“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” — Abraham Lincoln
Aslam sadly sat into the chair across from Maria, his mentor, with a heavy sigh. “I don’t get it, Maria. I work hard, but my team just doesn’t seem to respect me.”
Maria leaned toward him; her eyes filled with understanding. “Tell me more, Aslam. What makes you feel this way?”
As Aslam shared his frustrations, Maria listened patiently, nodding intermittently. When he finished, she smiled gently.
“Aslam, respect is not something you can demand. You can earn this through your actions and how you treat others, regardless of their position or what they can do for you. Let’s look at some habits that might be holding you back.”
Maria began to outline key areas. “First, consider your leadership style. Are you depending too much on your authority rather than your ability to influence and inspire? Remember, true leadership is about guiding and motivating, not just giving orders.
Your actions speak louder than words. If you want your team to behave a certain way, you must personify those behaviors yourself. It is not only important; it is the only way to influence others.
