required!

Show consistency

This is a key quality all successful managers should possess. Temper tantrums, mood swings and erratic behaviour are all a sure fire way to lose control. Calm, rational leaders are always more approachable. Management values and goals for the workplace should be clear and implemented from the outset. When everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet, trust and respect grow.

Lead from the front

Ever had a manager like David Brent from The Office? Oh, dear! It can be demoralising and frustrating to work for a boss who can’t effectively lead from the front. Being authoritative, confident, well-organised and direct will show employees you’re a good fit for your role.

Listen to your staff

The best bosses are great listeners and take on board the opinions and ideas of their workforce. Respect can quickly disappear if you’re unwilling to learn from your managers and colleagues. A ‘my way or the highway’ approach rarely works.

Be accessible

Great leaders are approachable. Staff often put managers on a pedestal and can be anxious about communicating with them. An ‘open door’ policy and a willingness to engage builds trust by breaking down barriers.

Work hard

Inspiring diligence and productivity in staff can be tricky – but not if you lead by example. Hard work, commitment and passion are key qualities in management. Showing employees how you stick to the job is motivational and earns you those all-important kudos.

Learn to relax

Even the best leaders have off days – keeping this in mind will stand you in good stead. Don’t sweat the small stuff, pick your battles wisely and treat every negative experience or bad day as a learning experience.

Jose, we hope you’ve been taking notes? If you’re already a whizz in the world of management or keen to find a new position, head to jobs24.com now to find the latest vacancies.

Posted on September 12, 2018