One of the most important things that a person can have is respect, but sadly, the quality does not present itself as greatly as it has in the past. Having the ability to show respect towards someone is an amazing opportunity to grow as a person, as well as allow others to admire you in a reputable way. However, I am not sure if the problem is necessarily disrespecting others as much as it is disrespecting ourselves.
Respecting yourself is making mistakes and owning up to them. It is allowing yourself to utilize your strengths, but recognizing your weaknesses, while not allowing them to take over. It’s taking care of and being aware of your health and wellbeing. Lastly, it is allowing yourself to be human.
Once you can respect yourself, respecting others becomes easier because you are able to recognize them as human as well. Here are just a few easy ways we can show respect to each other:
1. Do not point out/ highlight someone’s flaws. People are already aware of the quirks that they have, but don’t admire. Humiliating a person by making fun of their life, flaws, or situations beyond their control is not at all funny, it is cruel and disrespectful. It also creates a barrier between you and that person, or people, causing them to lose respect for you.
2. Respect authority. There is always someone who is going to be higher up than you, no matter if you are in school, at work or even the top of your company. Realizing that there are people that have been doing what you are doing longer creates some networking and mentorship opportunities if you are able to recognize that they do in fact know what they are doing. Do not burn bridges because it will come back to haunt you later.
3. Do not be a know-it-all. No one likes them. Acting like you already know everything you need to know will enlarge your ego (or make it seem like it) and make it difficult for people to work with you. Also, this hinders your ability to grow in what you are doing, and may cause you to lose the abilities you previously had because you are not working as hard. This also correlates with respecting authority. Never assume that you know more than the person above you. That will definitely burn bridges for you.
4. Be genuine and polite. You can be the best at what you do, but if you are not able to be a genuine person and be able to work well with others, those abilities will not be recognized and someone else may be chosen for a job, or even audition. There is so much hate lately that people appreciate nice and respectable people. That is what will stick in an employer’s head, or even a person wanting to be your friend, because they will remember you for that reason and may recommend you, hire you, or befriend you because you are trustworthy and loyal.
5. Do not backstab. It is incredibly immature and unnecessary. All credibility is lost with this action. Although some may forgive, others may not and it’s easier to just avoid backstabbing people in general. No one likes it when it happens and no one wants it to happen to them. Feelings get hurt, flaws are exposed, rumors start and it is not professional, or nice. This burns bridges and causes a loss of respect, as well as trust.
It’s easy to be a nice person and it is more worth it in the long run. Showing respect is showing maturity and is appreciated by everyone. Respect yourself. Respect others.
