How to Be Respected

Earning the respect of those around you is best achieved by treating others with respect. Recognize that they have value, that their opinions matter and that they are an important part of the team. Couple this with your own positive attitude and drive to do a good job, and you will earn respect.

Instructions

1. Remain calm under pressure. This can be a hard thing to do, but no one respects someone who loses his or her temper or flies off the handle every time something goes awry. Be a problem solver.

2. Value the opinion of others. Display confidence in your decisions, but not to the point of never wanting to hear an alternate point of view. Take in all available information, and don't let your ego get in the way of changing your mind if that's truly what's best for the situation.

3. Practice a policy of honesty. Don't take shortcuts that are dishonest, or cheat to get ahead. The road to success may be longer, but you'll earn people's respect and sleep better at night. Your chance of succeeding will be improved when you are surrounded by people who trust your word, and who are held to a high level of integrity by the example you set.

4. Admit when you've made a mistake and be humble. Don't blame someone else when the fault lies with you. Apologize to anyone you may have hurt and ask their forgiveness. We all make mistakes, it's how you handle them that will earn the respect of others.

5. Know that gaining respect takes time. Don't expect to earn respect merely from your title, your appearance or your experience. People have to get to know and trust you before they can respect you.