How To Earn Respect From Others
When it comes to respect, it starts at home. If you don’t respect yourself, nobody else will either. Have you ever heard the common saying, “You have to give respect to get it?” While it’s important to respect others, it’s not the number one way to ensure that they respect you. Self-respect is the foundation for leading a life of integrity and honor. If you do not truly love yourself and respect yourself as a person, how will you find the courage to stand up for your own beliefs or have the backbone to enforce healthy boundaries?
If you are a self respecting individual, chances are you want others to treat you with respect. And you know what, age isn’t a prerequisite nor is it a magic key to gaining respect. Plenty of people who are young can be highly respected from their elder where as there are older people who would never get respect because their actions are so out of line. It’s about how you conduct yourself, your attitudes towards others and your actions. In every field of work, the most highly regarded people are those who are the best at what they do. Everyone loves competent people, especially those who present their best work all the time. If you’re just starting out in your profession, that doesn’t mean you’re not deserving of respect. It’s about starting small and building from there.
Also noboby likes a dishonest or unreliable person. A well respected individual is one who is honest in his/her communications and can be trusted to do what he/she promised. I believe integrity is the first step to being our highest self. I always ensure I live up to my commitments and deliver beyond what I promise. If due to some reason you can’t honor your commitments, make sure you address them accordingly to the other party and make up for it.
Listen - Everyone likes to have their own say. If we can patiently listen to others they will appreciate our concern and attention. Even if it is a little boring and repetitive, there is no harm in listening to what others have to say; listening to others shows that we are interested in them as a person. Listening more is the perfect complement to talking less. When we talk we try to influence others, when we listen we appreciate others; it is important to get the right balance.
Also be honest. The importance of honesty cannot be underestimated; if you gain a reputation for being ‘slippery with the truth’ it will be difficult to gain the genuine respect of others. It is easier to be dishonest than we may imagine. When things go wrong there is a temptation to look for someone or something to blame. It takes a certain amount of courage to just be honest and accept things didn’t work out as planned; in the long run, this honesty will be appreciated.
