1. Be relentlessly proactive.
Don’t always wait for direction from others. Use your own skills and resources to start getting things done and solve problems. Get in the habit of figuring things out for yourself. Don’t be afraid of a challenge once in a while.
2. Keep your promises.
This is by far one of the most important actions you can take to start gaining respect. Don't take commitments lightly, always honor commitments and promises. If you find yourself having a lot of trouble with that.
3. Stop apologizing.
Some people constantly say, “I’m sorry,” without giving it a second thought. This could be out of habit or nervousness. If you do this try to be conscious of it, especially in the workplace.
4. Don’t waste other people’s time.
If you respect others’ time, they will respect yours. This includes not being late for appointments, not spending meetings talking about useless items, getting to the point fast, bringing up issues right away, being succinct, and of course, making it easier for others to make decisions.
5. Stop gossiping.
Always act as if the person you’re talking about is right there with you. You need to respect others—even if you don’t like them. Everyone has desirable and undesirable traits. Realize this and talk from this fundamental belief. If you talk behind people’s backs, it will affect your reputation.
6. Stop being too nice.
Distinguish kindness from always having to do things for people. You will never make everyone happy and you may affect your own happiness in trying to do so. If you’re too nice to everyone all the time, some people might even think you’re not genuine.
7. Practice humility.
You’re not always going to be right, and you’re not the best at everything. Every person you meet can teach you something. Confidence doesn’t come from a place where you’re the best. True confidence comes from understanding humility, and that every person has something unique to offer to the world.
8. Have a moral code.
Many overlook this important little piece of advice. What do you believe in? What’s important to you? What makes you mad and want to change the world? These kinds of questions will get you to the core of your own personal moral code. Figure it out and share it with the world in small amounts. All the great leaders of the world had a clear moral code.
9. Be open-minded and add value.
Being open-minded means that you acknowledge that you still have so much to learn, and you continue learning from others, even if you have a strong core belief system. Add value to peoples day and be genuine about your desire to do so.