One of the topics that came up at Leadercast this weekend was the aim of a leader to earn respect.
There’s a tendency to want to achieve respect by demonstrating competence. We want to make others respect us by our work ethic, intelligence or talent.
While it’s true that those competencies can garner respect, if you consider those you respect most, I bet one character trait that attracts you is how those people respect others.
You respect folks who listen intently.
You respect folks who “eat last.”
You respect folks who downplay position in deference to relationship.
You respect folks who readily give credit to others. Who value ideas more than position.
To be sure, our abilities earn respect. But, what trumps ability is character.
We respect those who first respect us. Who show consideration to us.
