The Art of Being Respected

But Not Liked!

Respect Vs Likability

The Great Divide

Let's face it. not everyone is going to like you, and you know what?

That's perfectly okay. Just because you don't win the popularity contest doesn't mean you can't earn respect.

Respect and likability are like oil and water; they don't always mix, but they can coexist beautifully.

Respect is rooted in admiration for your qualities, accomplishments, or your sheer determination to stand your ground.

Likability, on the other hand, is more about shared interests, personality quirks, and sometimes just pure charisma.

You can be a person of principles, a competent professional, and still not be everyone's cup of tea.

A Journey to Respect

Allow me to share a little story to illustrate my point.

I like to think of myself as, a determined entrepreneur, navigating the tricky waters of business. I had just launched a new training program, brimming with innovative techniques and strategies that I was confident would revolutionize my clients' lives.

Enter Mr. X. From the moment we met, it was clear as daylight. Mr. X did not like me.

I could sense it in the way he furrowed his brow whenever I spoke, the subtle eye rolls, and the polite yet distant nods. If I had to guess, I'd say my boundless enthusiasm clashed with his more reserved demeanour.

But here's the twist. Mr. X respected me. How did I know? Well, despite his apparent aversion to my bubbly personality, he signed up for my program. Not just signed up, but paid top dollar for it. Intrigued?

Let me spill the beans.

Mr. X was a seasoned professional, a no-nonsense kind of guy who valued efficiency and results above all else.

He had heard about my program through a mutual acquaintance who had experienced tremendous success with it.

While he wasn't a fan of my exuberant style, he couldn't ignore the rave reviews and tangible outcomes.

When he approached me, his scepticism was almost palpable. "I’ve heard good things about your program," he said, his tone as dry as the Sahara.

"But let’s get one thing straight. I’m not here to be friends. I’m here for results."

Challenge accepted.

Winning Respect, Not Hearts!

The program kicked off, and true to his word, Mr. X maintained a professional distance. But I didn't let that deter me.

I focused on delivering the best possible content, packed with actionable insights and practical tools. I was on a mission to ensure that Mr. X got the results he sought, likability be damned.

Weeks went by, and I noticed a shift. While Mr. X's demeanour remained stoic, he began engaging more during sessions, asking insightful questions, and even sharing some of his experiences.

It was clear he saw the value in what I was offering, even if my personality wasn't his favourite.

By the end of the program, Mr. X had transformed. He achieved his goals and even exceeded some of them.

As he handed me a testimonial (yes, a glowing one), he said,

"I have to admit, you know your stuff. I still think you're a bit too much, but I respect what you do."

The moral of the story? You don't need to be liked to be respected. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this tricky terrain.

Stay True to Yourself.

Authenticity breed’s respect. People may not like you, but they will respect your integrity.

Deliver Results.

Be competent and consistent. Results speak louder than charm.

Set Boundaries.

It's okay to be professional without being best buddies. Respect boundaries, and others will respect yours.

Communicate Clearly.

Be direct and transparent. Clear communication can bridge many gaps, including the likability gap.

Show Respect to Others.

Even if someone doesn't like you, show them respect. It's often reciprocated.

Takeaway.

In the grand scheme of things, being respected is far more valuable than being liked.

Respect can open doors, create opportunities, and build lasting relationships based on mutual admiration and understanding.

So, embrace your inner anchovy. Not everyone will appreciate your unique flavour, but those who do will respect you for it.

Remember, respect is earned through actions, integrity, and competence.

Likability? That's just the cherry on top.

Or in this case, the olive on the pizza. So go out there and be your best self, even if you don't win a popularity contest.

Respect will always have your back.