Whether you work for a small company or a large one, whether you are in management or an entry-level position, gaining respect at work is a smart career move. In today’s market, looking ahead and planning a career path is essential. Advancing along that path requires respect from your coworkers.
Consider These Approaches To Gain Respect At Work
Take responsibility for your actions. No matter what happens, take responsibility for your actions – both good and bad. It’s okay to point out when you do something well providing you also acknowledge when you might have come up short. If you feel that your actions resulted in negative consequences for someone, acknowledge that and ask how you can help repair the situation.
Remain calm. As you go through your day, there will be situations that annoy and frustrate you. When they do, take a deep breath, go for a walk, or even sit in your car for a few minutes. Make sure you don’t vent your frustrations on people who don’t deserve it. If you have a problem with a coworker, address the problem in a private area or office. Remember treating people respectfully and remaining calm always reflect well on you.
Give quality information. When you want to advance your career, resist the urge to listen to office gossip. Only pass on information you know is reliable, truthful, and necessary for someone else to know about. Avoid talking about coworkers’ personal lives, especially if you’ve been told information in confidence. Becoming a reliable source of valuable information is part of the reputation you want to build.
Give credit where credit is due. When other people do well, make sure to tell them. Take the time to speak well of them to others. Speaking highly of others will earn you respect and is an attribute shared by effective leaders.
At the end of the day, the most important way to gain respect in the workplace is to behave respectfully. Treat everyone with courtesy. Don’t talk down to anyone or act condescending toward their thoughts or opinions. It's important to remember that how you treat others will influence how they treat you.
Questions to Consider
Which co-workers do you most respect and why?
Which of these approaches do you most need to improve?
Which approaches do you feel your co-workers appreciate most about you?