Being a manager isn’t always easy. You’re juggling team goals, deadlines, and personalities. But what if your own team doesn’t take you seriously? Worse—what if they don’t respect you?
TLDR; Signs Your Team Doesn’t Respect You
Your team might not respect you if they ignore your directions, gossip about you, or avoid responsibility. Respect isn’t about fear—it’s about trust and leadership. The good news? You can earn it back with some smart moves. Let’s break it down and learn how to spot trouble before it spreads.
1. They Constantly Miss Deadlines
If your employees constantly miss deadlines and don’t seem to care, that’s a red flag. A respectful team follows timelines because they know you hold them accountable.
Tip: Set clear deadlines. Follow up. If things slip, have a one-on-one talk. Accountability isn’t mean—it’s leadership.
2. They Talk Over You in Meetings
Are your meetings more chaos than communication? If your team cuts you off, talks over you, or chats while you speak, that’s a sign they’re tuning you out.
Tip: Set ground rules for meetings. Create an agenda and ask for participation in turns. Respect starts with how people communicate.
3. Your Ideas Get Ignored
Do you make suggestions and hear only crickets? Worse, do people only act on someone else’s input… even if you said it first?
Tip: Reclaim your voice by summarizing key takeaways and next steps. Say it clearly and directly. Lead with confidence.
4. They Don’t Come to You with Problems
If you’re the last to know something’s gone wrong, that’s not just bad for business—it means your team doesn’t trust you.
Tip: Create a safe space. Make clear that mistakes are okay, as long as they’re communicated early. Open doors build respect faster than closed ones.
5. You Hear Gossip (And It’s About You)
Gossip happens. But when your name is part of the office drama, it’s a sign your authority is slipping.
Tip: Approach it calmly. Address rumors directly and privately. Build relationships that discourage negativity.
6. They Roll Their Eyes When You Speak
Body language says what words won’t. If you’re seeing smirks, eye rolls, or crossed arms, it’s time to take notice.
Tip: Stay professional. Don’t get emotional. Keep addressing issues in a composed way. Respect how you carry yourself, and others will, too.
7. They Don’t Say Hello or Goodbye
It’s the little things. If your team doesn’t acknowledge you when they walk in or out, it could be more than just bad manners.
Tip: Greet them first. Be warm. Be real. Respect starts with humanity, not hierarchy.
8. They Refuse Feedback (Or Just Fake It)
If your team gives you blank stares when you give direction, or worse—nods and does nothing—that’s a big problem.
Tip: Ask for feedback yourself. Show you’re willing to grow. Set the bar for reflection and improvement.
9. They Blame Others for Mistakes
No one likes mistakes. But if your team avoids accountability and always points fingers, they’re not just showing immaturity—they’re showing disrespect for the system you lead.
Tip: Praise transparency. Celebrate problem-solving over perfection. Make accountability part of the culture.
10. They Make Decisions Without You
If your team regularly makes calls without looping you in, they might think your input doesn’t matter.
Tip: Stay involved, not controlling. Be approachable. Position yourself as a guide, not a boss with a clipboard.
How to Win Back Respect
Recognize any of these signs? Don’t panic. Respect isn’t lost overnight—and it can be rebuilt.
Here are some fun, simple tips:
- Be consistent: Say what you mean and do what you say.
- Show empathy: Listen more than you speak. Show your team you care.
- Stay calm: Never let disrespect drag you into a shouting match.
- Lead by example: The tone you set becomes the behavior you get.
- Celebrate wins: Everyone loves a compliment and a high-five (real or virtual).
When to Take It More Seriously
Sometimes, disrespect goes deeper. Maybe it’s part of a toxic culture. Maybe someone’s behavior is affecting others.
In those cases:
- Document the behavior
- Involve HR if needed
- Have clear, firm conversations
Confrontation isn’t fun—but letting bad behavior fester is worse.
Your Respect Reset Plan
Not sure where to start? Try these three quick wins:
- Hold a Team Huddle: Keep it short and honest. Ask what’s working—and what’s not.
- Schedule 1-on-1s: People respect leaders who listen.
- Make a Micro-Change: Small shifts in tone, habits, or check-ins can start momentum fast.
Final Thoughts
Respect isn’t automatic—it’s earned.
If things feel a little off with your team, trust your gut. Then do the work to get things back on track. Communication, consistency, and care go a long way.
Being a boss doesn’t mean being perfect. It means showing up, learning as you go, and leading the way with clarity and heart.
And remember—real respect always beats forced obedience. Let’s aim for that.
