We all know those people who seem to command respect the moment they walk into a room. It’s not about their looks or their job title; it’s something about the way they carry themselves that makes people sit up and take notice.
These individuals have mastered certain behaviors that radiate respectability. These aren’t hard-to-attain or mysterious traits, but deliberate and authentic actions that truly set them apart.
In this piece, we’ll break down the 7 common behaviors seen in people who easily garner respect, no matter where they go. Stick with me, and you might just become one of them.
1) They listen more than they speak
It’s no secret that people who are deeply respected are often great listeners. But what does this actually mean?
Listening goes beyond just hearing words. It involves fully focusing on the speaker and showing genuine interest in what they’re saying. It’s about understanding their emotions, their motivations, and their perspective.
Respected individuals don’t just wait for their turn to speak. They don’t interrupt or plan their response while the other person is still talking. Instead, they give their full attention, ask insightful questions, and respond thoughtfully.
This behavior displays humility, empathy, and respect for the speaker. And guess what? It earns them respect in return.
Listening more than speaking signifies a willingness to learn and grow. It shows that you value others’ opinions and experiences, making people feel valued in return.
In a world where everyone wants to be heard, being a good listener can truly set you apart. So next time you’re in a conversation, remember: ears open, mouth shut. You’ll be surprised at the respect you’ll gain.
2) They’re authentic
In my experience, the people who garner the most respect are always the ones who are unapologetically themselves. Authenticity, it turns out, is a magnet for respect.
Let me share a personal example. I once had a boss named Sarah. She was not your typical corporate leader. She wore colorful scarves instead of business suits, and she loved telling stories about her travels around the world during meetings.
Sarah didn’t try to fit into a predefined mold of what a leader should look like or behave. Instead, she was genuine, true to her unique self, and that made people respect her even more.
Her authenticity created an atmosphere of acceptance in our office. We knew we could be ourselves without judgment. And this led to a culture of trust and respect that was palpable.
So remember, being true to yourself isn’t just about being comfortable in your own skin. It’s a powerful way to earn respect from others. Because when you’re authentic, people see it and appreciate it.
3) They respect time
Punctuality is a characteristic of respected individuals that often goes unnoticed. Yet it plays a significant role in how others perceive us.
Research has shown that people who are habitually late are often viewed as less competent and less conscientious, even if their tardiness is due to factors beyond their control.
On the other hand, people who respect time – their own and others’ – signal that they value people and their commitments. This means showing up on time for appointments, meeting deadlines, and not keeping people waiting.
This behavior sends a clear message: “I respect you and your time.” And that’s a surefire way to earn respect in return. So if you want to be one of those people who command respect wherever they go, start by watching the clock.
4) They’re consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to gaining respect. It’s about being the same person in every situation, whether you’re at a business meeting, at home with your family, or out with your friends.
People who are consistent in their behavior, their values, and their work ethic are seen as reliable and trustworthy. They’re the ones we can count on to follow through on their promises and stick to their principles, no matter what.
Being consistent doesn’t mean being rigid or inflexible. It means staying true to who you are and what you believe in, even when faced with adversity.
Consistency builds trust. And trust, in turn, builds respect. So if you want to be one of those people who instantly gain respect wherever they go, strive for consistency. It’s a trait that’s as simple as it is powerful.
5) They admit when they’re wrong
I remember a time when I made a significant error on a project at work. It was an honest mistake, but the consequences were far-reaching. I was tempted to shift the blame or downplay its impact, but I knew deep down that wasn’t the right thing to do.
So, I took a deep breath and walked into my boss’s office. I explained what had happened, took full responsibility, and shared my plan to rectify the situation. It was one of the most difficult conversations I’ve ever had, but it was also one of the most important.
Because from that day forward, I noticed a shift in how my colleagues perceived me. They saw me as someone who owned up to their mistakes and took action to correct them. In their eyes, I had grown from an employee into a leader.
Admitting when you’re wrong isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. It shows humility, integrity, and a willingness to learn and improve. These are qualities that earn respect and admiration from others.
So don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes. It might be uncomfortable in the moment, but the respect you’ll gain is worth it.
6) They’re kind and considerate
No matter how successful or powerful a person might be, kindness and consideration can elevate their status even higher. These traits are universally admired and respected across all cultures.
Individuals who display kindness in their daily interactions leave a lasting positive impression. They are the ones who remember people’s names, show interest in others’ lives, and take the time to help without expecting anything in return.
Consideration means thinking about how your actions affect others. It’s about being aware of your surroundings and making sure your behavior is not causing inconvenience or discomfort to anyone.
These traits show that you value other people and their feelings. And when you show respect for others, they’re more likely to respect you in return. So always be kind and considerate. It’s a simple way to gain respect wherever you go.
7) They’re confident, not arrogant
The most respected individuals are those who exude confidence without crossing over into arrogance. They know their worth, but they never use it as a means to belittle others or boost their own ego.
Confidence is about being comfortable with who you are and what you know, while also recognizing that there’s always more to learn. It’s about standing up for your beliefs without dismissing the viewpoints of others.
Arrogance, on the other hand, is a barrier that prevents growth and alienates people. It creates a sense of superiority that can quickly erode any respect you’ve earned.
So, strive to be confident. Believe in yourself, your abilities, and your potential. But remember – true confidence doesn’t need to shout to be heard. It speaks for itself and earns respect silently.
Final thoughts: Respect is reciprocal
At the root of gaining respect lies a simple, yet profound principle: respect is reciprocal. It’s a universal human truth that transcends cultures and generations.
Respect isn’t something you can demand or buy. It’s earned through consistent actions, genuine interactions, and the authenticity of your character.
Every behavior we’ve discussed – from listening more than speaking to being confident without arrogance – is anchored in this principle of reciprocity. You give respect, you earn respect. It’s a cycle that continues to revolve as long as you keep feeding into it with your actions.
So, as you move forward, remember that respect isn’t a destination but a continuous journey. A journey filled with opportunities to learn, grow and influence others in the most positive way.
After all, as Laurence Sterne once said, “Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.” Let this be the compass that guides your journey towards earning respect wherever you go.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
