Winning in the Workplace #12: Earning Respect
Have you ever noticed that some people just seem to have the respect of
everyone around them? People hang on their every word. They're trusted
implicitly. Everyone turns to them for advise. How does this happen?
What have they done to create such an enviable reputation?
Respect in the workplace is something we all seek, yet many people use
very counterproductive strategies to try and achieve it. Here are a few
examples of how not to get the respect of the people around you:
Winning with the Employee from Hell - a guide to coaching & motivation
1. Demand it
One of the fastest ways to losë respect from people is to tell them to
respect you. Yes, by exercising position power or threatening formal
action, you can force people to defer to you and treat you in a respectful
manner; but people's respect for you will virtually disappear.
2. Brag
Some people feel that the best way to get respect from others is to
continually tell everyone about their accomplishments. While people might
initially be impressed to hear about someone's accomplishments, it won't
be long before they tire of the boasting and label him a braggart.
3. Overcompensate
Some people, in their effort to gain the respect of others, become overly
critical. They demand perfection of the people around them, and will
point out the smallest and most insignificant flaw in things. The truth
is, we respect people who seek excellence. People who seek perfection for
perfection sake, however, can become annoying in a hurry.
Ultimately, respect is something that can only be earned. This is true
whether you want people to respect you for what you do, or for who you
are. Do you want respect from your coworkers, bosses, employees or
customers? Here are two things you have to do:
1. Be good at what you do
When push comes to shove, if you want respect for what you do, you have to
be good at what you do. Find a niche that you can "own," then become an
insatiable student. Attend every workshop, seminar and conference you
can. Be a voracious reader. Find a mentor. Practice.
2. Be a 'go-to' person
Be the person that people turn to when they are looking for help. Be
honest, walk your talk, and make a point to be interested about the people
around you.
Two important things to note about earning the respect of the people
around you: Be patient and be careful. Like great tree, it can take many
years for respect to grow, yet only moments for it to be lost forever.
Good luck!
Have you ever noticed that some people just seem to have the respect of
everyone around them? People hang on their every word. They're trusted
implicitly. Everyone turns to them for advise. How does this happen?
What have they done to create such an enviable reputation?
Respect in the workplace is something we all seek, yet many people use
very counterproductive strategies to try and achieve it. Here are a few
examples of how not to get the respect of the people around you:
Winning with the Employee from Hell - a guide to coaching & motivation
1. Demand it
One of the fastest ways to losë respect from people is to tell them to
respect you. Yes, by exercising position power or threatening formal
action, you can force people to defer to you and treat you in a respectful
manner; but people's respect for you will virtually disappear.
2. Brag
Some people feel that the best way to get respect from others is to
continually tell everyone about their accomplishments. While people might
initially be impressed to hear about someone's accomplishments, it won't
be long before they tire of the boasting and label him a braggart.
3. Overcompensate
Some people, in their effort to gain the respect of others, become overly
critical. They demand perfection of the people around them, and will
point out the smallest and most insignificant flaw in things. The truth
is, we respect people who seek excellence. People who seek perfection for
perfection sake, however, can become annoying in a hurry.
Ultimately, respect is something that can only be earned. This is true
whether you want people to respect you for what you do, or for who you
are. Do you want respect from your coworkers, bosses, employees or
customers? Here are two things you have to do:
1. Be good at what you do
When push comes to shove, if you want respect for what you do, you have to
be good at what you do. Find a niche that you can "own," then become an
insatiable student. Attend every workshop, seminar and conference you
can. Be a voracious reader. Find a mentor. Practice.
2. Be a 'go-to' person
Be the person that people turn to when they are looking for help. Be
honest, walk your talk, and make a point to be interested about the people
around you.
Two important things to note about earning the respect of the people
around you: Be patient and be careful. Like great tree, it can take many
years for respect to grow, yet only moments for it to be lost forever.
Good luck!