Respect others to get respected

There are some of the least paid and least known people in this world and yet we respect them most.  Respect doesn’t come only more with money and titles.

 We respect people on the basis of the position they occupy, the wealth they possess and the number of people they command. But respecting a position not a person is hypocritical.

Respect is not a relationship between a superior and an inferior. It is the relationship between equals. Respect flourishes in a democratic and friendly set up. Every individual is special and is worthy of respect.
From a security guard to the CEO, all are important to an organization. Their contributions may be different their talents are different but each one deserves respect for his contributions.

Why should we respect others?
* It enhances our efficiency : When everyone in an organisation begins to respect his superiors  colleagues, subordinates and customers, the organisation becomes a pleasant home where everyone has a sense of belonging and in such an atmosphere employee productivity increases.
There is no time for politics, ill will, gossips and conflicts but there is a scope only for appreciation, respect and good will.

* It builds up our talents
Respecting others helps us to build up our strength. We become aware of our strengths and weakness, opportunities and threats and become competent in our activities. We must respect not only those who matter but even the smallest, the humblest worker and it will help him to identify and build up his strengths.

* It enhances our happiness: When we respect others we become happy and contented. Contentment and joy are the fruits of giving not of receiving. We must develop a generous nature and this will make us admirable.
Become contented with what we have. It will change our perception and mindset about people and things. We will see happiness everywhere and will develop a positive and healthy attitude.
Following simple rules can make us respectable

* Good behaviour
Respect is a `sense of worth or excellence of a person’. It does not depend on the position we occupy, the wealth we possess, the number of people we command; it doesn’t depend on our age, size or colour. Our job gives us authority but our behavior gives us respect. So behave well if you want respect. If we are effective and efficient in what we do it will builds trust and respect in others.

* Become friendly
To build loyalty and respect we need to become friendly with people. Respect comes when there is friendship.
 We need to develop in us good qualities.. Fear brings in false respect. Once others  become our friends and respect us then they will forgive our small mistakes. For this we must develop in us positive and friendly attitudes.

nDo some good deeds
Respect is something that can’t be demanded or bought. It is earned through good actions. Seek every opportunity to serve others.
We honour and respect people who give and who make the lives of others better. Giving is the highest level of living and those who give selflessly are respected more.

* Listen
One of the ways to get respect and give respect to people is to listen to them.
Often we are so busy with our targets and profits that we count people only as a means of production. When they are respected and listened to they will contribute more.

* Responsibility brings respect
Responsible, accountable and committed people are respected. They are committed to their duties and never blame others for their failures. They enjoy risks, challenges and working with people. They liberally give credit to others and willingly accept blames when things go wrong.

* Acknowledge
Thank people for the help they give you. Acknowledge and appreciate others. Show others that you are worthy of respect and they will soon shower you with respect. Actually the only way to earn respect is to treat others with respect.

The writer is  Head HR & IR & Administration,  L & T Komatsu Ltd, Bangalore