I’m sure you’ve met them, those individuals who seem to command respect without even trying.

You watch them in awe and wonder, “What’s their secret?”

Psychology may have the answer.

Believe it or not, earning respect isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or having a flashy title. It often boils down to subtle habits – ones that most people overlook.

So, if you’ve been pondering “What can I do to be more respected?”, it might be time to pay attention to these small yet significant behaviors.

In this article, we’ll unpack seven subtle habits that can make you more respected than most.

And no, this isn’t about manipulating others or putting on a show. It’s about genuine actions that reflect integrity and character.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

1) Active listening

Ever been in a conversation where you feel like the other person is just waiting for their turn to speak? It’s not a great feeling, is it?

Now, consider the opposite.

Imagine someone who genuinely listens, who treats your words as valuable, and gives you their undivided attention.

It’s a different experience altogether, right?

That’s the power of active listening. It’s a subtle habit, often overlooked, but incredibly powerful in cultivating respect.

Here’s why.

When you actively listen, you’re telling the other person that their thoughts matter.

You’re saying, “I value your perspective”.

And that kind of validation? It’s rare. It makes people feel seen and heard, and they’ll respect you for it.

But remember, active listening isn’t about just nodding your head. It’s about understanding, asking clarifying questions, and responding appropriately.

So next time you’re in a conversation, try it out. You might be surprised at how much it changes the dynamic.

2) Keeping your word

How many times have you heard someone say, “I’ll get it done,” only for it to fall by the wayside? It’s frustrating, right?

Let me share a personal example.

A few years back, I was working on a group project at work. We were all excited and full of ideas.

One team member, let’s call him John, was particularly enthusiastic. He promised to take care of a critical part of the project.

However, as the deadline approached, John hadn’t delivered.

He had excuses, sure, but the bottom line was that he didn’t keep his word.

And it cost him the respect of the team.

Small as it may seem, keeping your word is a big deal.

It’s about integrity. It’s about trust.

When you say you’ll do something and then follow through, you’re showing others that you’re reliable and trustworthy.

And that’s something people respect.

No one’s perfect. We all drop the ball sometimes. But if you make a habit of honoring your commitments – no matter how small – you’ll find that people’s respect for you grows.

So next time you give your word, remember: it’s more than just a promise. It’s an opportunity to earn respect.

3) Owning your mistakes

We all mess up sometimes. It’s human nature.

But here’s the thing – it’s not the mistake that defines us, it’s how we handle it afterward.

I remember a time when I was responsible for a major blunder at work. I had two choices: try to sweep it under the rug or own up to it.

I chose the latter.

It wasn’t easy, I’ll admit. My pride took a serious hit.

But I walked into my boss’s office, explained what happened, and accepted the consequences.

Did people talk? Sure, they did.

But something unexpected happened too. My colleagues started to look at me differently – not with disdain, but with respect.

Owning your mistakes shows character. It tells people you’re not afraid of accountability.

You’re human, yes, but you’re also mature enough to recognize your failings and strong enough to face them head-on.

So next time you mess up – and you will because we all do – don’t hide. Own it. Apologize if need be. Learn from it.

You’ll be surprised by the amount of respect this simple act can earn you.

4) Respecting others

It might sound obvious, but respect is a two-way street.

If you want to be respected, you need to show respect to others. And no, this isn’t about superficial pleasantries or empty compliments.

True respect goes deeper.

It’s about acknowledging the value that each person brings, regardless of their status or role.

It’s about treating everyone with kindness and fairness, whether they’re the CEO or the office janitor.

I’ve found that when I treat others with genuine respect, it comes back to me tenfold. People appreciate being valued and treated fairly.

They notice when you take the time to understand their viewpoints and appreciate their contributions.

So, if you want to be more respected, start by giving respect. Not because you want something in return, but because it’s the right thing to do.

5) Practicing humility

Here’s something worth pondering: the most respected people are often the most humble.

Take Mahatma Gandhi, for instance.

Despite leading India to independence and inspiring movements for civil rights worldwide, he never saw himself above others. His humility is still admired and respected to this day.

Humility isn’t about downplaying your achievements or talents. It’s about recognizing that you’re part of a larger whole. It’s understanding that everyone has something to contribute and no one has all the answers.

Did you know that research has found humility to be associated with better job performance, leadership, and team engagement?

Being humble allows you to be open to new ideas, learn from others, and continuously grow – qualities that earn respect.

6) Showing empathy

Life is a tapestry of experiences, both joyful and challenging. And while we all walk different paths, what connects us is our ability to understand and share the feelings of others – in other words, empathy.

When you show genuine empathy, you’re saying, “I see you. I hear you. I understand your feelings.” It’s a powerful way to connect with people on a deeper level.

I remember a time when a colleague was going through a rough patch. Instead of offering advice or trying to fix the situation, I just listened and empathized.

This simple act of kindness helped her feel less alone during a difficult time.

Showing empathy doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything someone says or does. It’s about understanding their perspective and validating their feelings.

Embodying empathy can take practice, but it’s worth it. Not only does it make you a better friend, partner, and colleague, but it also earns you the respect of those around you.

7) Consistency

In a world full of fleeting trends and ever-changing norms, there’s something incredibly powerful about consistency. It’s the bedrock of trust and the foundation of respect.

Consistency means aligning your actions with your words. It’s about living out your values, not just when it’s convenient, but every single day.

Whether it’s always being on time, delivering quality work, or treating others with kindness, consistency in your actions sends a clear message: you can be relied upon.

And let me tell you, reliability is a rare commodity these days.

So if you’re looking to gain respect, strive for consistency.

It might not be glamorous or easy, but it will earn you the regard of those around you.

And in the long run, that’s worth more than any fleeting trend or momentary popularity.

The takeaway

If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re committed to becoming more respected. And that’s commendable.

Keep in mind, the journey to respect isn’t about changing who you are, but about enhancing your interactions and relationships with others. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself.

Reflect on these seven habits. How many do you already practice? Where could you improve?

Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent effort and self-awareness. But every small step, every tiny victory, gets you closer to your goal.