We often search for the most important thing. Christine Porath, associate professor at Georgetown University, along with other researchers, believe the leadership behavior that employees most want is respect.
48% of people who experience disrespect at work intentionally decrease their work effort. 78% are less committed to their organization.*
“Being treated with respect was more important to employees than recognition and appreciation, communicating an inspiring vision, providing useful feedback — or even opportunities for learning, growth, and development.” Christine Porath
Respect is a feeling, but showing respect is a behavior.
10 things that make people feel disrespected:
- Looking at computer screens and cell phones during conversations.
- Outburst of anger.
- Cursing and slang.
- One sided conversations. Not listening.
- Wasting people’s time.
- Asking people to re-do work, even though clear instructions weren’t given up front.
- Not following up.
- Not showing up for meetings.
- Aggressiveness.
- Lies.
7 ways to show respect:
- Speak to aspirations.
- Talk more about strengths than weaknesses.
- Ask, “What do you think?”
- Take time to ponder suggestions.
- Focus on issues not personalities during disagreements.
- Say please and thank you.
- Feeling understood.
Feeling respected is an individual matter. You must know people in order to respect them. You might try asking, “What could I do that would show my respect for you?”
3 Qualities that enable leaders to show respect:
- Humility.
- Compassion.
- Trust.
What makes you feel disrespected? Respected?
How might leaders make teammates feel respected?
Resources:
*The Price of Incivility, Harvard Business Review
The Leadership Behavior That’s Most Important to Employees, Harvard Business Review