Command Respect, Not Demand It.

At first I was going to write this post about learning how to "not care," or my take on what not caring really means. As I was doing some research I came upon an article which talks about how leaders are good at what they do. Real leaders are able to indirectly command respect from others around them because they possess innate and obtained skills which allow them to stand out amongst the rest and be a positive influence.

Now you may ask, what are these skills leaders possess to hold them in such high esteem? The article written by Christine W. Zust from EmergingLeader.com states the following topics: Walk the Talk,
Influence; Don't Manipulate, Include; Don't Exclude, Participate Equally and Openly, Back up Opinions with Facts, and Get a Real Image.

After reading this article, I re-read it. After re-reading it, what really hit me was the last point: Get a Real Image. Many of us put on different images for different types of people. Some act a certain way at work versus how they act at home or whatever. Having this type of routine only splits up our personality. Sooner or later, these different personalities clash inside of us. It creates a disruption and this disruption shoves people away by our behaviors. I've seen this happen to others and with myself.

In a sense, having that real image does sort of tie in with the no caring attitude. We can't be afraid to be ourselves with whoever we engage with. We can't be fearful of what we might say or do because what we say and do is what makes us who we are. Being who you are all the time is being genuine, unique, and a leader.

So my friends, if you wish to gain respect from your friends and strangers, don't be afraid to be you. Command respect by being the best you you can be and don't care about the thoughts of others. Be your own leader.

Make sure to check out Christine's article in the link above!