Why respect in the workplace is important

"There is one behavior that underlies all good leadership: treating everyone with respect," Zenger and Folkman write. However, some leaders struggle with this behavior when it comes to their employees.

According to data the authors collected from 4,849 employees, 86% said they felt respected while 4% said they felt disrespected. While the number of workers who felt disrespected may seem low, Zenger and Folkman argue it is "far too high."

"That's roughly one out of 25 colleagues who feel they are not respected, that they don't belong, or perhaps even feel inferior," the authors write. "It's hard to imagine that people who feel this way are able to do their best work or reach their potential."

How to make your employees feel respected

Using correlation coefficients between individual behaviors and ratings from employees about their leaders, Zenger and Folkman identified seven behaviors that help create a better overall impression of respectful treatment in the workplace.

1. Valuing diversity

According to the authors, a common theme among people who felt disrespected was that they were different from their colleagues or didn't fit in. Although many leaders may actively work to ensure that their team is diverse and that they're open to different perspective, some may just assume they are treating everyone equally, leaving them unaware of their blind spots.

"To establish a groundwork of respect, leaders must be aware that they may not be doing everything they can to show that they value diversity, and make clear that differences are valued," Zenger and Folkman write.

2. Being aware of people's issues and concerns

It is important for leaders to have a level of familiarity with their employees and colleagues to establish respect. Although it's not possible to know everything that's happening with everyone, "you should be making an effort to convey that you are there for employees who may want to share sensitive issues or deep concerns," the authors write.

To do this, the authors recommend setting a goal to stay in touch with people as much as possible by checking to see how they're doing and letting them know they're supported. Some potential questions to ask include "Are we making it possible for you to balance your work and your personal life?" or "How is your family doing at this moment?"

3. Being trusted by your team

According to Zenger and Folkman's research, the level of trust on a team will decrease if even one person distrusts you, making it "an emotion that's contagious."

Trust is enhanced by three factors, which are positive relationships, sharing knowledge/expertise, and consistency. When you treat people with respect, regardless of language, culture, religion, or anything else, you will enhance your relationship and increase the level of trust they have in you.

4. Resolving conflicts

Even small conflicts between a few people can have a negative impact on a group as a whole and encourage feelings of disrespect. According to the authors, leaders often avoid intervening in conflicts between team members, but when this approach isn't used consistently, it can be a sign of disrespect toward certain people.

"Conflicts in a team are like a small fire in the forest that, if caught early, can be easily put out but, when ignored, can create significant damage," Zenger and Folkman write. "Leaders need to resolve conflicts quickly when they occur."

5. Balancing a desire to get results with a concern for others

"The best leaders balance getting results with the realities facing the people who produce them," the authors write.

Rather than always prioritizing results, it's also important to consider the circumstances of the people who deliver them. In many cases, making small exceptions for people during times of sickness or stress can positively impact both satisfaction and engagement.

6. Encouraging open discussion

Although it's a simple act, asking someone their opinion can be a powerful way to show respect. It's also important to listen and engage with other people's opinions to show that you respect their perspective.

"When a leader is willing to hear different perspectives and dig into problems that concern others, they show they value those team members," Zenger and Folkman write.

7. Giving honest feedback in a helpful way

"Direct and honest feedback can make people feel respected," the authors write, but it needs to be delivered in a helpful way and fairly reflect their performance.

For example, if someone does 90% of their work correctly and 10% incorrectly, feedback should be 90% positive and 10% corrective. When leaders only focus on giving corrective feedback, it implies that all they care about or notice are mistakes.

Unless feedback on negative behavior is balanced with positive comments, people will feel disrespected.

In the end, "[g]reat leaders are well respected, but more importantly, they take deliberate, thoughtful steps to show respect for their employees," Zenger and Folkman write. (Zenger/Folkman, Harvard Business Review, 6/7)

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