We could all use some respect in our lives. From commanding respect in your workplace and in your relationships, being respected is a necessity to excel at life. People who are well respected often have a few common traits. Here are 5 qualities of respected people that you can incorporate into your life.

1.  Respecting yourself

They say charity starts at home, and as it turns out, so does respect. If you want others to respect you, you must learn to respect yourself. A person with self-respect has a certain allure. People who respect and value themselves usually have strong values and boundaries that they do not break, no matter what. Quoting actor Sandra Bullock in the 2005 film ‘Miss Congeniality 2’:“People only care about people who care about themselves”. Rightly said.

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2.  Ears wide open

While some may think expressing oneself is the stepping stone to success, real wisdom often lies in listening. Leaders who talk less and listen more not only have an enigma to them, but also  broaden their knowledge horizon by tuning into other people’s perspectives. If you want to be respected, make sure you let every thought you hear in an insightful conversation sink into your head, and then offer your two cents in the end.

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3. Helping hand

Offering a helping hand makes you more approachable and kind and, therefore, more respected. Being uncooperative will only make you appear like a villain who is feared and frowned upon, not respected. While it is always better to have healthy boundaries so you don’t become a martyr, it is good to offer bits of support and help to others. After all, truly respected people rise by lifting others.

4.  Work hard

This goes without saying, but people who respect their work are respected by others. Your work speaks for you, and lack of work makes you look lazy, unmotivated and aimless. So the next time you hit an unproductive slump, remember that there’s someone who is always watching your next move.

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5.  Confidence is key

Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, but often share one common trait–confidence. Having faith in yourself and your abilities makes you stand out. Having confidence will always amp your game and without the right attitude even the best work looks bland.  Even if you make mistakes, it is vital to be accountable and move on with your head held high. There is a fine line between confidence and ego though, so one should always opt for the former.