What has being a leader taught you about respect?

[LadiesFavoriteToy]

I have to say, being a newly minted weld forman on on multi billion dollar mega project has taught me a lot about the guys and the people who work under me. It is no longer about me but the people that I need to set an example in leadership. For example today, I had 2 welder stay to the very last minute and their 2 helpers. That's 4 guys and like any weld forman I could have left them hanging but I stuck with them incase they missed the bus and they (we) did. Eric who is a representative of the client who I am with good terms with who switched to days saw me and I explained my plight as we always spoke highly of one another. So he grabs his truck pulls up and well... 1 driver, shot gun and 3 in the back. That's 2 welders and 2 helpers + driver 5 people max. So I told the guys to get in and go back to camp and I will find a way back home. I did find a way back home after 30 min, of looking. It was not about me but by setting an example with the guys that work under you and showing the respect and sacrifice can mean more than just smiles. For eric's work in going out of his way to help us I will certainly be writing a formal letter asking for an accommodation for whatever that may be for doing something he had no obligation to do in helping my guys out.

What has being a leader taught you about life and sacrifice?

[Oliverlogan263]

Being a leader has taught me a lot about respect, sacrifice and putting others first. At the end of the day, the work we do is a team effort. As the foreman, it's my responsibility to look out for my guys and make sure they're taken care of.

Setting that example of sacrifice is important - sticking around to ensure everyone gets home safe, even if it means going out of my way myself. Those little acts of respect build trust between a crew. The guys see that I've got their backs, just like they've got mine when we're on the job.

It's also about showing respect up the chain. Eric didn't have to stop and help, but it'll mean something to the client that we look out for each other. Writing that letter is the least I can do to acknowledge him going above and being a good teammate. We're all in this together.

At the end of the day, being a leader is more than just the work. It's about the guys, the relationships, and finding ways to lift each other up. As long as I keep that kind of attitude, keep making sacrifices and respecting others, it'll take us a long way on this project and beyond. The work will get done right as long as we've got each other's backs.

[AaronKrieger]

- You do need to properly establish your relationship with workers. If it becomes too casual, then they'll lose respect for your authority. It's similar to like being a parent I imagine.

- You are the anchor that keeps it together. This will strengthen with good social skills, being competent, and being able to regulate your emotions. Being bad at just one of these will significantly impact the respect you get.

- You need to know when "to show the dog the stick." Sometimes you need to set an example, but sometimes you don't. Showing enough empathy that won't get you taken advantage of goes a long way.