The Art of Being Respected: 10 Simple Habits of Naturally Respected Individuals

Respect is probably the ultimate social currency that we can acquire. Respect cannot be purchased, asked for, or bullied into—it can only be attained via our actions, choices, and dependability. Individuals who are merely respected are not often the loudest voices in the room or the most senior person. They instead create habits that are simple to adopt, building dependability and respect without asking for it.

If you’ve ever wondered how to be respected in your personal life, workplace, or community, it starts with small, intentional actions. Here are 10 simple habits that naturally respected people practice every day.

1.They Stay Relatable and Authentic

Respected people are authentic. They don’t pretend to be someone they’re not, and they’re not afraid to show vulnerability. Whether it’s admitting mistakes or sharing lessons from their failures, their honesty makes them relatable.

Instead of standing behind a perfect mask, they show you their humanness. By doing so, you make people feel comfortable and friendly towards you. When people can let their guards down and observe the authentic you, they can more easily trust you, and trust is the ground of respect.

2.They Never Seem Superior

One of the fastest ways to lose respect is to be superior to people. People who are respectful treat everyone with respect—whether it’s the executive at a company or the custodian who sweeps the floor.

They also know that everyone is important, and position or title doesn’t make a person important. Treating everybody with kindness and justice shows they are aware that respect has to be two-way.

​3.They Speak the Truth—Even When It’s Difficult

Individuals of respect never fear telling the truth. They realize that at times the truth stings, but it is far better than lying or a lie.

In contrast to sugarcoating the bad news and telling individuals what they wish to hear, they choose honesty. Individuals come to depend upon them speaking the truth over a period of time, and that maintains respect.

​4.They Don’t Hide Behind “Polite” Lies

Respect is not exactly offensiveness or coarseness, but does require courage to utter where and when the circumstance calls for it. Individuals admired are not neurotically concerned with being politically correct at the cost of honesty.

They are in control of honesty and tact, and they know how to present their opinions with respect. By speaking plainly instead of hiding behind “safe” words, they gain respect for their honesty and evenhandedness.

​5.They Lead by Example

Actions speak louder than words. The respected do not just talk about values like discipline, compassion, or responsibility; they live them.

If they talk of punctuality, they arrive on time. If they talk of justice (fairness), they give equal respect to all. This kind of harmony of speech and deed makes them different from those who just “talk” but do not walk the talk.

​6.They Stay Composed Under Stress (Frame Control)

They have what psychologists call “frame control.” They just do not let things, emotions, or other people dictate the frame of their reaction.

When things become more stressful or when they need to confront, they are cool and calm. Other individuals get influenced by this coolness of theirs, and it becomes the backdrop for healthier interactions and outcomes. Other individuals simply look up to individuals who never get angry when things become more difficult.

​7.They Set Clear Boundaries Rather Than Expectations

​People who are treated with respect do not live in frustration necessarily because they do not have vague expectations. Instead, they set boundaries and agreements.

For example, instead of expecting friends “just to know,” they speak up. This is a habit that drives away anger and shows maturity. People value honest, fair, and direct people who say what they want.

​8.They See the Larger Picture

Short-term wins will gain praise, but vision earns respect. People who are respected see beyond themselves and note how their own lives affect other people, their community, and even future generations.

They care more about what matters most than about seeking approval briefly. By holding the bigger picture, they become wise, and other individuals automatically look to them for guidance.

​9.They Deliver Results, Not Excuses

They don’t promise—on their honor, they deliver. They are responsible, self-disciplined, and committed to their work and personal lives.

Not perfection but dependability. If they promise they will do something, they will do it. That dependability builds their credibility, and credibility is one of the strongest pillars of respect.

​10.They Confront Uncomfortable Truths Head-On

Lastly, individuals with respect don’t avoid awkward conversations. Whether it is standing up to a toxic work problem, apologizing for a mistake, or standing up to unfair treatment, they face reality head-on.

Instead of avoiding problems, they face them with courage and fairness. That courage to stand up for what others refuse to do will win them respect.