Respect isn’t handed out on a silver platter; it’s earned. And earning respect is often about the way we behave.
You see, people tend to respect those who exhibit certain behaviors – behaviors that show strength of character, integrity, and empathy.
And here’s the good news: anyone can learn these behaviors. You just need to know what they are and start practicing them.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the “8 behaviors that instantly make people respect you”. If you’re eager to command more respect in your personal and professional life, this list is for you.
1) Consistency
People respect those who are consistent in their words and actions. It’s a behavior that shouts reliability and dependability.
Consider this: you’re more likely to trust someone who always keeps their word, right? Consistency breeds trust, and trust, in turn, breeds respect.
But it’s not just about being consistent once or twice. It’s about showing consistency over time. So if you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you make a promise, keep it. Show up when you said you would. Be the person others can depend on, no matter what.
Consistency might not be the most glamorous behavior, but it’s one of the most effective ways to earn respect. And most importantly, it’s all about being true to your word and actions – there’s nothing manipulative about it.
2) Active Listening
In my personal experience, I’ve found that people deeply appreciate when they are heard, truly heard.
Let me share an example. A few years back, I was in a team meeting where everyone was busy pushing their own ideas. The room was filled with chatter, but no one was really listening to each other.
I decided to do something different. I stopped talking and started actively listening to what my colleagues were saying. I nodded, asked questions for clarity, and paraphrased their points to show understanding.
A funny thing happened. People started noticing my silence and my engagement with their ideas. They felt heard and valued. And by the end of that meeting, I had earned a newfound respect from my team.
Active listening isn’t just about being quiet while someone else talks. It’s about showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings. It’s a behavior that instantly commands respect because it shows you value others’ opinions as much as your own.
3) Empathy
As humans, we are wired to connect with others. This connection often strengthens when we feel understood and cared for. This is where empathy comes into play.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and seeing things from their perspective.
And here’s something you might not know: neuroscientists have discovered that when we empathize with others, our brain mimics what that person is feeling. In other words, empathy isn’t just a social nicety – it’s hardwired into our brains.
When you show empathy towards others, you’re showing that you understand their feelings and experiences. This makes people feel valued and respected, which in turn increases their respect for you. So if you want to be respected, start by showing empathy to those around you.
4) Honesty
Honesty is a cornerstone of respect. It’s about being truthful, sincere, and straightforward in your thoughts and actions.
Being honest doesn’t mean being blunt or insensitive. It means speaking the truth in a considerate and respectful way. It means owning up to your mistakes instead of covering them up.
People respect those who have the courage to admit when they’re wrong. It shows humility, accountability, and integrity – qualities that are highly admired and respected.
Remember, honesty breeds trust. And where there’s trust, respect is sure to follow. So keep it real, be transparent, and watch how it transforms the way people perceive you.
5) Kindness
In a world where you can be anything, be kind. It’s a behavior that is often underestimated, but it holds immense power.
Kindness is about being considerate, compassionate, and generous. It’s about treating others as you would want to be treated.
When you exhibit kindness, you are sending a clear message: that you value other people and their feelings. That you care about their wellbeing. That you are willing to extend your hand to help, even when it’s not convenient for you.
People not only respect those who are kind, but they also remember them. Because in the end, we may forget the things people said or did, but we never forget how they made us feel.
So be the person who lights up the room with kindness. It’s a surefire way to earn respect while touching hearts along the way.
6) Resilience
Resilience is about bouncing back from setbacks and failures. It’s about dusting yourself off and moving forward, even when the going gets tough.
I’ll never forget a challenging project I had early in my career. Despite my best efforts, things didn’t go as planned, and the project failed. It was a blow, and I felt defeated.
But instead of wallowing in self-pity, I picked myself up. I learned from my mistakes and used that experience to fuel my future actions. I proved to my team, and more importantly to myself, that I could handle failure and come back stronger.
And you know what? People respect resilience. They respect those who show grit and determination in the face of adversity. Because it shows strength of character and a never-give-up attitude.
So remember, it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up. That’s what truly earns respect.
7) Humility
Humility is a virtue that commands respect. It’s about recognizing your strengths without boasting and acknowledging your weaknesses without self-deprecation.
A humble person knows they don’t have all the answers and is open to learning from others. They appreciate others’ contributions and give credit where it’s due.
And here’s the thing: humility doesn’t make you a pushover; it makes you approachable and likeable.
People respect those who are humble because it shows a level of self-awareness and authenticity that is rare in today’s ‘me-first’ culture. So, wear your humility like a badge of honor, and watch as people’s respect for you grows.
8) Integrity
Integrity is the bedrock of respect. It’s about being true to your word, standing up for what’s right, even when it’s not popular, and sticking to your principles, even when it’s not easy.
People respect those who display integrity because it shows them that you are trustworthy and honorable. It tells them that you value your beliefs more than your convenience.
But remember, integrity isn’t a one-time thing; it’s a way of life. It’s about making the right choices, again and again, even when nobody is watching.
So, if you want to command respect, let integrity be your guiding light. It will not only earn you respect but also set a benchmark for others to follow.
Final Reflection: It’s a Journey
Earning respect is more than just adopting a list of behaviors. It’s about embarking on a journey of personal growth and character development.
The eight behaviors we’ve discussed – consistency, active listening, empathy, honesty, kindness, resilience, humility, and integrity – are all interconnected. They form the fabric of a respected individual.
Remember, respect is not about power or dominance. It’s about treating others with dignity and kindness. It’s about being authentic and true to your principles.
As the renowned author C.S. Lewis once said, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
So as you reflect on these behaviors and how they apply to your life, understand that it’s not an overnight transformation. It’s a journey filled with learning, growing and evolving.
And every step you take towards embodying these behaviors is a step towards commanding the respect you deserve.
So go forth on this journey with an open heart and mind. The respect you earn will be a testament to the person you’ve become.
