You’re a new manager with a team of experienced employees. How can you earn their respect?

1 Learn from them

One of the best ways to show respect to your team is to acknowledge their expertise and experience, and learn from them. Ask them questions, listen to their feedback, and seek their input on important decisions. Don't assume that you know everything, or that you have to change everything that they have been doing. Instead, appreciate their strengths, recognize their contributions, and leverage their skills and knowledge. By doing this, you will demonstrate humility, curiosity, and openness, and build rapport and credibility with your team.

2 Communicate clearly

Another key skill for a new manager is to communicate clearly and effectively with your team. This means setting clear expectations and goals, providing regular and constructive feedback, and sharing relevant information and updates. It also means being transparent and honest about your challenges, mistakes, and uncertainties, and admitting when you don't know something or need help. By communicating clearly, you will foster trust, collaboration, and alignment among your team members, and avoid confusion, conflict, and resentment.

3 Empower them

A common mistake that new managers make is to micromanage or overcontrol their team, either because they want to prove themselves, or because they are afraid of losing authority or influence. However, this can backfire and damage your relationship with your team, as well as their motivation and performance. Instead of micromanaging, you should empower your team by giving them autonomy, flexibility, and ownership over their work. Delegate tasks and responsibilities, encourage initiative and innovation, and support their professional development and growth. By empowering your team, you will show respect, confidence, and appreciation for their capabilities and potential, and enhance their engagement and satisfaction.

5 Respect their culture

Finally, as a new manager, you have to respect the existing culture and dynamics of your team, and avoid imposing your own style or preferences. This means understanding their history, norms, values, and traditions, and adapting to their ways of working, communicating, and interacting. It also means respecting their diversity, personalities, opinions, and preferences, and avoiding favoritism or bias. By respecting their culture, you will show appreciation and sensitivity for their identity and uniqueness, and foster a sense of belonging and inclusion.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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