The foundation of great leadership

Respect is not just a perk — it is the foundation of great leadership.

If you asked any person on the street, most would probably rank respect quite high on their list of personal values. The same goes for leaders – who would not want to be respected by their team?

But how often do we ask: Does the leader truly respect their team?

Respect does not reveal itself in grand gestures – it shows up in the small, everyday moments.

It is easy for leaders to say they respect their teams. But real respect is in the daily choices you make, the tone you use, the time you give, and the way you make people feel.

Here is what that respect looks like:

✅ Not making others feel small when they are around you
✅ Valuing opinions, even when they deeply challenge yours
✅ Taking time to know your team beyond their job titles
✅ Really listening to what your team has to say
✅ Leading with empathy, not ego
✅ Following through on what you promise
✅ Celebrating contributions without needing the spotlight
✅ Trusting your team to make the right decisions

If you want to build a culture of respect, start with yourself.

Because real leaders do not need to demand respect – they earn it by giving it first, and by giving it consistently.