In any service-based company, it is essential to show respect to everyone up and down the command chain. Whether you are a consultant, contractor, or service provider, treating everyone can build trust, and lead to better results. In this article, we will explore three major points emphasizing the importance of showing respect to subordinates in companies you render services to with examples to illustrate their significance. 

YOU MAY NEED TO WORK WITH THEM ON THE SAME PROJECT 

Why should I bother, you may ask? Regardless of your role, it is likely that you will have to work with subordinates in the company you are serving on the same project at some point. This means that disregarding their opinions or failing to treat them with respect can harm project outcomes and client satisfaction. 

For example, a consulting firm was hired by a company to provide recommendations on a new product launch. And the consultant made the decision to only interact with the top decision-makers and disregard the input of mid-level managers and other key employees in operations. The final product unfortunately ended up not meeting the deadline. In hindsight, if the consultant realised that some personnel’s input to the project was crucial, they would not have been sidelined them in the first instance. They were critical to the timely execution of the project.  The early attitude of the consultants dictated the posture the team took going into the project. 

THEY MAY POSSESS THE BANDWIDTH TO SABOTAGE YOUR PROJECT 

Disregarding subordinates can also lead to sabotage of your project by those who feel slighted or disrespected. Subordinates may have valuable knowledge, experience, and insights that can make or break a project’s success. I witnessed where subordinates wielded so much power that the access to the “decision maker” amounted to nothing. 

I have also witnessed a consultant hired by a construction company to build a new office building hit a roadblock. It turns out that the client’s approach alienated everyone, disregarding the input of the subcontractors and laborers, and even disrespecting them in some instances. What was their reaction? They intentionally slowed down the project or provided subpar work, resulting in a poor final product and a dissatisfied client. 

IT’S ALWAYS A BETTER OPTION TO RESPECT EVERYONE  

This is not to say that people that completely disregarded the above will not see the results. But at what cost? It is always a better option to opt for respect for everyone. It cost nothing to show respect to everyone up and down the command chain, regardless of their position or role. Not only does this build trust and establish positive relationships, but it can also lead to improved outcomes and greater client satisfaction. The consultant of the construction company could have avoided lost hours, poor execution and a dissatisfied client had she applied a little more emotional intelligence.  

Being respectful to everyone including subordinates in companies you render services to is critical for success in service-based industries. If you have been struggling in this area, how about you try being respectful and yet professional? You can improve project outcomes, build trust, that leads to greater client satisfaction. You may have all the certifications and experience but be humble enough to listen to everyone’s opinions and value the input of every employee and watch how that establishes positive relationships essential for delivering better results.