If we are wise, we allow people to “earn” respect and extend the courtesy of “owed” respect.

What’s an environment where you “earn” respect look like?

Our annual survey gives us a bunch of clues:

• • We make expectations clear. When people know what is expected, they have targets to aim for. Giving a person a target and letting them play is an invitation for respect. Hitting expectations is a path to being deemed a capable teammate. Once you know your contribution matters, your self-respect grows.
  • We listen to everyone’s opinions. We put good input to work. Being open to views and ideas is a virtuous cycle. You become more comfortable speaking when you speak and are acknowledged.

    When your words are considered and used, you are more willing to contribute again.

• Great teams communicate often, plainly, openly, and completely. Everyone is heard from. Everyone contributes. Confidence is high because the team is comfortable that all will be presented.
• We are interested in everyone getting better. We respond to ambition. We provide learning experiences. We pay attention to achievement.

• We give feedback. When your contributions are pointed out, you receive coaching, or your team asks you to help—all those things let you know you matter and are valued.

An environment where you can earn respect is led actively. The skill of giving respect is used broadly by all teammates.

-Howe Q. Wallace Jr