Lesson Overview

Respect and dignity are foundational leadership behaviors that can have a profound impact on how people experience their work, their teams, and their own professional growth.

Research in healthcare settings suggests that experiences of respect are closely associated with well-being, engagement, and organizational satisfaction. Residents who felt respected by their leadership reported substantially lower rates of burnout and higher organizational satisfaction than those who did not.

Respect is about more than well-being. When leaders consistently communicate that individuals are valued, capable, and deserve respect, they help strengthen professional identity, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Over time, these signals can shape how people see themselves, their work, and their future within an organization.

Leadership behaviors often become cultural norms within teams and organizations. The way leaders treat others can influence how colleagues interact with one another, how learners are supported, and ultimately how patients and families experience care.

This month’s leadership practice invites you to focus intentionally on two visible expressions of respect in your day-to-day work: one that communicates dignity, value, and belonging to every team member, regardless of role, and one that supports an individual’s learning, growth, or professional development. Then bring your reflections to your peer group over a shared meal, where you’ll reflect on what you observed and explore how respect is expressed through your own leadership.