When the hustle and daily grind of work tasks dominate our attention and time, there's one prized factor that’s frequently overlooked that can reshape your career: respect. Respect isn't about being liked; it's about being valued and appreciated for the unique contributions you bring to the table. You don't need to be everyone's favorite at work to advance; in fact, focusing on being liked can be detrimental to gaining true respect. To get ahead, place your focus on fostering professional respect from your colleagues and nurture genuine friendships outside of work in your leisure time. In this blog, we’ll explore why gaining and maintaining respect is so crucial at work and how it can open doors to a better career path. We’ll also delve into the top 12 ways to build career advantage through respect.
First, let’s compare being well-liked to being well respected. There’s a clear distinction between the two and it’s essential to understand the difference. While being liked can certainly make your work environment more pleasant, respect runs deeper. It’s about acknowledgment and appreciation for your skills, integrity, and the value you bring to your workplace. Likability can only get you so far because although it feels good to be liked, most people will follow, connect with, and perform better for people whose competence, reliability, and character they respect. Why is this distinction crucial? Because ultimately, respect is what can propel your career forward.
The path to a better career often begins with respect rather than solely relying on whether or not people like you. Likability and friendships at work can be fickle at best. If people like you, that’s fine. If they don’t or are neutral towards you, that’s also okay. When you're respected versus just liked at work, you're often entrusted with more significant responsibilities and opportunities. Workplace respect can be the catalyst for promotions, leadership roles, and greater influence within your organization over the long-term. Here's how to actively build respect and credibility as you navigate your professional growth and deliver more positive and sustained career outcomes.
1. Engage in Active Listening
Active listening isn't just about hearing words; it's about understanding the emotions and intentions behind them. When you listen intently, you show your colleagues that you value their thoughts and feelings. Ask questions for clarification, maintain eye contact, and provide feedback to ensure you're on the same page. By doing so, you build trust and respect that can be invaluable in collaborative projects and negotiations.
2. Treat Others with Respect
Respect begins with the golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. Respect is earned, so show that you are worthy of respect by respecting others. Regardless of rank or position, approach everyone with courtesy, empathy, and kindness. Offer assistance when you see someone struggling and extend a helping hand without expecting anything in return. Actions like these create an environment where respect becomes the standard, fostering a company culture of mutual support and cooperation.
3. Give Praise and Kudos
Celebrate the achievements of your colleagues. Whether it's a small milestone or a significant accomplishment, take the time to acknowledge and recognize their efforts. When you express genuine appreciation, you reinforce the idea that hard work and dedication are valued. This, in turn, encourages others to continue striving for excellence and fosters a workplace culture of mutual respect.
4. Always Respond with Professionalism
Conflict is inevitable in any workplace. How you handle it can significantly impact the level of respect you command. When faced with differences of opinion or disputes, maintain professionalism. Keep emotions in check, avoid personal attacks, and focus on finding solutions rather than escalating conflicts. By doing so, you'll gain a reputation as a level-headed problem-solver who values people over problems.
5. Give and Take Feedback
Embrace feedback as a tool for growth. Actively seeking out feedback from colleagues and superiors, demonstrates your commitment to self-improvement and goal setting. When you receive feedback, accept it graciously and use it to refine your skills and performance. This willingness to learn and grow not only earns respect for your humility but also results in continuous improvement and excellence in your work.
6. Avoid Gossip and Toxic Behaviors
Gossip can be corrosive in the workplace, eroding trust and respect. Gossip isn’t inherently good or bad, rather its impact depends on the context and intent. Gossip is often driven by personal insecurities or low self-esteem so refrain from participating in these types of toxic conversations and use discretion. Instead, focus on constructive dialogue that contributes to a healthy work environment.
7. Keep Promises and Meet Deadlines
Reliability is the foundation of respect in the workplace. If you commit to a task, project, or deadline, make it your priority to follow through consistently. By keeping your promises, you establish a reputation as someone who can be trusted to deliver projects and tasks on time… every time. This trust leads to greater responsibilities and opportunities for career advancement.
8. Offer and Ask for Help
Don't hesitate to offer assistance when you see a colleague in need. Collaboration and teamwork are highly valued in organizations. Be proactive in lending a hand when you can, as it demonstrates your commitment to collective success. Similarly, don't be afraid to ask for help when you're facing a challenge. Seeking assistance shows openness and a commitment to finding the best solutions.
9. Do Your Job Well
Excellence in your work is a fundamental way to earn respect. Consistently produce high-quality results, perform above and beyond, and strive for improvement in your work and projects. A reputation for doing your job well, mastering your responsibilities, and exceeding expectations not only earns respect but also positions you as an invaluable contributor to your team and organization, both now and in the future.
10. Value Others’ Time
Respect others' time by making a conscious effort to streamline meetings and ensure they are worth the collective investment. We’ve all heard of the meeting that could have been an email… avoid wasting people’s time! Start by setting clear objectives for each meeting, sharing a well-defined agenda in advance, and sticking to the schedule. Encourage active participation and address issues efficiently. By doing so, you create an environment where meetings become a valuable platform for decision-making rather than a time-consuming hurdle in everyone's workday.
11. Take Risks and Admit Mistakes
Taking calculated risks showcases your willingness to innovate and grow. Be unafraid to propose new ideas or approaches and go outside your comfort zone. Inevitably, mistakes may occur. When they do, promptly admit them, take responsibility, and learn from the experience. Owning up to your errors demonstrates your integrity and a commitment to professional growth.
12. Connect with the Right People
Building meaningful relationships with colleagues, mentors, and leaders in your field is an often-overlooked aspect of career success. Seek out opportunities to connect with individuals who can provide guidance, mentorship, and insights. These networks can open doors, provide valuable advice, and contribute to your career advancement as you continue up your career path.
Maya Angelou is credited by many as saying, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." The essence of building respect at work lies in how you make your colleagues feel—valued, appreciated, and supported. By actively pursuing respect, you create an environment where collaboration, trust, and professional growth thrive. When respect becomes the foundation of your career, the possibilities are endless.