If you are in a leadership position, there are two ways in which your subordinates are likely to perceive you. You either command their respect, or you are the monster boss who they don't like, but are simply afraid of.



Don't demand respect



Just because you are in a powerful position, it doesn't mean your juniors and subordinates will automatically respect you. If you realise you do not command the respect of your subordinates, your leadership skills need to be worked on at once.



'You' as a boss?



Take a good hard look at yourself, that too from their points of view. If you were in their place, would you want yourself as a boss? If your answer to this question is no, this is bad news for you. The good news is you can still redeem yourself by making amends to your behaviour.



Say your word…and keep it too



One of the most effective ways to earn the respect of your subordinates is to keep your word. If you say you're going to do something, then you must follow through with it.



Bullying gets you nowhere



You also need to be a tactful and polite manager who does not bully or frighten people into working hard. Bullying will only make you the butt of ridicule. Motivate your team by setting a good example.



Be firm…not rude



There will be many situations in which you will have to be firm with your subordinates, but that does not mean that you have to resort to rudeness.



Deserve to be where you are



Another reason your subordinates will really respect you is if you're really good at what you do. Of course, you must have done something right to be in a position of power in your company, but constantly updating your skills and outperforming your own past achievements will make you even better, and definitely someone to look up to.



Be kind…and mean it



Taking a genuine interest in the well-being of your subordinates will help you gain their affection and respect. They will really value the fact that you have an interest in them that stretches beyond the workplace.



This effort will pay off in the long run, when you work with a group of people who like the fact that you are their boss, and function well with you within a team.