[March 5, 2018] “Demanding” respect is the surest way not to get it. People may show signs of respect for you if you have power over them but deep down they will not respect you if you demand respect from them. There are no shortcuts, formulas, or hacks to change how respect is obtained. Respect must be earned; never demanded.
“Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?” – Confucius, Chinese philosopher
Did you ever wonder why in the old children’s story that Pinocchio wanted to be a real boy? It’s about the human struggle to be wanted and to be loved and respected as a little boy. The Adventures of Pinocchio (1883) is as timeless as emotions have been a part of humanness. Created by woodcarver Geppetto, Pinocchio struggles with issues that all humans struggle with day in and day out; no surprise that the story is so popular. Ultimately it is about gaining respect and how easily it is lost; as his nose grows with each lie.
Here are my top 12 ways to “earn” respect:
- Listen to what others have to say.
- Don’t worry about being popular.
- Treat others with respect.
- Make timely and informed decisions.
- Care for others.
- Avoid vulgar lingo, heavy accents, and vague language.
- Keep all promises.
- Don’t waste people’s time.
- Protect other people’s back.
- Politely let others know where you stand.
- Let values guide your actions (a sign of good character).
- Be prepared, always!
Positive relationships (in business, family, etc.) are built on mutual love and respect. Bruce Lee, the martial artist and pop culture icon, once said that, “knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” He went on to say that getting respect is one of the most difficult things to obtain and one of the easiest to lose. Therefore it must be nurtured in order to keep it.
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With all the “talk” about respect, i find that we have less of it today than during my lifetime and I’ve been around a while. People in the USA need to have a conversation about respect but they need to also begin to actually show respect.
Disgusting remark. Turn the responsibility and accountability to where it belongs. Black hate towards white people and the fact that they not only show constant disrespect, but show invasive underserved childish power over white people. WHy? Because of liberal whites in hijacked power. True signs of bullies on playgrounds. I see black people in this way if childish hate all the time
One wonders about young people today that are so caught up in victimhood that they can survive it when faced with the real world. All I can say is good luck to them. Doing something like joining the military would give them a chance to be in an organization that doesn’t tolerate such PC crap.
I’ll add one more … 13. Follow the rules! Simple and effective. You don’t always have to agree (and who are you to agree or disagree anyway) and as long as they are not a clear violation of the law, ethics, or morality, then just obey the rules.