Respect isn’t something that you’re handed on a silver platter.
It’s about the way you conduct yourself; it’s earned.
There’s a big difference between demanding respect and earning it.
Demanding respect could come off as bossy while earning it is all about the little behaviors that make you stand out.
Earning respect is all about how you interact with others, your actions, your words, and even your silence.
The smallest gestures can often have the biggest impact.
Do you want to earn the true respect of surrounding people? Let’s learn and practice 9 little behaviors that make people respect you more
1) Listening actively
There’s a fundamental difference between just hearing someone and truly listening to them.
Most people, when they engage in a conversation, are already formulating their response while the other person is still talking.
This isn’t active listening, and it can be very off-putting.
Active listening, on the other hand, requires you to fully focus on the speaker, understand their message, respond appropriately, and then remember what’s been said.
It’s a rare quality, but one that’s highly respected.
By practicing active listening, you show others that you value their thoughts and views. It’s a powerful way to earn respect.
When you’re in a conversation, try to focus on what the other person is saying.
Not only will this make them feel valued and heard, but it’ll also increase their respect for you.
Understanding what they are trying to convey is the most important thing.
2) Keeping promises
We’ve all been there. Someone promises something and then doesn’t follow through.
It’s disappointing, to say the least, and it can severely damage that person’s credibility in our eyes.
I remember a colleague of mine who was known for making grand promises but rarely fulfilled them. Over time, people stopped taking him seriously.
His word lost its weight, and so did our respect for him.
On the other hand, when I first started my career, I made a point to only promise what I could deliver.
And if, for some reason, I couldn’t follow through, I made sure to communicate that as early as possible and find a solution.
This simple habit earned me the respect of my peers and superiors.
Keeping your promises is a clear sign of reliability. It shows that you respect others’ time and expectations and that you’re someone who can be trusted.
This behavior will earn you more respect among your peers, superiors, and even your subordinates.
Your actions will always speak louder than your words.
3) Displaying empathy
Empathy can be a powerful tool in building strong, respectful relationships.
It’s about understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and it can create strong connections.
In a study conducted by the University of Michigan, researchers found that empathy can improve your physical health.
It was discovered that when people empathize with others, their bodies release a hormone called oxytocin, which has numerous health benefits including reducing stress and improving heart health.
Empathy allows you to connect with others on a deeper level, showing them that you genuinely care about their feelings and experiences.
This creates a bond of trust and mutual respect.
This simple act will not only help you foster stronger relationships but also earn you greater respect.
4) Practicing humility
Humility is a trait that often goes unnoticed, but it can significantly boost people’s respect for you.
Being humble doesn’t mean downplaying your achievements or skills; it means acknowledging that you’re not perfect, and you’re open to learning and growing.
A humble person knows how to accept compliments graciously but doesn’t seek them out.
They admit their mistakes and don’t shy away from asking for help when needed.
In a world where self-promotion is often encouraged, humility is refreshing.
It shows that you value the contribution of others and don’t see yourself as superior.
Don’t brag about your achievements, let them speak for themselves.
And when you make a mistake, own up to it and learn from it.
5) Showing gratitude
Ever notice how good it feels when someone genuinely thanks you for something you’ve done?
That’s the power of gratitude.
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”.
It’s about recognizing the effort others put into their actions and appreciating them for it.
When you show gratitude, it reflects your understanding of the value of other people’s time, effort, and contribution.
Engaging in this uncomplicated gesture has the potential to markedly boost the level of respect others hold for you.
It’s easy to incorporate gratitude into your daily life.
You can thank your colleagues for their help on a project, show appreciation for a friend’s advice, or simply express your gratitude to the barista who makes your morning coffee.
In real life, a little appreciation goes a long way in earning respect.
6) Being honest
Honesty is a trait that’s deeply respected.
It’s the foundation of trust in any relationship, be it personal or professional.
When you’re honest, you’re showing others that you value truthfulness and integrity over momentary gains.
It shows that you respect others enough to tell them the truth, even when it’s not easy.
I believe that honesty is the best policy, but it isn’t always easy.
We all face situations where telling a lie might seem like the simpler route. But in the long run, honesty always pays off.
For me, I’ve found that people respect me more for being upfront and truthful, even when the truth isn’t what they want to hear.
It’s a tough balance to strike, but it’s worth it.
Honesty is the foundation of trust, and trust, in turn, cultivates respect.
Uphold truthfulness in your interactions, and observe how your level of respect naturally flourishes.
7) Respecting boundaries
Understanding and respecting other people’s boundaries is crucial in maintaining healthy relationships and earning respect.
Boundaries can be physical, emotional, or mental, and they vary from person to person.
They’re about respecting personal space and understanding that everyone has different comfort levels.
There was a time when I didn’t fully understand the importance of this.
In my eagerness to connect with others, I sometimes overstepped their boundaries, which led to discomfort and misunderstandings.
It took some time and a few hard lessons, but I’ve learned to be more aware of others’ boundaries and respect them.
This change has greatly improved my relationships and earned me the respect of those around me.
Be mindful of others’ personal space, actively listen when someone communicates discomfort, and honor their boundaries.
8) Being consistent
Consistency is key in many aspects of life, and it’s particularly important when it comes to earning respect.
When you’re consistent in your actions and behavior, people know what to expect from you.
They can rely on you to be the same person today that you were yesterday and the same person you’ll be tomorrow.
Consistency shows that you’re dependable, steady, and reliable. It builds trust and, in turn, respect.
Whether it’s consistently meeting deadlines at work, always being on time for meetings, or regularly keeping your word, being consistent in your actions will earn you the respect of those around you.
Strive for consistency in all aspects of your life. It might not be easy, but it’ll be worth it.
9) Treating others with kindness
In the end, the most respected people are often those who treat others with kindness and compassion.
Kindness isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the small acts that show others you care.
It’s the genuine compliment to a colleague, the unexpected help to a stranger, or the comforting words to a friend in need.
When you treat others with kindness, you show them that you value them as individuals.
This creates a bond of mutual respect and admiration.
Kindness is a choice that comes from incredible strength.
The focus lies not on what we can receive in exchange, but on the essence of the individuals we opt to become.
Choose to extend kindness to others, not out of obligation but because you genuinely desire to do so.
It stands as the most straightforward and influential method to garner respect.
Final thoughts: The power of respect
Respect is more than just a concept. It’s a powerful tool that can transform relationships and improve interactions.
The same principle applies to personal relationships.
When we feel respected, we feel valued and appreciated, leading to stronger bonds and healthier interactions.
The little behaviors we’ve discussed in this article – listening actively, keeping promises, displaying empathy, practicing humility, showing gratitude, being honest, respecting boundaries, being consistent, and treating others with kindness – are not just behaviors.
They are a reflection of who you are as a person.
Each one of us has the potential to command respect, not by asserting dominance or control, but through these simple yet powerful actions.
As you navigate your daily routine, reflect on the influence that these small behaviors carry.
Acknowledge that respect is accumulated through individual actions.
Ultimately, it’s not about the quantity of respect you receive, but rather, the amount of respect you extend to others.
Because in the grand scheme of things, it’s not just about being respected.
It’s about being a person worthy of respect.
