R-E-S-P-E-C-T, by Phillip Van Hooser, CSP

Initially, it must be understood that respect is not a possession to be acquired or some ceremonial reverence that is bestowed upon us based on the positions we happen to hold. For any of us to experience the joy and satisfaction of being respected by superiors, peers, and followers alike, we must conscientiously work to earn that respect.

Keep in mind that the process of earning the respect of another is simply that -- a personal process. A critical process, but a process nonetheless. As such, I have discovered the issue of respect (or the lack of it) to be either a stepping stone or a stumbling block in the on-going professional development of leaders. For that reason, I would like to suggest three developmental elements in this process that are critical for all aspiring leaders. I call it "Van Hooser`s Recipe for Respect."

FIRST IS THE ISSUE OF CONSISTENCY. Personal and professional consistency in vision, thought, word and deed. Followers spend an inordinate amount of time just observing their leaders. Then based on personal observation, they tend to pass judgement on us as leaders relative to their ability to predict with confidence our actions. Some of the best leadership advice I have ever received was communicated to me in the following statement. "Leaders may not be able to predict what their followers will always do, or say, or think. However, FOLLOWERS MUST ALWAYS BE ABLE TO PREDICT WHAT THEIR LEADERS WILL DO, OR SAY, OR THINK." Such predictability allows followers to consciously adapt and adjust their behavior to that of their leaders.

THE SECOND ISSUE IN EARNING RESPECT IS QUALITY DECISION MAKING. Please note that I did not say flawless decision making. For those of you who continue to strive in vain for perfection, please recognize that there is simply no possibility of making perfect decisions until that time when we have perfect knowledge of the future. However, the ability to make sound, reasonable decisions and then to communicate those decisions in a clear and timely manner, is a trait recognized and appreciated by most followers.

FINALLY, THE THIRD ELEMENT TO BE CONSIDERED IS SIMPLY THE ABILITY TO GET ALONG WITH PEOPLE. All kinds of people. Many otherwise talented potential leaders unnecessarily shackle themselves when they consciously or unconsciously choose to limit contact with their followers. Especially, the difficult, challenging ones. Keep in mind that extra credit does not come to those who are successful at loving the lovable. Leadership credit and ultimately, respect grows from one`s ability to relate to all kinds of people. Your followers, even the previously disenfranchised ones, are certain to take note.

The result? One`s ability to lead is enhanced when earned respect from others becomes a personal reality, not some elusive pipedream. Come to think about it, maybe Aretha is right. Earned respect is something to sing about!

©Copyright Phillip Van Hooser - All Rights Reserved.