5 Ways to Earn Respect
We all want to feel respected and valued. But some people seem to command more respect than others, whether it is in how they carry themselves, how they speak, or how they deal with conflicts. The truth is that you cannot make anyone respect you, but you can earn it. Here are some tactics to help you build respect authentically.
Be Consistent: If you want people to respect you, make sure that your words match your actions. If you say that you will do something, follow through. If you consistently show up and prove that you can be relied on, you will earn the respect of those around you. To develop consistency, avoid committing to anything that you are not prepared to follow through on if your mood changes. If someone asks for your help and you are unsure if you are willing to commit, tell them you will think about it. Take the time to think and make a decision, and if you cannot commit, be upfront and say no.
Be Truthful: Honesty is always the best policy. Being truthful builds confidence in your ability to express yourself and helps others do the same. When telling the truth, you need to be tactful. Think about the person you are going to be honest with and their triggers. Find a way to deliver the message with some sugar. If you have difficulty with confrontations, check out my other post, “How to Keep Calm During an Argument”. Being honest in a tactful way and still maintaining your relationship is a trait that people respect.
Be Kind: Kindness goes a lot farther than fear ever could. Being kind means being friendly, generous, and considerate. Consider others, be compassionate, but do not let anyone take advantage of you. People respect those who respect themselves.
Develop a Moral Code and Stick to It: Highly respected people do not uproot themselves to match the constantly changing winds of public opinion. They develop a moral code and stick to it. Changing your opinion when presented with new information is necessary for growth, but changing it to fit in with others is not. Your moral code can be rooted in your faith, personal values, or beliefs. Whatever you choose, be firm in your commitment to it.
Don’t Gossip: Talking about others behind their backs is immature and shows a lack of empathy. Gossiping is often driven by insecurity, and it hurts the person you are talking about. Highly respected people are too busy making things happen to relish in gossip.
Respect is earned, not given. If you want to be respected, be consistent, truthful, kind, firm in your beliefs, and avoid gossiping. Remember that respect starts with self-respect. Treat yourself with respect, and others will follow suit.
If you want personalized coaching on how to implement these tips, learn more about my private coaching program, Path to Power.
Fore more specifics on this topic, watch the video below.