Respect Isn't Granted - It's Grown.
Respect is not inherited with a title; it's nurtured through intention, humility, and human connection.
– Dr. Sheryl R. Abshire
In today's education and technology leadership, there's a persistent myth that respect naturally comes with the role. It doesn't. The true weight of leadership begins when you realize respect must be earned every day, not assumed.
Respect is not inherited with a title; it's nurtured through intention, humility, and human connection.
– Dr. Sheryl R. Abshire
In today's education and technology leadership, there's a persistent myth that respect naturally comes with the role. It doesn't. The true weight of leadership begins when you realize respect must be earned every day, not assumed.
Leaders are not respected simply because they've logged years of service, hold multiple degrees, or have sharp strategic minds. Those traits matter, but they're not the tipping point. How they engage with people elevates a leader from competent to respected. Especially when there's disagreement or discomfort. Real respect stems from a leader's empathy, transparency, fairness, and consistency.
So, how do you become the kind of leader that others respect deeply?
So, how do you become the kind of leader that others respect deeply?
Lead with empathy and listen with purpose. When your team knows you listen, not to reply, but to understand, they begin to trust you. True listening is a leadership superpower, especially when the voices are challenging or unfamiliar.
In one major study, leaders who proactively asked for feedback were rated highly effective (Zenger & Folkman, 2009). That's not a coincidence. Respect flows both ways; leaders listening to critique without defensiveness signals strength, not weakness.
In short, respect is a long game. It's built in the quiet moments when you choose honesty over ease, learning over ego, and people over power. That's how you earn it and how you keep it.
What intentional actions do you take each day to earn, not expect, the respect of your team?
- Model the behavior you want to see. A strong work ethic, fairness, and accountability speak louder than motivational emails or lofty mission statements.
- Don't dodge difficult decisions. Respect grows when leaders make choices for the greater good, not for popularity. Integrity shines brightest when it's tested.
- Admit mistakes. Transparency doesn't mean perfection; it means you're honest enough to own what didn't work and humble enough to improve. That vulnerability makes you human and respected.
- Create space for others to shine. Give credit. Celebrate wins. Build pathways for others to lead. The best leaders don't hoard influence, they multiply it.
In one major study, leaders who proactively asked for feedback were rated highly effective (Zenger & Folkman, 2009). That's not a coincidence. Respect flows both ways; leaders listening to critique without defensiveness signals strength, not weakness.
In short, respect is a long game. It's built in the quiet moments when you choose honesty over ease, learning over ego, and people over power. That's how you earn it and how you keep it.
What intentional actions do you take each day to earn, not expect, the respect of your team?