Respect and recognition is not something that is handed to you. But it is arguably one of the most sought out titles a person will want within the workplace. While there is no step-by-step process of going about this, there are several areas that you can refine in order to improve your professional status within your company.

To start off, begin by demonstrating your worth and value as an employee. At any company, there is always a starting point. The process of gaining respect from both your colleagues and your superiors starts almost immediately when you enter the workplace. While this may not reflect your salary or your title, your attitude and office personality can highlight your underwritten role and importance at your company. To showcase this, come in with a positive and driven attitude. Believe it or not, many people showcase a variety of office personalities during their first day at the office. As much as you want to be personable or comical with your coworkers, you also want to be aware of the lasting impression your first appearance will make with the general public. Having a positive, friendly, and driven work ethic can demonstrate that much-needed professionalism that can get you noticed at your office.

Once you are able to establish your office personality, try and open your services to both your coworkers and your superiors. To do this efficiently and effectively, be sure to speak calmly and listen to others. One of the best ways to establish respect is first and foremost establishing trust within your office. Show your peers that you are able to take opinions and critiques before taking direct action or decision. In addition, be respectful, especially when collaborating with others. While there may be points where you want to showcase your leadership or knowledge to the group, you also have to understand that much of collaborative projects require you to work within a framework of a team. Because of this, make sure you are aware of your actions within a group setting. Be open-minded and welcoming to all ideas while also putting your best foot forward within any situation.

Now, respect cannot come about if you do not, first and foremost, respect yourself. With that being said, make sure you show a strong display of self-confidence. At the beginning of your career, you may have been intimidated or overwhelmed by the set of expectations asked by your superiors. While this type of timid display is understandable, it is important that you develop a level of self-confidence in your status and your work ethics at the office. Maintaining this individual identity will allow you to settle naturally within your position, while also improving your standing at your company.

To leverage this within your company, try and seek out various leadership positions, even if it is for a short period of time. Having this professional opportunity can showcase your level of commitment and importance at the office.

Last but not least, to gain respect for your peers and your superiors, make sure you show humility. As much as you want to showcase your strengths, being able to admit your flaws can gain the necessary respect needed to be a leader at the workplace. Many great leaders are those that can internalize their strengths and weaknesses. Show your human side but maintain a sense of bravado and self-assurance that shows you can handle any task given at hand.