Respect is earned, but what does that actually mean?
RESPECT is not something that a person demands or manipulates from others, it is earned.
RESPECT is not something that is given to you because of your title or because you know some specific person, it is earned.
Remember the old Smith Barney commercial from 1979 where John Houseman looks into the camera and says, “They make money the old fashioned way, they earn it,” which was through hard work and research. RESPECT is like that as well. RESPECT is something we all want, but it is something that has to be earned.
Action Steps
Below are seven action steps that can enable you to earn respect from those you lead.
R: Respect yourself and those you work with
It all starts with a sense of your own dignity or worth, which includes ones character and conduct. Having respect for yourself is the whole package of mind and body, the mental and physical, our thoughts and actions, and our words and deeds. Respect for yourself is the most important of the 7 steps, it will lead you to a more fulfilling life and heighten your sense of self accomplishment. One easy way to help developing your self respect is to change your mental attitude and the way you talk to yourself. Check out my blog about Positive Self Talk for more on how to start.
E: Exceed the expectations of others
Going the extra mile and working harder than most will go a long way in earning the respect of others. Give more than what is expected and over deliver on your promises. This is much easier said than done. Often times people overwhelm themselves with setting initial expectations too high or feeling like they are lost in a sea of endless things to-do without direction. Life coaches can be instrumental in guiding you through the expectations and helping you find purpose and passion in each step until your goals are reached.
S: Stand firm on your convictions and principles
The knowledge of your core beliefs religiously, politically, and socially, are essential to earn respect from others. This gives something firm to stand on and others the willingness to follow. Know what you believe and follow through with your intuition!
P: Possess maturity beyond your years
Staying calm, cool, and collected in challenging situations will earn people’s respect. Ever noticed in movies the people who always freak out and go crazy in life threatening situations are never the ones who end up with respect? Clear thinking, patience, and thinking on your feet; that’s how respect is earned.
E: Experience success in your family-life and career
Let’s face it, we respect the person who pours their life into their business and becomes a great success. But as a society, we respect even more those who can build a successful business and be a great spouse and parent all at the same time. When people have their priorities right, that earns the respect of the people.
C: Contribute to the success of others
I love the slogan from BNI, “Givers Gain”. By being a servant to others and helping others succeed, you become a respected person. Anytime you invest time, energy, and finances into others, people really take notice.
T: Think ahead of others
People respect those who have a vision for their destination and what it will take to get there. Those who have goals and a plan of action always earn the trust and respect of others. People respect those who are confident, educated, have faith, and have imagination.
Question: Which of the steps above are you most deficient in?
If you would like to learn more about RESPECT for yourself and how important it is in your personal and professional life, visit my website at https://richcavaness.com/
