How to earn respect
Should respect be earned?
Relationships between people, including business cooperation, work and personal life, are based on mutual respect. Thanks to it, a trusting partnership is built. Respect is important as a factor of personal growth: we want our friends and colleagues to appreciate us and treat us well. Respect is not given to a person from birth, so one needs to own it. Do you need to earn respect or are there more peaceful ways?
We will find answers in ancient wisdom. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristippus wrote the Code several centuries before our era, in which he collected 24 main guidelines leading to success both in business and society. Let’s look at a few tips that will help you create an impeccable reputation.
Respect yourself
This is expressed in the fact that you behave correctly and politely towards people and expect similar behavior from others. Therefore, immediately curb rude attempts to yell at you, accuse or humiliate you, but do it calmly and with dignity. Make it clear to others that it is unacceptable to treat you like this.
If the work situation drives you mad: pause, refrain from strong emotions. It’s not a bad idea to get out into the fresh air, walk around or sit alone.
If emotions run high during a meeting or negotiation, take the lead in peacemaking and translate disputes into a logical direction of facts and figures. Such a step is respectful, while urging everyone to calm down is like adding fuel to the fire.
Treat others the way you treat yourself
Everything is simple here: behave the way you would like others to treat you. Even if a person doesn’t seem nice at first glance, take a closer look at him/her and find qualities for which he/she can be respected. You can definitely find them if you want.
“Be caring, kind and attentive to other people”, — in this concise guideline of Aristippus called “Respect”, ancient wisdom and simplicity of attitude to life are concentrated. Show participation and empathy to people and they will be grateful. Listening to a colleague and sympathizing — that’s normal, because human relations in the office is a must.
Follow the rules in pursuit of success
For most people, life is perceived as a race, where the prize is victory or success. These people are ready to justify any action. Against this background, deeds worthy of respect become rare, yet they maintain ethical standards and morality at the proper height, making them even more valuable.
It is believed that athletes are ready for anything to win. When the great world champion José Raúl Capablanca played a game against Yugoslavian chess player Milan Vidmar, he came close to winning, but the round ended and the game was adjourned. The Yugoslav had time to analyze the game, realize that resistance was futile, and accept imminent defeat.
After the adjournment, the game continued: Capablanca was late, and the final was about to be announced. According to the rules, the victory over the absent Capablanca would have been awarded to Vidmar. 10 seconds before the end of the game, the Yugoslav chess player knocked his king onto the board and admitted defeat. This episode is still considered the standard of sports behavior, when the truth has become higher than victory.
Be polite
“Be polite and respect personal dignity of others,” Aristippus advised in the fourth guideline of the Code. This principle works perfectly in the modern world with an overabundance of information, but a lack of attention to the individual.
Politeness is a form of interaction between people, its rules are very simple, but the effect is significant. Say hello and goodbye, hold the door for someone or offer a seat: the elementary rules that our parents taught us in childhood. These recommendations are still relevant.
Take care of your appearance
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In our time, when avant-garde and deconstructivism are in fashion, it is difficult to approach the appearance with the same criteria. However, clean shoes, neat clothes and well-groomed hair are must-haves. A person is judged primarily by appearance, so pay attention to the dress code rules in the company where you work.
“Be neat, tidy and well-organized,” Aristippus advised succinctly but accurately in his twenty-fourth guideline called “Neatness”.
This ancient wisdom should be heeded by those who like to express themselves with the help of external details. Red lipstick, a revealing blouse, a provocative tie and strong perfumes distract employees from work and form the image of such a colleague as a frivolous person who is not worthy of respect.
5 proven ways to ruin your reputation
A good reputation and respect from people is hard to earn, but easy to ruin. Here are the surest ways to nullify all efforts:
- Gossip and nasty things said behind one’s back.
- Shifting responsibility onto someone else.
- Refusal to help the team in a crisis.
- Arrogance: when you consider yourself better or smarter than others.
- Greed: noticeable if you do not donate money to public needs.
Work on mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone fixes them. There are quick measures that can change public opinion in your favor. Here are five reliable methods to become a respected person:
- Fulfill promises.
- Apologize if you are at fault.
- Don’t flatter.
- Recognize the accomplishments of others.
- Be able to listen.
Politeness, empathy, dignity are the cornerstones of respect and success in the life of every person at all times. The ancient philosophers knew this, so the Aristippus’ Code, if read today, will give you the wisdom of the ancients, making life more harmonious.
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