5 Qualities of Highly-Respected People Everyone Should Emulate

Many people believe that money and material items will bring them happiness, but some research suggests that being respected and admired may be even more essential.

Respect appears to be linked to greater happiness and the development of stronger relationships with people around you.

How do you acquire this respect, though? We’re aware of all the typical traits of respected people — such as being ethical, highly-trained, and organized — but what unusual behaviors and practices can we adopt to gain trust?

This article will go over five qualities great people do have to earn the confidence and respect of others.

1. They Know How and When to Say No

Respected people have strong boundaries. They know how to say “no” without being selfish or rude. Saying no is not always easy, but it’s necessary for several reasons:

• Saying “no” allows you to focus on your priorities. If you’re a student with a part-time job and two children to take care of, you can’t reasonably squeeze in that extra volunteer opportunity without neglecting something important.

• Saying “no” gives your friends and colleagues the message that you’re not available at all times. Respected people know they need to set aside time not to exhaust themselves while trying to please others.

• Saying “no” determines how your friends and family view you. If everything is always yes, it’s difficult for people to trust that you have their best interests in mind.

2. They Show Warmth and Competence

Respected people know they need to show others that they’re both warm and competent. They should strive for a sense of balance in their interactions with other people; we naturally gravitate toward people who possess both traits.

For example, if you’re trying to make a professional connection and the person seems like they might be too competitive, you’ll likely take a step back and avoid them completely. If anything, respected individuals should aim to show others that they’re ready to – 

• collaborate with those around them, not compete.

• be friendly and approachable, not cold and removed.

• help others grow as much as they can, not steal any of the credit from them.

To be respected, you must first be seen as caring by those around you. To project warmth, consider yourself in the shoes of others. Listening to people speaking with you and showing empathy when required will make others feel cared for.

3. They are Readers

Respected people make it a point to be well-read. They constantly surround themselves with knowledge and new ideas through the books they read regularly. Some evidence suggests that reading may help promote empathy, as it allows you to experience people’s lives and careers from an outsider’s perspective.

Warren Buffett is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and renowned investors and philanthropists in recent history. There are several articles on Buffett’s habits and characteristics, all of which advise us how to copy them in the pursuit of modest achievement.

Buffett’s dedication to reading, however, is perhaps the most unusual of his habits. He reportedly reads for about 80% of each day.

“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers,” Harry S. Truman remarked. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates are two notable examples of famous individuals who have been avid readers.

Why is it, then? We are aware that reading develops various skills and personality traits that aid in the development of respect.

Many of today’s most renowned leaders are readers. To enhance important social and leadership capabilities that will lead others to respect you, incorporate reading into your daily routine.

4. They Laugh at Themselves

Respected people don’t take themselves too seriously. They know it’s okay to be the butt of a joke every once in a while. By staying humble and laughing at themselves, people will begin to respect them more as individuals.

There has been a lot of research about the health and wellness benefits of humor. We also understand that humor may be a useful approach to enhance connections and calm tense circumstances.

However, things get a bit hazy when it comes to earning and retaining respect (particularly in the work environment). And this is especially true concerning the employer/employee relationship. As a boss, you want to be recognized for your sense of humor while also being taken seriously.

Moderate self-deprecating humor might boost likeability and respect. However, be cautious not to overdo it. You may be insulting those around you if you make frequent jokes at your own expense.

5. They are Vocal About Respect for Others

Respected people work hard to let others feel respected and appreciated, too. Those who express their appreciation towards those around them, and make sure others know they were noticed, are likely to be respected by others. It is something we often take for granted: the ability to show our appreciation and thankfulness toward others.

But why? Why take the time to show our gratitude when there’s so much other work to get done? People don’t generally appreciate it when you give them a last-minute task on top of their normal workload.

Loving others, appreciating others, and making others feel valued require patience and empathy. It also requires thoughtfulness and planning to make sure the people around you are shown to matter.

Please make an effort to show everyone in your life that they have your appreciation and respect. It will be noticed and reciprocated by others, and it will help you build a better reputation in your community.

Respected people are well-rounded individuals. They can be friendly but focused; they make time for self-care and give back without expecting anything in return. There’s no cut-and-dry recipe for earning the respect of others, but there are small things we can do every day that will help us work toward this goal.

Writing about these five qualities of highly-respected people everyone should emulate may help the reader become more self-aware and motivated to practice them.

People want to be acknowledged, but only if they have earned it. The five methods listed above will go a long way toward enhancing your connections and giving you what you truly deserve.