We all deserve to feel respected. It can sting when you put your all into your work and are not acknowledged or are brushed aside. Being respected and valued makes us happier and lets us know our contributions matter, making us better workers. Unfortunately, not everyone is given the respect they deserve.
Want to feel valued? Here are some steps we can take to gain more respect at work:
Demonstrate Value
Do not hide your work! For shy individuals, it can be tempting to disappear whenever a supervisor shows up to hide from potential criticism, but doing this will not allow your supervisor to see your skills and worth. We need to show our value, not hide it. If you need help getting your work up to snuff, then ask for feedback.
Seek Feedback
It would be nice if we were directly told how to improve our work quality, but sometimes we have to take the initiative. It can be hard to face constructive criticism, but it will improve your work and allow your supervisor to see your abilities and gain their respect. To learn more about constructive feedback, read our previous blog post!
Communicate with Supervisors
A more direct approach is to talk to your supervisor about this lack of respect you feel. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it can also be a nerve-wracking solution. Asking about this topic leaves you very vulnerable and can be uncomfortable. Still, sometimes, it can take just one conversation to change a relationship. If you feel you need to talk to your supervisor, build up courage and have a chat!
Connect with Colleagues
Workplace colleagues are an important pillar of your relationship with work life. If you feel your colleagues are not acknowledging you, it may not be out of disrespect but out of apathy. They may not be interested in connecting with you unless you form the initial connection with them. It can be tempting to wait for your colleague to start the deeper relationship, but that time may never come; you must act. Even simple small talk can help lead to a deeper connection and respect for each other.
Understand Workplace Rights
If you aren’t just feeling not respected but outright disrespected, it may be time to look up your workplace rights. There is no excuse for being treated unfairly and blatantly disrespected. Be willing to ask your colleagues for their perspective on these issues; you may discover they are also facing their own issues. Do not be afraid to discuss these problems with a supervisor or the HR department.
You Deserve Respect
Respect is given, not earned. Never go thinking that you do not deserve respect for any reason. Even if you did or said something wrong, you should learn from those mistakes and keep moving forward. You always deserve respect, and do not ever think otherwise.
Want to learn? Connect with us at Wrights Resumes and Connections to strengthen your resume and interviewing skills!
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