How to Gain Respect…Quickly

Have you ever been in a work situation that required you quickly earn your colleagues’ respect? No pressure there. I can think of a couple scenarios where it would be imperative, especially if you want to be successful.

·         You’re a new hire who will be supervising current employees.
·         You’re a recent graduate/new professional.

To me, those could be potential no-win situations. Sure, you might eventually gain respect, but that could be in an unpredictable time-frame. To gain respect is inherent in establishing credibility. It’s also important to be able to distinguish between “I have to do what you say” and “I respect you and value your role.” Here are some suggestions to earn that respect.

Set the Tone

First impressions are lasting so don’t come in with guns blazing, but don’t be forgettable either. The best tone to set professional and confident. Even if you’re scared to death and think you don’t have a clue, your audience will assume you are competent until proven otherwise.

If you’re a recent graduate or new to your profession, you’ll have a harder proving ground than others, as people may assume new = no knowledge. It’s true you may not have much experience, but act like you know your area well. Demonstrate that you are willing to learn from more seasoned staff.

Listen and Learn

Most of us have worked in a setting when someone new comes in and wants to change the way everything is done. It’s not a very effective leadership model and a recipe for resentment and even sabotage from the current staff. It’s critical that you get a lay of the land before jumping in. Get people’s take on everything, be quiet and ask questions.

Walk the Walk

One of the surest ways to gain respect is to walk the walk. Don’t make empty promises or end up not delivering the work because you overextended. People judge you by your actions, often more than your words. Be reliable, dependable and keep your word.

Written by regular Jobacle contributor Nancy LaFever.  Find more of her critical thinking on her blog, where she overanalyzes the bizarre grocery shopping lists of the single demographic.

Comments

[Lisat]

So true, especially about walk the walk. Honesty and integrity go along way.

[Alex Dogliotti]

You make a good point. As far as setting the tone goes, if you're a recent graduate at your first job you suggest to 'act like you know your area well'. The problem is, you don't know your area well! You just don't know anything. Whatever you say, as soon as you open your mouth, people will realize that. IN that case you the credibility you have to establish is not necessarily in a specific area, but in the way you work. Ask questions, learn fast. Would you rather be known as 'a fast learner' or as 'the one who doesn't know anything but speaks like he does'?

[Nancy]

Thanks, Lisat, for taking the time to comment. The walk the walk thing seems so obvious to me as a way to win people over. But I think often inexperienced management doesn't understand that employees are savvy enough to see through posturing, etc. and value honestly.

[Nancy]

Hi Alex, thanks for your comment. While I agree with your main point, recent graduates often do know their area well, but that's not to say they shouldn't be open to learning. Remember, also that these days there are recent graduates who are older and have been in the work world for years. I started my second career at 37, so I speak from experience.

[Solar]

Great topic under your observation. Respect can only have with the simplest formula of give and take. you have to b humble and calm so could understand things without anger and stress.nice points for suggestions I am impressed by your post.
keep on sharing such a nice posts as it is ...