Tuesday, 28th February, 2017

TITLE : REL 101 : THE LAW OF RESPECT 9

Don’t be confused. Respecting a position and respecting a person are not the same thing.

Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration motivated by a passion . The greatest misconception about leadership is that leaders are the one who has position, authority or title. Leadership is not about flow chart, position or title. It's all about a life influencing another. Position cannot make anyone a leader. You can be a leader (title) without leadership.

Even if you have a position of authority over an entire facility or a group of people within a facility, you will lead more effectively with influence than you will with position. True leaders don't need position to influence. If you can set aside your position, formal authority, and lead with moral authority, you will have leverage that those without a position can’t tap into because they don’t have a position to set aside. When those reporting to you know that you could rule with an iron fist but choose not to, you will gain influence and respect. When those reporting to you feel threatened by your power and position, you will lose influence and respect.

Low level leaders, with or without a position, demand respect and never get it. High level leaders, with or without a position, earn respect without ever demanding it. When you follow or respect someone only because of their position, you only do it because you have to. When you follow someone because you respect them, you follow because you want to. When people follow you because they have to, your leadership with them is weak. When people follow you because they want to, your leadership with them is strong.

Do people respect you because of your position or your person??

Don’t be confused. Respecting a position and respecting a person are not the same thing.

•When I respect your position, I do what’s expected. When I respect you as a person, I do more than is expected.

•When I respect your position, I show up on time. When I respect you, I show up ahead of time.

•When I respect your position, I follow the process. When I respect you, I improve my process.

When you are always reminding people of your position and authority or ranking. You're simply telling them you're a weak leader. Now that you understand that respect for position isn't the same as respect for person. Position can be a huge advantage in leadership but it can't make you a true leader. The truth is a leader doesn't need a position to exercise his leadership ability.
If you want to earn respect, show respect. respect. The stronger your character, the larger your following. If you want to lead high level leaders, you have to live your life at a high level. Not just when you’re at work, but when you’re not. Your influence in the world is based on who you are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you want to be respected, be respectable. You cannot hide from who you are. Neither can you hide who you are. Everywhere you go, there you are.

I encourage you to be a river, not a reservoir. Please share my blogs with others if you find value in them. I believe in abundance and write them to help others become more effective, successful, and significant leaders.