How to Increase Your Likability

Want to know one of the most important leadership characteristics that often isn't talked about?

Likability.

Employees and teams who have likable leaders work harder, seek out innovation opportunities more often, and there is a stronger level of trust within the organization.

According to a study conducted by UCLA, the top adjectives listed for the perception for likability include:
- Sincere
- Transparent
- Capacity for understanding others

Want to be a hard-nosed, no-nonsense leader? Good luck with success.

In the new book, Emotional Intelligence Habits, it cites research where only 1 in 2,000 unlikeable leaders were considered effective. 🤬

So, how can you practice being more likable than you already are (assuming I don't have any unlikeable people reading this; err on the positive I always say.)

Dr. Travis Bradberry mentions these activities in his new book:

1. Ask More Questions - When we ask questions, we talk less and listen more which allows us to learn as much as possible about the needs of our teams and clients.

2. Phones Away - When your phone lights up, you look at it and not the person you're engaging with. Eliminate the distraction and improve the relationship.

3. Greet People By Name - When we hear our name, we feel more seen/heard. Plus, if you're like me and struggle with remembering names in large gatherings, it helps you keep the name with the face.

4. Smile - Even a soft grin conveys positivity. One of the main things I coach speakers to do is smile when they talk when they're telling a story that they want positive reaction to. It conveys confidence and increases engagement.

5. Don't Seek Attention - When we ask questions, when we talk in a concise and confident manner, when we shift praise to "us" and not "me" our likability goes up.

6. Appropriate Touch - When we physically connect, oxytocin is released, giving a positive connection. Even a friendly handshake does this. Knowing how and when to physically connect, like a touch on the shoulder, shows a caring connection. To state the obvious (unfortunately some creeps haven't quite caught on unfortunately) inappropriate or unwanted touch as the direct opposite effect. Know your boundaries and be appropriate.

7. The Platinum Rule - Of course we all know the Golden Rule, but the Platinum Rule is when we treat others how THEY want to be treated. This is a game changer because it teaches us to ask questions and inquire about the preferences of others to learn how they want to be engaged, what motivates them, etc.

8. Balance Passion and Fun - Everyone has a life outside of work and when we have a passion for something, it increases our appeal. Find yours and ask others what drives them.

All of these are easy habits to build and have a massive impact on your company, culture, performance, and (most importantly) your own happiness.