Blog Re-post: Respecting the Leader or the Position: Part 2

This is part two of a post that originated last June. Enjoy.

Respect is always a two-way street. Yesterday, I wrote about this from the leader's perspective. Today, I write from the follower's view.

Respect works in both ways. A follower respects a leader, and a leader respects the follower. In both cases, respect is earned through a lengthy relationship building process, and can be destroyed in a single moment.

For the employee, student, volunteer, etc., gaining the respect of those that lead is valuable, because it gives you leverage when interacting with your boss, teacher, pastor, team leader, etc. When you become trustworthy and dependable, you will gain access to your leader that few others will have opportunity to get.

But, respect, once gained, cannot be taken for granted or abused. Respect will fade away if the follower becomes consistently lazy in their efforts.

Here are some tips for those who follow:

• Do your best to respect the leader, and not just the position. Respect is mutually given and received.
• Don't let past bad experiences with other leaders cloud your ability to work for leaders around you today.
• If you do work for a jerk, you have two options: live though it or get out.
• Leaders highly respect followers who perform well, are dependable, and care for the organization's well being.

Do you have any other tips? Let me know.