Career: Earn Respect

Remarks:

Source: http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/departments/college/Default.aspx?article=Four_Ways_to_Earn_Respect_at_Your_First_Job

You don't know what you don't know
"You may be a smart cookie, but as a 20-something, you're still a relative newbie in the business world," says Alexandra Levit, author of They Don't Teach Corporate in College.

---

So tread lightly when it comes to sharing your groundbreaking ideas, especially when you're the new person.

---

"Resist the temptation to jump in and take over projects or to assume that you know how things should be done," Levit says. "Older colleagues with more experience will perceive this behavior as arrogance and will quickly dismiss your valuable input."

---

A sincere 'Thank You' goes a long way
Isn't it nice to hear "thank you" once in a while? Your coworkers feel the same way. So does your boss.

"Your manager is a human being who likes to feel appreciated, just as you do," says Susan Stern, president of Stern + Associates, a public relations and marketing firm in Cranford, New Jersey. "That means that if your manager takes you to lunch, gives you a gift, bonus or raise, or even hosts a company party, you should reply with a heartfelt 'thank you.'"

---

Few go above and beyond
You'll be amazed by the number of clock-watchers you'll be working with. These workers do only what's asked of them and put in their 40 hours a week, not a second more.

---

"Happy volunteers rack up points," says Stern. "Companies are always impressed with junior staffers who are willing to pay their dues, roll up their sleeves, and pitch in to help. By exhibiting this type of can-do attitude and leaving your ego at the doorstep, you'll show management that you're committed to hard work, advancement, and the team effort."

---

Listening is highly underrated

---

So above all, learn to really listen, says Marjorie Brody, head of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania-based Brody Communications and coauthor of Help! Was That a Career Limiting Move?

---

"When you understand what people are saying to you and need of you rather than always focusing on your own agenda, you garner respect from your colleagues as someone who is attentive and cares," she explains.

Please note that in order to print background color, you will need to enable background color printing in your browser's settings.

OK