7 Ways To Win: Respect As A Power Advantage When Stakes Are High

Psychological science clearly shows that respect is the cornerstone of sustainable relationships and effective leadership. However, many business and political leaders treat respect as an optional leadership add-on.

Interpersonal interactions break down when respect is lacking. When respect is present, achieving personal and professional goals is much easier, especially when those goals require working with others.

The Workplace Is Ground Zero For Respect.  Respect is a core driver of trust, collaboration, and innovation. However, according to recent Gallup research, just 36% of American employees strongly agree that they feel respected at work. This means fewer employees feel respected than disrespected! In 2024, workplace respect hit a record low.  Disrespect imposes a high cost. A recent Pew Research Center study found that 75% of employees who voluntarily quit their jobs said they felt disrespected. Without respect, teams become less likely to speak up, offer new ideas, or trust one another. People leave disrespectful situations – whether it’s a job, a personal relationship, or a diplomatic endeavor – because they feel underappreciated.  The impact is especially sharp for frontline workers. The National Education Association reports that school support staff, such as custodians and bus drivers, equate respect with fair wages and the chance to be heard. Respect is not about perks; it’s about treating people with dignity and recognizing their work, they say.

The Power Of Respect Doesn’t Stop At The Office.  Respect is also a fundamental element that holds our communities together. However, in today’s polarized culture, it’s in short supply. According to Pew Research, 65% of Americans believe that political debate has become less respectful.  At the same time, economic inequality persists and is increasing in the United States. In systems marked by inequality, respect often becomes a luxury rather than a standard practice.  Younger generations, such as Gen Z, are particularly attuned to tone and dignity in both work and society.

Global Leadership Runs On Respect.  Respect matters in government relations, too. While treaties are formal, the trust needed to get to the signature stage is personal. However, research indicates that we cannot reach trust without passing through respect, which is a precursor to trust.

When influential figures model respect and prioritize it over dominance, it sets a standard for other leaders, executives, managers, and community leaders to emulate. Here’s a simple model, the R-E-S-P-E-C-T EthosTM, that any leader can use to demonstrate respect effectively. The elements of the model remind leaders that giving respect is simple. Leaders can learn how to do it, model the way, and enable those they lead to follow suit. Like many things, respect needs to begin at the top.

Leaders who want to operationalize respect can turn to the R-E-S-P-E-C-T EthosTM – a research-informed, practical framework for making respect visible and actionable. To implement the R-E-S-P-E-C-T EthosTM , start by acknowledging and rewarding others’ contributions, both formally and informally, so people feel seen. Then, empathize by seeking to understand others’ perspectives and challenges, even if their experiences differ from yours. Share knowledge, tools, and support to help others grow and succeed. Partner by inviting collaboration and sharing decision-making power. Empower people with autonomy by delegating responsibilities and encourage idea-sharing by fostering an open environment without fear of retaliation. Celebrate individual strengths and create space for people to shine in ways that align with their unique talents. And finally, thank others—frequently, publicly, and sincerely—for their work and effort. Respect isn’t just a value; it encompasses a series of everyday actions, such as acknowledging contributions, empathizing, sharing knowledge, and empowering others, that leaders can choose to take.

show less