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How can I maintain the respect of my workforce?

Home » Management » Workforce Management » How can I maintain the respect of my workforce?

It is very important that you have good relationships, even friendships, with the members of your workforce. Additionally important, however, is that you remain their leader as well as their friend. If you become simply the peer of your workforce, your authority, leadership, and ability to manage, will diminish. Here are some ways to keep the respect of your workforce:

Don�t show favoritism: The quickest way to destroy team unity is to play favorites. Be careful not to play the role of tough boss to one employee and friendly peer to another. Employees will recognize that and will begin seeking your favor while losing respect for your leadership.
Be competent: People respect ability. You don�t have to know every answer, but you should know where to get it. When employees don�t know the answer, they should be able to come to you. Give them a model of excellence�you should be better at your job than your employees are at theirs.
Be decisive: A leader is the one who makes the tough decisions, and decision-making gives the impression of confidence. Managers who make strong decisions show employees that they know where they are heading. Admit mistakes when you make them, but keep moving forward.
Keep some distance: If you have a complaint about your superiors, don�t air it to your subordinates. Don�t expect to be a peer to employees because, by virtue of your position, you are not a peer. You can spend time with employees socially, but maintain dignity and respect at all times.

A leader who is respected has far more control over his followers. Your employees will trust your leadership if they respect your judgment, competence, confidence, and authority. And employees who trust your leadership are then ready to be guided�which is where you come in.

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