Just as we seek respect from our family and friends, we naturally seek respect in the workplace. How can we as individuals and as team members foster a respectful workplace in which all ideas are heard and where our colleagues are valued for their contributions?

Leadership development consultants and authors Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman help answer these questions in a recent article for Harvard Business Review. They emphasize that by staying attuned to colleagues’ concerns, individuals and teams can build trust and thus help to resolve internal issues through an approach that prioritizes respect for all points of view.

“Trust is enhanced by three factors: positive relationships, sharing expertise/knowledge, and consistency. When you treat people with respect,” write Zenger and Folkman, “you are enhancing your relationship, which greatly increases the trust others have in you.”

Zenger and Folkman discuss the importance of sharing both positive and constructive feedback. Communicating in this way lets teammates know that you care enough to spend time thoughtfully providing feedback and sharing observations—which goes a long way toward building a lasting culture of respect.

Here are a few more tips on creating respect in the workplace:

• Value diversity by supporting an inclusive workplace,
• Foster open communication by actively listening and engaging with colleagues, and
• Balance results with compassion for coworkers by demonstrating and understanding your colleagues’ competing demands for time both in and out of work.

For additional insights on fostering a workplace rich in respect, read “7 Ways to Make Employees Feel Respected, According to Research.”