Respect, like money, must be earned. Here
are six simple ways you can earn the respect of others.
1. Seize opportunity that offers increased responsibility
Don’t be afraid to assume
more responsibility. Remember, to be stand out of crowd, you must be more than
the crowd. If you are doing the same as what others are doing, you will never
be more than them. If there is a fund raising project in your company, get
yourself involved. If your boss is looking for some extra help with a report he
is preparing, offer yourself. Do not worry what others might say, just go about
your way and seize every opportunity that will increase your
responsibility.
2. Do your best in every task
you are given
Always give your best. As
George Bernard Shaw once said, “Do your
best in whatever you do, with whatever you have, wherever you are.” Do not
whine or complain if you do not have all the tools or facts to get the job
done, quietly go and search for solutions. Improvise and be resourceful.
3. Admit your mistakes
Never pass the buck. This
will hurt your reputation badly and it may never recover. The ability to admit mistakes takes courage
and wins you supporters and admirers. Most importantly, it wins you respect.
You must also have the courage to accept honest criticism. This shows maturity
and your willingness to learn.
4. Stand your ground
Do not be made of glass.
Don’t change your principles out of fear or to gain favour. If you are sure of
your convictions, have the courage to stand by it. By no means am I suggesting
you to be hard headed. Now and then you might have see things differently.
There will be time you must back down to go forward in life but once you are
sure of what you think is right, stick to it.
5. Take complete
responsibility
Your success and your
failures are results of your actions. Where you are in life and where you will
go depends on you. So take responsibility for your actions. Do not blame others
of your failures. And understand that
your success depends on your efforts too. As a leader of man once said,
responsibility is the price you must pay for greatness.
6. Take responsibility for
the failures of those working for you
You are responsible for the
performance of those under you. It is your job to ensure that they will always give
their best. Their failure to do so, is your failure too. Do not run away from
this responsibility. Your ability to
accept responsibility for the failures of your subordinates will win you
loyalty and respect.