The Law Of Respect (7)

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership - John Maxwell Chapter 7 -  The Law of Respect

People Naturally Follow Leaders Stronger Than Themsleves

Followers are more attracted to leaders who are better leaders than themselves.  Leaders think in terms of the direction they desire to go and who they want to take with them.  Followers can sense a strong sense of conviction from a leader and are attracted to that.  

To become a leader of leaders, you must gain respect.

Ways You Can Gain Respect

1 - Natural leadership ability

2 - Respect for others

3 - Courage

4 - Have success

5 - Loyalty

6 - Add value

An easy way to measure your level of respect is to look at who you attract.

"One measure of leadership is the caliber of people who choose to follow you."

- Dennis A. Peer -  

You should also see how your people respond when you ask for commitment or change.

When people respect you as a person, they admire you.

When they respect you as a friend, they love you.

When they respect you as a leader, the follow you.

"The leader must know, must know he knows, and must be able to make it abundantly clear to those about him that he knows."

- Clarence B. Randall -

The more you grow as a leader, the better the people you will attract because people naturally follow leaders stronger than themselves.

Applying the Law Of Respect

1 - Think about the last to you asked followers for a commitment to something or the last time you tried to initiate change.  What was their response?  How readily do people rally to you? That is an accurate gauge of your leadership level

2 - Evaluate yourself on each of the following qualities that help a leader gain respect:

Natural Leadership Ability

Respect for Others

Courage

Success Record

Loyalty

Value Added to Others

In one sentence for each area in which you need to improve, write a practice, habit or goal that will help you improve.

-  Respect For Others

I will get to know everybody on a personal level by finding out three personal things about them that does not relate to school/basketball.

-  Courage

I will be diligent in my work so that I won't fear asking for help when in need.

-  Loyalty

I will speak about others as if they are eavesdropping.

-  Value added to others

I will listen to others and listen to their needs.  I will find ways to help them where they feel they need help.  If nothing else, I will empower them.