We all agree that respect is earned and never given. This has made it harder for people to respect one another. Earning respect is about sticking to your convictions and making the best possible decisions. 
One may ask how then do I earn respect? Many articles have been written in the past about what should be done to earn respect. Many of the points though crisscross between respect and being liked. Truth be told, there is a big difference between being liked and being respected. Ideally if you gained respect then you’ll have both. 
If you respect other people, they’ll be more inclined to respect you, and so on. A lot of importance is placed on treating everyone with equal respect, whether they’re above or below you in the corporate hierarchy or social class.
Here is what you need to do in order to earn respect:
1. Avoid excuses and be ready to change
You do not need to be giving excuses, because we all know actions are based on our choices and they have consequences. Be ready to accept that you have done or said something wrong, but you believe things will get better and that you are working to ensure that everything works out best for you. 
Accept that you made a mistake and find a better way to do things better. Being stubborn won’t get you anywhere.


2. Kindness is your pillar
One great way to get respect is to ensure that you are polite to everyone, kindness is the pillar between you and your children, your spouse, or co-workers. All of them and I mean everyone should be treated well with utmost care as a way to earn respect from others.
This might sound easier said than done, but if you want to be respected then that is the first step. You will get the same respect you give to others and politeness is the key to this fate. Be kind enough to check on who is behind you, smile and be thankful at all times.


3. Listen well to every conversation
Listening is important. If you want to earn respect, treat listening as an active act rather than a passive one, that has long been forgotten. As you listen, participate by actively and keenly listening to what other people are talking about. Be brave enough to crush your own opinions and beliefs and focus on what is at hand. Practice effective listening skills and you will earn your full deserved respect. Trust me it will go overboard.


4. Act respectfully at all times.
Many people are against one or two behaviours, a good example of some of these behaviours is rolling one’s eyes, being on your cell phone for long, etc. Such behaviour push people away from you. They are bound to make negative judgements and draw conclusions that are unfounded or unreal. 
Then what do you need to do?  It is pretty simple, create a good environment of respectful listening, concentrate and maintain eye contact at all times during a conversation.


5. Are you useful? If not try to be
One way of earning respect is by being ready to take a useful step in other people’s lives, when in need or when you see an opportunity to help. As a person, one faces many different situations that will let one need to lend a hand. Stand up to the occasion and find opportunities that you may have previously overlooked. Go out and be useful, don’t wait until someone reaches out to you. Be helpful at all times.
All in all, to earn respect you need to respect others too. Step out and try the above-mentioned points and you will earn the respect you are longing for!


* The author is a consultant in Public Relations and Personality Types. Instagram: @Tipsbyhalahill