Respect starts with attention Meaning Factcheck Usage

Context

In the book, this isn’t just a feel-good line. It’s presented as a tactical, almost ruthless, strategy for success. Lowndes frames giving attention as a way to make people feel instantly important and valued, which in turn makes them more receptive to you. It’s the first trick in a long list of tricks for winning in relationships, both professional and personal.

Usage Examples

I use this as a mental checklist all the time. For instance, in a 1-on-1 with a team member, I make a point to put my laptop to sleep and turn my phone face down. It’s a small physical signal that says, “You have the floor.” In sales, it means listening to a client’s real problem instead of just waiting for a pause to pitch. And even at home, it means putting the remote down and actually looking at my partner when they’re telling me about their day. It’s for leaders, salespeople, parents, partners—anyone who wants to deepen a connection.

To whom it appeals?

Share This Quote Image & Motivate

FAQ

Question: What if I’m just a naturally distracted person?

Answer: Hey, who isn’t? The goal isn’t perfection. It’s intention. Acknowledge it’s a muscle you have to build. Start with small wins—five minutes of pure focus in a meeting. It gets easier.

Question: Is this the same as active listening?

Answer: It’s the prerequisite. Attention is the fuel; active listening is the engine that runs on it. You can’t actively listen if you’re not even paying attention in the first place.

Question: How do I handle this in the age of constant digital interruption?

Answer: You have to be militant about creating distraction-free zones. That phone face-down move is my go-to. It creates a tiny bubble of respect in a chaotic world. It tells the person in front of you that they are the most important notification.