The Respect Gap: Why Leaders Mistake Being Nice for Genuine Respect

People want to be treated with dignity at work, but genuine respect requires much more than simply being nice to your team.

Juan Moyano/Stocksy

Respect is like air. We take it for granted until we run out of it. Among all leadership traits, employees put respect at the top of the list. It’s the foundation of trust. Without a respectful culture, leaders can’t win the hearts of people.

Yet most employees have never had a manager who appreciates them - or their work.

So, what’s driving the respect gap?

To begin with, leaders often mistake being empathetic or nice for being respectful. There’s simply much more to it. People want to be understood and accepted, not just treated civilly.

Building a culture of respect pays off. It’s not easy, but it’s worth the effort. Here’s how.

Why Respect Matters More Than Leaders Care

“Respect is how you treat anyone, not just those you want to impress.” – Richard Branson

Most leaders understand that respect is important, but few realize its true significance.

According to a survey conducted by Georgetown University, people rank respect as the most important leadership behavior. In an…