You're a new manager and want to earn the respect of your team. What's the best way to do it?

1 Be humble and honest

One of the worst things you can do as a new manager is to act like you know everything and you're always right. That will only alienate your team and undermine your credibility. Instead, be humble and honest about your strengths and weaknesses, your goals and challenges, and your mistakes and successes. Admit when you don't know something and ask for help or feedback. Share your vision and rationale for your decisions, but also listen to different perspectives and opinions. Show your team that you're a learner and a collaborator, not a dictator or a know-it-all.

2 Be supportive and empowering

Another key aspect of earning respect as a new manager is to show your team that you care about them and their development. Be supportive and empowering by providing them with the resources, guidance, and recognition they need to do their jobs well. Don't micromanage or interfere with their autonomy, but rather delegate and trust them to deliver. Don't take credit for their work or blame them for your failures, but rather celebrate their achievements and help them overcome their challenges. Don't ignore or avoid their concerns or issues, but rather address them promptly and respectfully. Show your team that you're a coach and a partner, not a boss or a critic.

3 Be consistent and fair

A third essential factor of earning respect as a new manager is to show your team that you're consistent and fair in your actions and expectations. Be consistent and fair by setting clear and realistic goals and standards for yourself and your team, and following them through. Don't change your mind or your rules arbitrarily or frequently, but rather communicate and justify any changes or exceptions. Don't favor or discriminate against any team members or groups, but rather treat everyone equally and respectfully. Don't compromise or violate your values or principles, but rather uphold and model them. Show your team that you're a leader and a role model, not a flip-flopper or a hypocrite.

4 Be open and respectful

A fourth important element of earning respect as a new manager is to show your team that you're open and respectful in your communication and behavior. Be open and respectful by encouraging and facilitating dialogue and feedback among your team and with other stakeholders. Don't hide or withhold information or opinions, but rather share and solicit them. Don't interrupt or dismiss others, but rather listen and acknowledge them. Don't gossip or badmouth others, but rather praise and appreciate them. Don't lie or manipulate others, but rather be honest and transparent. Show your team that you're a communicator and a listener, not a talker or a silencer.

5 Be proactive and adaptable

A fifth crucial component of earning respect as a new manager is to show your team that you're proactive and adaptable in your planning and execution. Be proactive and adaptable by anticipating and preparing for opportunities and challenges, and taking action and initiative to achieve your goals. Don't wait or procrastinate, but rather act and deliver. Don't resist or complain about change, but rather embrace and leverage it. Don't stick or cling to old or ineffective ways, but rather learn and innovate. Don't repeat or ignore mistakes, but rather correct and improve. Show your team that you're a doer and a learner, not a watcher or a complainer.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?