The Law of Respect
In providing executive search services, our team works closely with organizational leaders every day. And in most cases, we’re working with great leaders (Executive Directors, C-Suite, Board Chairs, Bishops, etc.) to recruit and hire leaders (AVP’s, Directors, Managers, etc.). All this to say, we think and talk about leadership a lot.
I am re-reading The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell, a tried and true classic on the topic of leadership. This time through I was struck by one law in particular: The Law of Respect. It essentially says that people follow leaders better than themselves, and leaders they respect. Fair enough.
The natural question that arises is: what causes people to respect leaders?
Maxwell shares that, based on his research and experience, these 7 traits will earn respect from people:
Natural Leadership Ability: All leaders are not created equal. Some people are born with greater skills and abilities to lead. People want to follow, listen to, and learn from natural leaders. However, Maxwell also teaches that everyone can and must grow in leadership abilities. A pitfall is to rely on talent alone.
Respect For Others: When leaders show respect for others, they gain respect. As a result, people want to follow them and buy into their leadership. A negative example of this principle is a dictator who uses power, force, and intimidation, rather than respect, to exploit subordinates. This method is not successful over time.
Difficulties Overcome: Respect is gained on difficult ground. When leaders positively confront difficult issues, help people overcome destructive behaviors, or outlast trepidatious times, respect for the leader grows.
Courage: People don’t follow titles; they follow courageous and fearless people. Those who do what’s right, take risks, and accept criticism to pursue a worthwhile mission earn respect. This trait is most obvious in military heroes.
Success: Success is attractive and people are drawn to it. A good track record is hard to argue. People respect successful leaders, believe they can do it again, and want to be part of it.
Loyalty: In a culture of constant change, turnover, and transition, loyalty is an asset. When a leader sticks with a team, organization, and mission until the job is done, they earn respect. People follow people who are dependable and committed.
Value Added To Others: When you add value to others, rather than utilizing people and resources for personal gain, people follow. Leaders that use their position, experience, and talent to teach, train, support, build up—ultimately adding value—earn respect.
Another Maxwell law is the Law of the Lid, which states that we can never hit a ceiling in our growth as a leader. There is always the opportunity to get better. As we venture into this new year, how can you grow in these 7 leadership traits to become an even more respected leader?
—Tom Pagano, President of Mission Advantage Recruiting