That, respect gives you an added clout and beefs up your status is an understatement. We all love to be respected especially in the workplace. We want our views to matter and our presence to be acknowledged.

Respect is so crucial when it comes to your career development. It comes into play when the top-notch are considering your ideas, when they’re choosing people to participate in projects, of course when they are thinking about who is getting promotions or financial raises.

The tips below are meant to provide you with invaluable ways to earning and keeping respect amongst your colleagues at work and your team in general, likewise others who come in contact with you. They will help you to be outstanding and be regarded as invaluable long after you have left the team.

1. Be Good at What You Do

Don’t spend your time thinking about being respected; rather, spend the time doing your job really well. Get a reputation for being very good at what you do. As a career expert, Jennifer Winter explains, “It’s hard to ignore results, and when you’re striving for the respect of your colleagues, one of the best things you can do is show you’ve got the right stuff.” 

2. Be Right in Time and Never Miss a Deadline

Strive to get a reputation for being incredibly dependable and on point. That is, any promise you make—be it a date to finish a project, an appointment, or something else—you keep to it. People that matter will love to work with you. 

3. Dress Up Within Proportion 

You know the whole idea of “dressing for the job you want”? While you should dress a little nicer than you are expected to, try not to over dress to the extent that you look out of place, or you do not fit into the environment. Always be judicious in your choice of wears.

4.  Respect Everyone

There is a cliché that says “you get what you give”. In order to command respect, you have to give it too, and not just to those at the top. People will notice if you’re nicer to the bosses but mean to the receptionist or delivery guys. Be genuine in your dealing with people rather than a brown-noser. Even you don’t find the person agreeable, show respect to all and sundry because the wind of change blows often especially in the corporate world, so situations and positions change. 

5. Connect To the Right People

Strike relationships with those who are well respected and much liked in your organization. This is not just about some topmost personalities here, just think of anyone who has a great reputation around the office. Remember you are judged by the company you keep. Connect to those who have the right aura and who can influence you positively. 

6. Be Innovative

Innovation is not just about inventing something. Its about thinking out of the box and being able to provide solution. Be that guy who fixes problems. Be inspiring and have a spot near you where people can read inspiring quotes or nuggets for success. Increase the tempo and fire up enthusiasm. Be the missing link! 

7. Become A Connector

Connect with one or two people in another company who may be able to help with a problem a co-worker is facing, a friend who may be a great sales lead, or anyone else who you think could move the company forward? Introduce them to your own team! Doing this displays that you have an impressive network—most importantly is that you’re willing to share it in order to help others. 

8. Use Less Of “I” and More of “We”

Research has shown that people tend to use the word “I” more frequently when communicating with people they feel are more powerful than them. Do you want some leverage? Monitor your use of “I,” you should rather use more of “We.” The people you’re talking to, will view you as a bigger person without ever knowing why. 

9. Be Willing to Ask For Help

Many people think, asking for help depicts that you don’t know what you’re doing or even a sign of weakness. If done right in your team work and partnership, it reveals your strength of character. First, it shows the person that you are open to other people’s opinion. Second, it will show that you’re productive enough not to waste tons of time trying to figure it out yourself. It also shows that you care about your work as well as your professional growth- enough to admit when you don’t know something, or you need more clarity. 

10. Lend A Helping Hand

Whenever you have an extra time, ask your boss or another colleague if there’s anything you can help out with or take over for them. They will appreciate it when you lighten their load, and your willingness to always help will not go unnoticed. 

11. Be a Good Listener.

Learn to listen. Really listen. Nothing will make people lose interest in you quicker than if they feel that your focus is always somewhere else whenever they are talking to you. So next time you’re in a conversation, ensure you’re really engaged. Utilize open body language, don’t let another thing distract you, and always ask validating or clarifying questions to show you’re paying attention.  Sometimes all a colleague needs is someone who cares enough to listen. Be that person. 

12. Own Up to Your Mistakes And How You Want To Fix Them

According to Winter: “I know, it sounds a bit counterintuitive, given you want your clients to think you’re a genius, but trust me: They know nobody is perfect. In fact, your clients will probably get a bit suspicious if you never, ever, make a single mistake. Admitting when you do, however, shows them you’re confident (and humble) enough to face the music. In my experience, that’s a trait most people respect.”

Admitting that you messed up and then not doing anything about it isn’t going to garner you much respect. Instead, when you own up, also make sure to come with a plan of how you’re going to fix things. And if you’re not certain about what to do, try to at least come up with a few options or seek help.

By: Nkechi Ali-Balogun