A lot people think that being well liked is a great professional goal. But I’m here to tell you that’s overrated. Popularity is fleeting. It comes and it goes. Sometimes people are going to like the decisions you make, and sometimes they won’t. So what? Your goal is not popularity. Your goal is to make the very best decisions you can. Then execute with integrity which long term will earn you the one thing always better than popularity. Which is respect. Respect is a feeling of esteem or deference one might have for you as an overall person or for certain professional skills, traits and accomplishments.

You’ll know when you’ve earned someone’s respect. They will come to you more for assistance and advice. They’ll represent you positively to others. And, in general, they’ll be much more supportive of your professional efforts.

In most new relationships, people do afford others a little respect to start with, even without knowing them, based on the assumption, right or wrong, that they deserve it. From there, you have to earn more respect. And there are many behaviors that help you earn the respect of others.

Here are four of Cubicle Trends favorites

  • First, remember to explain your behaviors and decisions, at least when the context is important and especially when there’s any tension involved in the situation. Be sure to explain yourself. You can be brief and quick but be honest. Never let people wonder why you’re doing what you’re doing.

  • Next, any time you are fully or principally responsible for a big win, be sure to share the credit. You’re allowed to shine the light on you, but it’s always good form to shine it brighter of the team of employees and collaborators who supported you. And it makes them want to reciprocate that behavior later.

  • Here’s another huge one. Always have your team’s back. If someone negatively questions them, stand up for them. If a resource they love is being threatened from the outside, you have to fight for them. Their loyalty and commitment to you is determined by how you show loyalty and commitment to them.

  • Finally, remember to walk the talk. As a leader, just saying the right things isn’t enough. Your behaviors have to follow through. In fact, if you espouse certain standards for the team, but then don’t meet them yourself. Or if you say you’ll do something, and simply don’t do it, that’s a huge hit to both trust and respect. Building a track record that earns you respect is important, but it’s not just about the work you do.

It’s about how you treat people, especially your team.

CTTO to the images used.

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