7 Things Emotionally Intelligent People Do Which Earn Them Respect

The lives we lead are so busy we rarely find time to stop and think. We don’t always allow ourselves time to reflect on how our daily behaviour affects the way other people treat us. Sadly, this can result in us losing respect along the way.

Emotionally intelligent people do things differently. They know when to press the pause button, rewind and revise, or rest and recuperate. There are other things they do well, which earn them the respect of anyone who interacts with them. Here are seven of them.

1. They Are Not Afraid to Share Their Thoughts

Emotionally intelligent people don’t feel threatened by what others may or may not think. They are not afraid to share their thoughts, even when it means going against the grain. They are comfortable enough in their own skin to let their personality shine through. This allows people to get to know who they really are and helps establish trust. It also shows that they have a mind of their own.

2. They Allow Others to Express Their Thoughts First

They have highly developed listening skills. This allows them to consider other people’s ideas and take them into account when making decisions. People like being listened to. They like knowing that their ideas matter.

When you give others the time and space to speak, instead of talking over them, or dismissing what they say, they are more likely to respect you.

3. They Don’t Make Promises They Can’t Keep

Do you know someone who never keeps their promises? It’s annoying, isn’t it? The first time, you may forgive them because life is unpredictable and unforeseen circumstances can derail plans. However, if they do it a second or third timel with excuses that sound more and more outrageous, you know they won’t change. When people consistently fail to keep their promises, you stop believing what they say, you lose respect for them.

Emotionally intelligent people usually don’t make promises they can’t keep. They are usually excellent time keepers and will always let you know when they’re running late. Delivering on your promises, whether it be in a social or business setting, will earn you respect.

4. They Don’t Talk About Other People Behind Their Back

Emotionally intelligent people know when to walk away from conversations they don’t want to be part of. They are self aware and respect other people. They never stoop to the level of gossipers by engaging in conversations or activities that are debasing.

Someone once said this — if you gossip about other people, other people will also gossip about you. This is not the real problem, of course, because as long as you are alive there will be someone talking about you. What you don’t want is for people to label you as a gossiper, because if they do you will lose their trust and respect. Walk away from the conversation if you can’t steer it in a different direction.

5. They Practice Humility

You may think that practicising humility is a sign of weakness, but it isn’t. It is actually a superpower.

Humility does not mean you let people walk all over you. It just means you don’t blow your own trumpet. Let your success, results speak for you. That’s what emotionally intelligent people do.

6. They Say No More Often than They Say Yes

They have clear boundaries which cannot be violated. I like what Niklas Göke says in his article Why You Really Should Say “No” More Often,

Every time I say “yes” when I actually want to say “no,” a little piece of me dies. “Yes” is what drags you out the house on a Friday night when you want to stay in. “Yes” is what sneaks you into a room full of the wrong people. “Yes” is what makes your gut twist in the morning when you drive to a toxic job.

Don’t let your allow yourself to die a slow death by saying yes to things you know you’d rather not do. When you set clear boundaries, which you enforce consistently, people will respect you.

7. They Control Their Emotions

If you can control your emotions, you can control almost any situation where emotions are involved. Motivational speaker, Tony Robbins, emphasises the importance of learning to manage your state. He teaches about examining your limiting beliefs, changing your inner monologue, adjusting your posture, smiling, moving your body, creating empowering rituals and adopting an abundance mindset.

Emotionally intelligent people have mastered these techniques and it helps them control their emotions, thus earning respect.

Takeaway

Earning the respect of other people takes time, but you can lose it in an instant. Treat others how you would like to be treated, speak about others the way you would like others to speak about you. The more you do it, the easier it will get. Eventually it will be a part of who you are and you will find that people start respecting you more.