We all want to be liked and respected – by our boss, our co-workers, even our friends and family. Respect is earned, and before you can get it you have to be willing to give it. Gaining the respect of others will not happen overnight, but here are 6 tips to help you get started.

Do Your Job - Do It Well

This is the most basic way to gain respect around the workplace. Instead of taking time to worry about what to do to make people like you, focus that energy into producing the best work possible. Everyone likes a person with a good work ethic, and putting in a hard day’s work is one of the most respectable things you can do for yourself and your coworkers.

Never Be Late

You know the saying - Time is Money. Anything from being late to a meeting, to being late on a deadline screams “your time isn’t important to me”. If you want to earn the respect of your employer and your peers, make sure you are always on time and ready for anything they might need from you.

Respect Everyone

In order to get respect you have to give it. This should be a standard for everyone- from the higher ups to the mail-delivery guy. Every interaction should be a polite and considerate one.

Really Listen

Everyone appreciates being heard. Whether is about weekend plans or details about an upcoming work event, make sure you are giving your full attention. People can tell when your focus isn’t with them, and this gives off the signal that what they are saying isn’t important to you.

Never Say “I Don’t Know”

If you aren’t sure about something saying “I don’t know” leaves the person asking at a dead end and doesn’t make you seem very willing to help. If you don’t know the answer to their question, offer to help them find the information they need or direct them to a person that can help.

Ask for Help

If you are really struggling with something, there is no shame in asking for a helping hand. Knowing your limits is an admirable quality, and as long as you are consistently working hard, it’s okay to admit when something is too much for you to handle on your own. Asking for help can sometimes be your first step to problem solving, and your peers will appreciate that more than having to redo something or get it in late.

What are some other ways that you have found that work to gain the respect of your peers?