RESPECT:

In my last Blog about Trust, I talked about the concept of Credibility. In this Blog, I want to share with you the second component in my model of what it takes to develop and maintain Trust at work. The second component is RESPECT. Respect involves being considerate, thoughtful, and showing deference and admiration toward others. As a leader, this means showing your associates appreciation for what they do, ensuring that they have the tools, equipment and training to perform at a high level. It means that you hold your staff in the highest regard and expect the best from them.

How do you make this actionable, what behaviors can you display to show respect?

1. When someone does an excellent job let them know that you appreciate their hard work and dedication.
   
2. Don't be a know-it-all, at meetings defer to your staff to provide answers – let them shine and have input into decisions that involve them.
   
3. Make sure your staff has the technology and training to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. Most people want to do excellent work and it is a big dissatisfier when they don't have the tools to get the job done to the best of their ability. Also, when your people don't have the right tools, it usually means it takes them a lot longer to do something. They don't like it when they are not being efficient.
   
4. Never embarrass your staff, not even if you are kidding around. Treat them like you want to be treated.
   
5. Accept differences – when someone doesn't agree with you, it is an opportunity to gain their trust by asking them why.
   
6. Show empathy, listen and be caring. Treat that individual as a person, not someone who accomplishes goals for the organization.
   
7. Part of listening is giving the person your time – that is your undivided attention. Don't work on your computer, answer your phone or check emails when someone is in your office talking with you. Have you ever been at a customer service desk in a store asking the attendant a question only to have them stop working with you to answer the phone then go on and solve the problem of the person on the phone before you? How did that make you feel?
   
8. Get out of your office, walk around and talk with your staff. When you get to work, do you go right to your office, and stay there? Try this: after placing your personal belongings in your office get out and about. You will be perceived as a more effective leader. You may find taking 15 minutes the first thing in the morning to connect with associates a better use of your time than reading emails.
   
9. Don't waste your staff's time. Run effective efficient meetings. Respect their time. When people are so busy, they don't want to waste it sitting around at meetings that don't accomplish anything.
   

What behaviors do you find important in building and maintaining RESPECT?