How to stand out and earn more respect at work and from friends

A lot of women are of the opinion that they are not being respected and treated as fairly as their male counterparts at work.

Yes, this is a real issue and as much as many organizations are picking up with gender equality when it comes to treatment of staff, many others are still way behind.

Below are some tips that will ensure you earn more respect from your colleagues at work and acknowledged for your professionalism.

1. Quit playing the gender card: It is time to stop expecting preferential treatment from colleagues and friends on account of your gender. If your male colleagues get that you demand certain privileges on account of your gender, they will lose respect for you as an equal. This includes asking for empty seats during crowded meetings, unjustifiable sick days and others.

2. Do not get drawn into office politics and back-talk: This is an area a lot of women find hard to conquer. Due to most womens’ interactive and relational nature, they are always open to conversation. However, In an office environment, this can be dangerous and a source of ridicule when issues escalate. Resist the urge to engage in conversations about bosses and limit your circle to only trusted colleagues when you really need to talk to someone in confidence about superiors. This will save you a lot of stress and embarrassment in the future.

3. Get good at your job: In the long run, people at work are judged by performance and results. To earn extra respect in a male-dominated work environment, you have to become really good at your job so much your skill is unquestionable and there is little room to doubt the value you add to the organization. Being good might earn you the envy of some, but not to all.  Also in time, you will be an icon and person of great reputation due to your track record.

4. Keep it professional: Let work remain at work. Over-familiarity they say is usually an excuse for contempt. It is OK to keep a professional distance and not be too readily available when discussions not related to work directly or indirectly are brought up. Prying into the personal lives of colleagues needs to be kept to the barest minimum and only When trust and respect is guaranteed can some sort of camaraderie be shared.

5. Employ emotional intelligence when dealing with confrontation: No matter what, do not lose your cool. This is what separates great leaders from the rest. Using emotional intelligence to handle situations and cases of conflicts will earn you the admiration of everyone.

Remember. It is not always possible to be loved by everyone at work. However, it is way easier to earn the respect of most for your performance and attitude at work.