John Maxwell writes great books about leadership. He often explains things in a way that makes the profound simple.
In 360 Degree Leadership, Maxwell writes about how leaders must gain respect based on competence. First, respect is most often gained under difficult circumstances. When things are challenging, having a leadership title does not in and of itself help a leader gain respect. We have all worked with people who have a leadership title, we really like them as people and to whom we enjoy listening because they are fun, interesting, entertaining, and smart. That does not mean we are willing to follow them and trust them for guidance under difficult circumstances.
Poor or weaker leaders demand respect and talk often about why they need to be respected due to their leadership position. Strong leaders command respect based on their ability to create solutions, deliver results, and be effective when circumstances are challenging.
Maxwell reminds us that confidence is thinking that you can lead, and competence is actually doing it.
