You know, People respect what you inspect is one of those deceptively simple truths. It’s not about micromanaging, it’s about demonstrating genuine care. Follow-up is the secret weapon that separates empty promises from real results.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote means that attention drives accountability. What you consistently pay attention to and follow up on is what people will prioritize and value.
Explanation
Let me break this down for you. I’ve seen this play out a thousand times. The “inspect” part isn’t about being a taskmaster. It’s about showing you’re invested. When you actually follow up on a project, a promise, or even just a casual comment someone made, you’re sending a powerful signal. You’re saying, “What you do matters to me.” And that, right there, is where real respect is built. It transforms a vague intention into a tangible commitment. Without that follow-through, even the best ideas just… evaporate.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Business (233) |
| Topics | accountability (30), leadership (111) |
| Literary Style | concise (408) |
| Emotion / Mood | disciplined (11), encouraging (304) |
| Overall Quote Score | 65 (29) |
Origin & Factcheck
This specific phrasing comes straight from Leil Lowndes’s classic, How to Talk to Anyone, published in the United States back in 2003. You’ll sometimes see a similar sentiment—”people do what you inspect, not what you expect”—floating around in business circles, often misattributed to management gurus. But the “inspect/care” connection is Lowndes’s unique and more human-centric twist.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Leil Lowndes (235) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships (185) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Leil Lowndes writes about striking conversations with unknown people and how to put others at ease and maintain relationships. Her techniques are straightforward and practically usable that readers can apply immediately in their workplace, and everyday life. Her book list includes How to Talk to Anyone and Goodbye to Shy which have reached international audiences.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | People respect what you inspect. Follow up shows you care |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 1999; ISBN: 978-0-07-141858-4; Last edition: 2018; Number of pages: 368. |
| Where is it? | Chapter: Following Up; Approximate page from 2003 edition: 185 |