How to Gain Respect on the Job
It's frustrating to be in a workplace where you feel you aren't given the respect you deserve. Maybe you're the new kid on the block, or an older worker who is seen as past his prime. It's also possible that you aren't behaving in ways that inspire respect from others. Respect is never given blindly. It must be earned, and you don't earn it just once, you have to keep earning it every time you interact with your co-workers and superiors. There are many ways to inspire respect in the workplace
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Instructions
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Dress professionally. If your company has a dress code, follow it to the letter. Be especially careful not to wear outfits that are too revealing, too casual, or that broadcast messages that may be offensive to some of your co-workers.
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Treat colleagues and superiors with respect. Some people falsely believe that the best way to earn respect is to be cold, distant, and even rude to others. Such behavior will not make you respected; it will only make you disliked. You will be far more respected if you recognize and acknowledge the unique skills your co-workers bring to their job.
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Work hard. Aside from your designated breaks and lunch hours, focus on company business. Don't send personal emails or social networking updates from your work computer. Co-workers who perceive you as someone who slacks off are not likely to respect you.
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Act dependably. If you volunteer to take on a project, make sure you turn in high-quality work by the deadline. Co-workers respect a colleague who can always be counted on in a pinch.
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Perform as a team player. If everyone is staying a little late or giving up part of their Saturday to finish a crucial project, you should do the same. Being a team player also means not backbiting or complaining about the team or members of the team. If your support of your colleagues is unwavering, you will earn their respect.
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Receive feedback well. Nobody gets every detail right every time. If a co-worker or supervisor offers constructive suggestions on a project, thank him or her and make the changes that were suggested. If you throw a fit every time somebody tries to correct you, you may be feared, but you will not be respected.
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Keep private information private. That doesn't mean you should never speak about your partner, children, pets, or home, but limit the information you share to what is appropriate for the business setting. If your personal life seems to be a perpetual mess, your colleagues and superiors will have a hard time taking you seriously at work.
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Tips & Warnings
The best way to gain respect is to behave respectably.
Avoid office politics and taking sides between co-workers.
References
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