Foster Respect As A Leader. 5 Top Tips From Shona

5 Top Tips: What to Do When Your People Don’t Seem to Respect You as Their Leader

Leadership isn’t always a smooth journey. One of the most challenging situations a leader can face is when their team doesn’t seem to respect them. This lack of respect can erode trust, disrupt productivity, and leave you questioning your abilities. However, all is not lost. By taking proactive steps, you can rebuild respect and foster a stronger connection with your team. Here are five actionable tips to help you navigate this situation:

1. Reflect on Your Leadership Style

Self-awareness is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Take a step back and evaluate your behaviour, decisions, and communication. Ask yourself:

• Am I leading by example?

• Do I consistently treat my team with fairness and respect?

• Have I been clear and consistent in setting expectations?

Sometimes, a lack of respect stems from unintentional behaviours. Perhaps you’ve been overly critical, micromanaging, or unavailable when your team needed guidance. Addressing these issues starts with honest self-assessment.

Actionable Step: Consider seeking anonymous feedback from your team through surveys or one-on-one conversations. Use their insights to identify areas for improvement and commit to making changes.

2. Communicate Transparently and Regularly

Effective communication is a foundation for building trust and respect. If your team feels disconnected or unsure about your vision, decisions, or expectations, it can lead to frustration and a lack of respect.

What to do:

• Be clear and consistent when sharing goals, updates, and expectations.

• Listen actively to your team’s concerns and feedback.

• Acknowledge mistakes openly and outline how you plan to address them.

  
  

Actionable Step: Schedule regular check-ins or team meetings to ensure open lines of communication. Create a safe space where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts.

3. Model the Behaviour You Want to See

Respect is reciprocal. If you want your team to respect you, you must demonstrate respect for them. Your actions set the tone for the entire team.

How to model respect:

• Show appreciation for their efforts and achievements.

• Treat everyone fairly and avoid favouritism.

• Uphold the standards you expect from others, such as punctuality, accountability, and professionalism.

  
  

Actionable Step: Publicly recognise team members who exemplify desired behaviours. This not only shows respect for their contributions but also reinforces the behaviour you value.

4. Empower Your Team Through Trust

Micromanaging or failing to delegate can signal a lack of trust, which undermines respect. Instead, empower your team by trusting them with responsibility and decision-making authority.

How to empower:

• Delegate meaningful tasks that align with team members’ strengths.

• Give them autonomy to solve problems and make decisions.

• Offer support and guidance without taking over.

  
  

Actionable Step: Set clear objectives and allow your team to determine how to achieve them. Follow up to provide constructive feedback and celebrate successes.

5. Invest in Relationships

People respect leaders who genuinely care about them. Building strong, authentic relationships with your team can significantly impact how they perceive you.

How to build connections:

• Take time to understand their individual goals, challenges, and motivations.

• Be approachable and empathetic, especially during difficult times.

• Celebrate personal milestones and team accomplishments.

  
  

Actionable Step: Organise team-building activities or casual gatherings to foster camaraderie. Use these opportunities to connect on a personal level and strengthen relationships.

Final Thoughts

Earning and maintaining respect as a leader takes effort, self-awareness, and consistency. If your team doesn’t currently respect you, don’t lose hope. By reflecting on your leadership style, improving communication, modelling respect, empowering your team, and investing in relationships, you can rebuild trust and inspire loyalty.

Remember, leadership is a journey of growth—both for you and your people. Embrace the process and commit to becoming the kind of leader your people will respect and admire.

If you’re ready to take your leadership skills to the next level, I’d love to help. Contact me today to learn more about my Success and Leadership Coaching services and how they can transform your professional journey.

Contact hello@shonagoodall.com / 07919342740