Want People To Respect You? Focus On This One Thing!

Summary

To gain respect, focus on leading by example through accountability, advising from experience, and not following the crowd.

Abstract

The article emphasizes the importance of leading by example to earn respect. It suggests cultivating three key qualities: accountability, which involves following through on promises; advising through experience, meaning offering guidance only in areas where one has practical knowledge; and not being a lemming, which is about making decisions independently of others' actions. The author argues that these qualities are essential for effective leadership, whether as a parent, supervisor, or in any other role where one's behavior influences others. The article encourages readers to consider which qualities they wish to embody and to actively develop these traits to become better leaders and role models.

Opinions

Leadership is inherent in various roles, including parenting and supervising, and it's important to set a positive example.
Accountability is crucial; one should only make promises they intend to keep and follow through promptly.
Giving advice without personal experience in the relevant area is irritating and ineffective.
Experience is gained through hard work and focused effort, which are prerequisites for offering valuable advice.
The "lemming effect" describes the tendency to follow others' decisions, but true leadership requires making independent choices based on one's beliefs and what is right.
Wealth, in a metaphorical sense, is achieved by going against the grain, similar to how leadership requires standing firm in one's convictions.
Self-reflection on desired qualities is the first step toward becoming a respected leader, followed by actively strengthening those qualities.

I’m yet to see this idea fail. Give it a go!

What is this one thing you ask?

LEAD BY EXAMPLE.

We are all leaders whether we like it or not. There is someone out there who has tried or is trying to emulate you in some way or form. If you are a parent, you have kids looking up to you for guidance and advice. If you are a supervisor, you have employees that do the same thing. So shouldn’t you try and put your best foot forward as often as you can?

If you’re with me so far, here are 3 qualities you should develop to “Lead by Example”. Let’s get into it!

Accountability

If you say you’re going to do something, get it done. Demonstrate to other people that you actually live by your word. More often than not, we tend to procrastinate. We push the can down the road, and then we forget to do said task. Do not be like this! If you don’t plan on following through as soon as possible, stop making promises to begin with.

Advise through Experience

There’s nothing more irritating than someone giving you advice on something they have no experience in. It could be the simplest thing. For example, don’t advise people on content creation if you don’t even use social media. People have this tendency to dish out unsolicited advice. Please stop doing this! And if you insist on doing so, put yourself in a position to give such advice. I personally rarely take advice from people who haven’t achieved or even attempted something I’m thinking about pursuing.

And how do you get the experience? Well… you got to get the reps in. Through sheer hard, focused work. I worked with an engineer on a major project, and he just knew everything. He was a one-stop shop — he had detailed reasoning and answers for all my questions. Guess what else he had? An unbelievably robust work ethic. Something to think about!

Don’t be a Lemming!

Warren Buffett gave me this idea. It is called the lemming effect. People tend to make decisions based on what other people are doing — But according to Buffett, true wealth is made going against the grain. Now I know we’re not talking about wealth building, but the same concept applies to leadership.

You should never feel afraid to be steadfast in your beliefs especially if you’re in the right. And unfortunately, that is something you see little of in the workforce. Most people are trying to curry favor with their boss to get a leg up whether it be for a promotion or a raise. Don’t be like this! Do what is right. Always!

What should you do?

The first would be to ask yourself what qualities you want to be known for. And the next step would be to find ways you can cultivate and strengthen those qualities. The 3 qualities I’ve listed above are the 3 that I think matter the most, but you might have a different view. But that is not the point of this article. The point is to get you thinking about being the best version/leader of yourself… because you never know who is watching.

Thank you for reading!

Till next time.