Scott Mautz is a popular speaker, trainer, and LinkedIn Learning instructor. He’s a former senior executive of Procter & Gamble, where he ran several of the company’s largest multi-billion-dollar businesses. He is the author of ”The Mentally Strong Leader: Build the Habits to Productively Regulate Your Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviors.”
Writing for CNBC online, he says that without respect, it’s hard to get anything done on the job. Respect cannot be commanded; it can only be earned. You can earn it in small moments and in big ones, but you can also earn it through your own practice of personal growth. He says, “If you want to be more respected, you must do these three basic things. Ask yourself”:
- What can I give to earn respect?
- What can I resist to earn respect?
- What can I exude to earn respect?
Giving means giving more than you get as a matter of principle. Be generous with your time, wisdom, and attention. Offer thoughtful feedback and be generous with praise when you see someone doing something well. Be generous with your respect, as well. Show others how you’d like to be treated by choosing to treat them well first.
Give more than you’re expected to; do your best work on everything you’re given. Implement one of my favorite pieces of wisdom from Russian acting theorist Konstantin Stanislavski: “There are no small parts, only small actors.” (That’s why supporting actors get Oscars just like the lead actors.)
Resisting means resisting things that create or perpetuate negativity. Gossip, complaining, being drawn into petty grievances or drama at the office – all avoidable mistakes and wastes of time that will cost you respect (and maybe your next promotion.)
Mautz says that resisting taking credit is always a good policy. But understand how and why to do it. “I’m not talking about being a martyr. But when the opportunity comes to share who did what behind that achievement, make it about them, not you. People will still know you played a role in the success and will respect you more for putting others in the spotlight.”
Exuding means letting your professionalism shine. Do your homework. Come prepared. Meet your deadlines and keep your promises. When you know you’re doing a good job, your confidence will soar. That means you can be even more generous with sharing credit and working cooperatively with others. It takes courage and self-assurance to choose collaboration over competition. Choosing compassion over blame and kindness over piling on will also earn you the respect of everyone who’s watching – and everyone who hears about it.
Mautz says that allowing yourself to be authentic will also help you become a magnet for respect. He advises, “People want to know they’re getting the real you. So show up with honesty, integrity, and vulnerability. Behave in a genuine and approachable manner. Act consistently with your values.”
As you seek to grow within your profession and your role, think about where you could make improvements in what you can give, resist, or exude.
“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.” Lao Tzu
Published by
