How to address disrespect when the whole team sees it like a leader, not a manager

August 17, 2026

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The Thought

Did you know… when disrespect happens publicly, silence can look like acceptance.

But correcting someone publicly can quickly turn a leadership moment into a confrontation.

Leaders protect the standard without embarrassing the person.

Quote:
“Respect is how to treat everyone.” – Richard Branson

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The Tip

Remember to…

1. Address the behavior without embarrassing the person

A manager says:

“You're not going to talk to me like that in front of everyone.”

A leader says:

“Let's pause. That's not how we're going to communicate with each other on this team.”

Then ask:

Can we reset and communicate that differently?
What are you trying to communicate?

Think about a referee.

They stop the play when a boundary is crossed.

They don't turn the game into a personal argument.

Address the behavior in the moment without creating a public confrontation.

2. Protect the standard, not your ego

A manager says:

“You need to respect my authority.”

A leader says:

“You're allowed to disagree with me, but we still need to speak with each other respectfully.”

Then ask:

What are you trying to communicate?
How can you say it in a way that helps us move forward?

The goal isn't to prove who's in charge.

Disagreement is welcome.

Disrespect is not.

3. Coach the person privately

A manager either ignores the disrespect or fights back publicly.

A leader protects the standard publicly, then coaches privately.

Say:

“I want to understand what was behind that response and agree on how we'll handle it differently next time.”

Then ask:

What happened for you in that moment?
What can we agree to do differently the next time you disagree with me?

Create a safe space for them to share the concern.

Then co-create an agreement for how you'll handle disagreement moving forward.

Managers either ignore public disrespect or fight back.

Leaders stop the behavior, protect the standard, and coach privately to protect the person's potential.

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The Tool

Short Video: Learn how leaders address public disrespect without embarrassing the person or turning the moment into a confrontation.

See how to protect the team's standard, welcome disagreement, and turn a difficult moment into a productive coaching conversation.

Watch the viral video on TikTok

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Or watch other CLA videos here on YouTube

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Leadership Question of the week…

Here is the top question this week from our 200+ Leadership Questions (part of our Complete Leader Package. Don’t have these? Get instant access here.

❓What’s one way you feel empowered to make decisions at work?

❓How do you empower others - what does that look like?

❓How can we create a culture of ownership and empowerment?

___________________________

Activity of the week…

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Thank you for leading and lifting others out there!

-Dwight

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