9 little behaviors that make people respect you more
Respect is not just handed out freely – it’s earned.
And often, the subtle behaviors make the most significant impact.
More often than not, the little things we do daily command respect from those around us.
How you treat others and handle yourself in challenging situations are all small indications of your character that people notice.
Here are a few small behaviors that can make a big difference in earning you more respect. Let’s start!
1) Listening actively
One of the most underestimated aspects of respect is active listening.
Too often, we fall into the trap of waiting for our turn to speak rather than hearing what the other person is saying.
We’re eager to give our input, share our experience, or offer advice.
But here’s the thing – everyone wants to feel heard.
When you take the time to listen, you show that you value someone’s thoughts and opinions. And that’s a surefire way to earn respect.
Active listening involves more than just hearing the words.
It includes understanding the message behind those words and empathizing with the speaker.
It’s showing genuine interest in what they have to say.
When you’re in a conversation, try practicing active listening. You might be surprised at the respect you earn in return.
2) Being consistent
I’ve learned in my own life that consistency is critical in earning respect.
I remember when I first started my career. I was eager to impress and often overcommit myself, promising to deliver on multiple projects and tasks.
But as you can imagine, this quickly became overwhelming, and I could not meet all my commitments.
Not only did my performance suffer, but I could see the respect of my colleagues dwindling. They couldn’t rely on me to deliver what I had promised.
That’s when I learned the importance of consistency. It isn’t making grand promises or trying to be a hero.
It’s reliably doing what you say you will do, day in and day out.
Consistency builds trust, and trust breeds respect. Since that realization, I’ve made it a point to be consistent in my actions, and I’ve seen a marked difference in how people treat me.
3) Showing humility
Humility is an attribute that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but it’s a powerful tool for earning respect.
On the other hand, humility is recognizing your limitations and being open to learning from others.
It isn’t self-deprecation or lack of confidence. Instead, you have a realistic sense of one’s abilities and achievements.
Displaying humility shows others you’re approachable and willing to learn, an attractive quality people respect.
4) Showing empathy
Empathy is the ability to comprehend and share the feelings of others. It’s how you put yourself in someone else’s shoes and see things from their perspective.
When people see that you’re capable of empathy, it speaks volumes about your character.
It shows that you’re not self-centered and genuinely care about others.
This is a behavior that doesn’t go unnoticed. People are more likely to respect those who show compassion because it demonstrates emotional intelligence that sets them apart.
Remember, showing empathy isn’t understanding someone’s feelings but responding in a way that shows you care.
When someone opens up to you about a problem or concern, take the time to listen and truly empathize with their situation.
You’ll be surprised at the respect it can garner.
5) Demonstrating integrity
Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
When you demonstrate integrity, you show others that you can be trusted.
You prove to them that you stand by your values and principles, even in difficult situations.
Trust is a fundamental aspect of any relationship, personal or professional. And when people trust you, they respect you.
Establishing integrity can be as simple as keeping your promises, admitting your mistakes, or standing up for what you believe in.
These actions may seem small, but they profoundly impact how others perceive and respect you.
6) Expressing gratitude
Gratitude has a way of touching hearts and building bridges.
When you thank someone, you’re not just acknowledging a kind act or a job well done. You recognize the value of the person behind that action.
It’s a small gesture that can have a significant impact. It makes people feel appreciated and valued.
And when people feel appreciated, they respect the person who made them feel that way.
So, make it a habit to express gratitude to the people around you. It could be as simple as saying “thank you” to the barista who serves your coffee every morning or writing a heartfelt note to a colleague who helped you with a project.
Every act of gratitude adds up, helping build a foundation of respect that can last a lifetime.
7) Taking responsibility
I’ve found that taking responsibility is a cornerstone of earning respect.
A few years ago, I was leading a project at work. Everything was going smoothly until, one day, we hit a significant roadblock.
I had made a mistake in the planning phase that was now costing us time and resources.
It was tempting to try and downplay my role in the problem or even shift the blame onto circumstances or other team members. But deep down, I knew what I had to do.
I openly acknowledged my mistake to the team and took full responsibility.
This involved admitting the error, working diligently to correct it, and ensuring it wouldn’t happen again.
It wasn’t easy, and it certainly wasn’t comfortable. But the respect I earned from my team was more than worth it.
Taking responsibility showed them that I was someone who could own up to my mistakes and do what was needed to make things right.
8) Practicing patience
Patience is a virtue, and for good reason. It’s a sign of maturity and understanding.
Practicing patience can set you apart in our fast-paced world, where instant gratification is often the norm.
It shows that you can control your emotions and handle situations gracefully.
Whether waiting patiently for someone to finish their point in a conversation or showing understanding when things don’t go as planned, your patient demeanor will be noticed.
People respect those who can remain calm and composed even in trying situations.
9) Valuing others
At the core of earning respect is the fundamental principle of valuing others.
When you show people that you value them – not for what they can do for you, but for who they are – you breed a level of respect that is deep and enduring.
This means respecting their time, their opinions, and their individuality.
It means treating them with kindness and fairness, regardless of their status or position.
It’s a simple concept, but its impact is profound. When people feel valued, they respect you and feel inspired to extend that respect to others.
And that’s how you create a cycle of care that benefits everyone involved.
Final thoughts: Respect is reciprocal
When it comes to earning respect, it’s important to remember that it’s a two-way street.
The behaviors we’ve explored are not just about commanding respect but also about giving it. Because respect is not a status to attain but a relationship to nurture.
When you show respect, you make others feel valued and appreciated. And when people feel valued, they are more likely to respect you in return.
A cycle of mutual appreciation and understanding can profoundly impact our relationships and interactions.
So, as you strive to earn more respect daily, remember to give it. Not because you want something in return but because every person deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
It’s a simple principle that can bring a decisive change.
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