You see, respect is earned. It's not about a title. When people respect you only because of the authority of your title, they will give you minimum effort.
So how do you earn respect? Here's some tested and proven ways to earn the respect of those you have been asked to lead and influence.
Be passionate about the mission of the ministry. People are drawn to passionate people. Be a thermostat instead of a thermometer. Set the tone for the ministry through a passionate commitment to the mission. And not only talk the mission...live it out. If you talk about inviting new people to join the team, be the first one out there asking people to join. Passion is lighting up the ministry mission through your actions.
Be relational. When people know you care about them, they will respect you. True respect is earned up close and personal...not from a distance.
Be honest about what you don't know. That may sound counter-productive, but it's not. When you are open about what you don't know and ask people to help you in those areas, they will respect you. You don't have to know it all to gain respect...you simply have to know when to ask for help.
Be a team player. Collaborators earn respect. Plain and simple.
Be quick to give credit to others. How does a great coach gain respect? By helping his players develop and shine. You will gain respect not by putting yourself in the spotlight, but by putting others in the spotlight. Your respect will be earned by helping others succeed.
Your turn. What are some other ways to gain respect as a leader? Share with us in the comment section below.
