Margaret Thatcher once observed that being powerful is like being a lady: if you have to tell others you are, you aren’t. Truly great leaders gain respect by the way they conduct themselves, not by the loudness of their orders. You gain respect by respecting others. Follow the Golden Rule in your treatment ofothers, and you will win their undying loyalty. If you ever expect to have authority over others, you must first prove yourself worthy. You must demonstrate to them that you care about them, that as their leader you will always look out for their interest. A good officer always makes sure the troops are provided for before be takes care of his own needs. It’s a lesson that all too often is lost in the scramble to get to the top — but one that will most certainly undercut your progress if you overlook it.
Permanent link to this post: It takes more than a loud voice to gain respect for authority.
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