How to Gain Respect at Work

Respect is defined as “a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability” (“respect.” Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 05 Sep. 2010). Most people talk of respect in a generalized sense (“I respect my boss.”). But in the workplace, a generalized respect won’t really cut it when things like promotions or raises are on the line. Use the second part of the definition and strive to gain respect at work for a quality or ability.

You can focus on your own strengths or weaknesses and improving one or more. For example, if you are particularly strong in time management, then you can continue to develop this area. The positive is that it will be easier to stand out and gain respect if you are already string in that area. The downside is that you may become pigeon-holed into that area, and not recognized for other strengths you may have.

You can also strengthen a trait that upper management considers valuable. Here are 5 traits that generally make you more promotable:
1. Leadership. Study this area and decide how you personally want to develop your leadership traits. Some people define this as charisma, some define it as the ability to get people to follow your direction. There are many examples of leaders. Pick one that fits your personality and focus on making it stringer.
2. Stress management. Management wants to promote people who can be relied on. If you crumble under stress or pressure, you are not reliable. Select a stress management system that works in all situations.
3. Time management. “Under budget and on time” are the happiest words to your bosses. Manage your time well, and the people above you and on your team will respect you.
4. Constant education. Demonstrate that you are always educating yourself about all aspects of your job and your career. This means the technical aspects of your position right now, and about the position you wish to hold in several years.
5. Team building. Companies like to hold on to talent and develop new talent. Demonstrating that you can do both these tasks increases your value to the company by leveraging your worth.

Respect is too often interpreted as “being afraid of” or “being intimidated by.” True respect is having co-workers and upper management see and value the unique qualities you bring to the workplace. The key to how to gain respect at work is to develop and show off your value.

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