Respect is something we all want, but not everyone knows how to attract it. In fact, many people think being loud, confrontational, or overly assertive would earn them respect. Others also believe that having so much money is all they need to command respect from others.
But the truth is this: the people who command the deepest respect aren’t loud. Most of them aren’t even wealthy These people quietly command respect simply by the way they carry and present themselves.
However, learning the uncommon ways to command respect from others starts with understanding that respect is not something you force out of people. Instead, respect is inspired, earned, and communicated in the way you show up in every space.
In a world where people constantly test limits, misunderstand intentions, and overlook value, knowing how to command respect from others is something we all need for healthy relationships, emotional well-being, and personal growth.
Whether it’s in friendships, family, work, ministry, or your romantic life, respect shapes the way people speak to you, treat you, and respond to you. And the good news is that you can learn to command it without becoming harsh, prideful, or intimidating.
When you master the following steps, you can walk into any room with a presence that naturally communicates dignity and self-worth, and commands respect from others.
Stop Looking for Respect
This sounds like bad advice for someone who wants to know how to command respect, right?
Wrong.
Have you ever observed someone who is desperate for love? I mean someone who is so desperate that they behave like they’re literally holding a placard that reads: “I need love. Please show me love.”
Well, that’s how you may appear when you start “looking for respect.” And if you aren’t careful enough, your desperation can easily turn to drama. Eventually, drama brings nothing more than more disrespect.
So, if you really want to start commanding respect, stop looking for it, then read the next point.
Start with Self-Respect
Whenever the subject of respect comes up, we all subconsciously assume it is something we get from outside. We assume that respect actually comes from other people.
But nothing could be further from the truth.
Respect comes from you, not others. Other people only mirror whatever they see you do.
So, if you expect respect from other people, then you must give them something similar to mirror back to you.
Well, let’s start with how you appear before others. Does your physical appearance tell others that you value yourself? Or does it say something like, “I’m not that important for proper grooming.”?
Now, how do you treat your needs? Do you let others walk over them like they do not matter? Or do you honor them and give what it takes to meet them?
Your words? Do you say what you mean and mean what you say, or are you totally careless with your words?
When you speak or move, do you move like you know you’re worth your weight in gold? Or do you carry yourself like others are doing you a favor by being around you?
The exact way you treat yourself is how other people will most likely treat you. So, instead of searching for respect from others, how about you make some effort to start to truly respect yourself? When you do, be sure that others will copy and start to respect you too.
Read this blog to see where you can make the necessary adjustments.
Set and Honor Your Boundaries Boldly
Around your time, values, resources, emotions, and input.
When anyone from anywhere has unrestricted access to you and the things you hold dear, they’re likely not going to place much premium on you.
You know why?
Boundaries always come with a sense of value. If it’s not protected, then it’s not important. You’ll never find diamonds or gold bars unattended on a chair in the park!
So, if you want to start to command respect from others without saying a word, set clear boundaries and honor them all the time.
For one, quit being available to everyone at any time. Instead, channel your availability towards people and activities that are most aligned to your values. And be comfortable saying things like, “I’m not free at the moment. Can we make it next week?” with people who are not in your closest circle.
This way, they’ll see that you do place a premium on your time, and they will do the same as well.
Also, let people earn your input. Don’t be too quick to dish advice or give an opinion, unless you’re asked or it is absolutely necessary.
When it comes to setting boundaries around your emotions, you need to stop giving everyone access to the expression of your emotions. Learn to stay calm even when everyone else is panicking, and stop reacting unnecessarily. Nobody ever disrespects people who have mastered their emotions.
Finally, setting and honoring boundaries around your life also looks like living a discreet and private life. Not everyone should know everything about you, and don’t be too quick to overshare in conversations. Read this blog if you want to get rid of that bad habit of oversharing in your conversations.
Be Excellent at Everything
Excellent, not perfect.
When you cultivate that act of being a person of excellence, you become the object of people’s admiration. And who disrespects a person they admire? Nobody!
Also, when you exude excellence, you tell people that you value yourself enough so much so that whatever you involve yourself in is worth the investment of yourself.
So, whatsoever it is you find yourself doing, give it your best shot. Let your excellence be seen because excellence is a natural magnet for respect!
Stay Busy with Your Life’s Purpose
Do you know anyone who is so engrossed in their calling and life’s purpose? How do you feel about that person?
Yeah, you definitely respect them a great deal. And that’s because when you stay committed to your life’s purpose, you enter a realm of fulfilment that beats average, and can never be overlooked.
When you stay busy working on your life’s purpose, you also automatically command respect from others because you won’t have the time to frolic around and give people reason to think they can take you for granted.
So if you’re curious about commanding respect from other people even before you speak, do these things and come back to the comment to say thank you!
