How To Retain Great Employees

As the workplace evolves to become more trustworthy, transparent, inclusive, collaborative, and mindful of its employees' needs, leaders must be equally diligent in earning respect from their colleagues. Being the leader doesn't mean that you have earned respect. Too many leaders take their titles and authority for granted. Some leaders believe they are owed or command some level of (unearned) respect just because of where they are positioned on the organizational chart. 

Many leaders say they don't care if they are liked by their employees as long as they do what they are told. This is why many fail or face a large employee turnover at their companies. This attitude is finally catching up with these leaders with the newer generation of workers. Gone are the days of not caring about how employees feel or what is happening in their lives. Companies need to change their thinking and focus on creating a more family-oriented atmosphere to retain good staff and see growth. We can all agree turnover is costly for any company due to lost productivity.

It should be natural for leaders to want to be liked by their employees, even if they don't admit it. I, for one, work hard every day to gain and maintain their approval. Many of my counterparts ask why I care so much that my employees like me. I always say the same thing because they won't follow my lead if they don't respect me. I know every employee's name and immediate family members, from spouses to children, and usually what happens in their lives. I always put them and their family first. If I put their family first by showing they care, they feel like part of my family and not just a number. Many employees leave because they repeatedly hear that they are just a number and are easily replaceable. I wouldn't exist without them, and I make sure they know I appreciate them.

Leaders don't automatically gain respect from their employees; just like in life, they must earn respect by demonstrating that they value employees and prioritize their growth. Leaders can earn more respect by improving employee communication and explaining important decisions. Gaining the respect of employees is important for leaders because it improves workplace morale and can provide greater motivation among workers to be productive.

Leaders can gain the respect of employees by standing up for their best interests and offering strong, professional leadership. Here are some tips on how to gain respect from employees:

1. Give Respect

It's important that you first show them the respect they deserve. Treat all your workers fairly and demonstrate that you value them with your words and actions. Listen to their concerns and do your best to address them. Communicate clearly with your employees and explain important decisions to them. If you treat your staff members well, they will likely reciprocate the respect you show them.

2. Show Your Work Ethic

Good executives must lead by example. Demonstrate through your work ethic and contributions that you're a reliable team member worthy of your employees' trust. Provide the lead on projects when appropriate, and be sure you're not pushing your workload onto employees.

3. Be Consistent

Consistency is key among strong, respected leaders. You should be consistent in your leadership approach and your people's expectations, so they always understand what's expected of them. If your leadership style changes from time to time -- if, for example, you give your employees the freedom to make decisions with a hands-off approach but suddenly micromanage a new project -- they'll need clarification and clarification on what you need from them. Being consistent builds trust and helps earn the respect of your team.

4. Be a Firm Leader

Executives who are pushovers with their workers don't gain the respect of employees. Make decisions and stick to them if you feel it's the right choice, even if it's only popular with some. If you decide to change course to improve your approach, you're free to change your mind; be sure you're doing it because it's what's best for the business and the team, not because it's a more popular choice with employees.

5. Admit Your Wrongdoings

Leaders are human, and just like your employees, you'll make mistakes from time to time. You must own up to your wrongdoings and show your employees, for example, how to bounce back from a mistake. Always do everything you can to fix your errors, and don't be afraid to ask for help correcting a mistake. Your workers will notice and respect you for it.

6. Seek Out New Opinions

You hired your employees for a reason, so be respectful of their opinions and open to their suggestions in new ways. Being open to new opinions shows that you're flexible and committed to following the best ideas, not just the ones you come up with yourself.

7. Recognize Successes

You can earn the respect of employees by rewarding them for their accomplishments. Please find out how each employee likes to be recognized, whether public praise or personal congratulations. Rewarding employees in the way they wish to be recognized demonstrates your care for them and creates a supportive work environment.

8. Seek Out Feedback

Refrain from assuming employees will come to you when they have feedback about your leadership or criticisms of the company culture to get respect. Schedule regular check-ins with employees where they're free to discuss how things are going. Ask specific questions that address your management and accept any criticism positively and thoughtfully.

9. Don't Micromanage

Tell your employees what work has to be done and set clear deadlines for completion, but keep them from knowing how to do their jobs. Delegating tasks and trusting your employees to complete them is key to gaining the respect of your workers. Let them know you're available if they have any issues or want to discuss a project, but take your time with how they approach their work.

10. Have Employees Backs

Stick up for your employees and show that you have their backs. If an issue arises with a project, you should shoulder the blame for the problem as the boss rather than pass the blame off to your workers. On the flip side, if you receive praise and rewards from a client for a successful project, spread the praise around and publicly recognize your employees' role in the success.

11. Create a Personal Connection

Get to know your new employee personally to help build trust and respect. Ask them about their interests and hobbies outside of work and remember the details they give so you can ask more about them in the future. Show that you're interested in them, so they trust you and see they're valued.

12. Be Transparent

Be truthful with new employees about the challenges and opportunities within the company. Please give them a clear picture of what they can expect in the future and what's expected of them in their new role. When you make important decisions that affect them, explain the reasons behind your choices.

13. Offer Encouragement

Starting a new job can be stressful and raise insecurities in a new employee. Offer encouragement and constructive feedback to new team members early on to gain confidence and better understand how to complete their job duties.

14. Don't Pick Favorites

It would be best to refrain from playing favorites among your team members in the office. If you show the same level of support to all your employees and are fair in how you dish out assignments and perks, new team members will start to trust and respect you sooner when they see they're on a level playing field with their coworkers.

15. Reduced stress

The well-being of every team member is essential for an organization to run smoothly. Employees who feel stressed are less likely to share ideas and work with one another. When stress is reduced and respect is shown, employees experience mental and physical benefits.

Move Forward with a Fresh Focus on Mutual Respect and Trust

While you don't have to agree with anything, you should pay attention and start making changes; if you want to get ahead in this new generation of talents. If you work to improve your listening and communication, you can create a safe environment for employees to thrive and innovate. You'll also help create a space where all employees feel respected and trusted. This approach creates a company where employees and your business thrive. Above all, start caring more about how your employees view you as a leader.

Ultimately, this respectful atmosphere should make your company a more attractive workplace. This could reduce the need to recruit new staff as employee retention increases.

The bottom line should also improve as everyone works together in harmony. It's easier to hit annual targets and keep the business growing year after year.