How to Demand Respect at Work

Nervous habits, such as excessive smiling and laughing, can undermine others’ confidence in you.

Your boss’s and coworker’s respect for your work can result in more interesting assignments, awards and even promotions. Demanding their respect requires that you work hard, communicate clearly, show humility as well as leadership and cultivate a professional, confident image. Avoid undermining your colleagues’ respect for you through childish, arrogant or sloppy behavior. The easiest and surest ways to receive the respect of others, however, is to give respect to them, and to show respect for yourself.

Instructions

1. Work hard to accomplish your tasks by or even before their deadlines, and volunteer for extra work if possible. Establish yourself as someone who can be counted on to do her work quickly and well. Exceed your boss's expectations to show you’ve got initiative and ambition.

2. Communicate your abilities clearly and openly, so you don’t become mired in projects you don’t have the ability to complete and you don’t let problems fester. Ask for help without embarrassment if you do run into trouble. Ask for advice and for senior staff members to look over your work before you give it to your boss — showing respect for others’ opinions and abilities will earn their respect in turn.

3. Show your ability to lead by being assertive and clear in presenting your ideas, secure in your dealings with co-workers, and proactive in tackling problems. Volunteer for extra duties, as long as they don’t interfere with your ability to complete the rest of your work.

4. Train yourself not to undermine others’ confidence in you through waffling — such as by using “I think” or “um” instead of simply presenting your ideas — and other nervous habits, such as excessive laughing or using a less-than-commanding tone of voice.

5. Foster friendly working relationships with your co-workers and boss in the service of creating a comfortable work environment — but don’t cross the line into unprofessional behavior, such as by revealing too much personal information. Maintain a polished professional image through appropriate dress and attention to detail, such as showing up on time and keeping an organized schedule.

References

• Kiplinger; “Get More Respect at Work”; Erin Burt; 2008