Karen Keller
Conventional wisdom has taught us it’s more important to be respected than liked. But there is something to be said about the power of likeability.
The bridge between you and success is built around likeability. Sure, there are successful people who are not liked. But the road to success can be easier, and more profitable, by being likeable.
If you want to earn support from your peers, have the loyalty of your employees, lead your followers to a better future, and finally achieve your life’s dreams, you must first be liked.
How do you build the likeability bridge?
There are 5 ways women can become more likeable and reach the success in their relationships, their business and their future.
- Become Relatable. If people can’t relate to you then you will have an uphill climb. A person in business knows that people need to understand who he or she is, what they have in common and how interested he or she is in them; their problems, their dreams and their future.
- Express Compassion. Showing that you care, thinking beyond your own needs and being concerned for others’ welfare is an attribute worth cultivating. Empathy and kindness make you attractive. Recognize and acknowledge other people’s feelings and experiences.
- Listen to What They’re Saying. Listening plays a role in being likeable. This is different from hearing. Listening is paying attention to the tone, intent and emotion in the words being expressed. Engage with people. Mutual conversation and interest is noticed.
- Stop Telling Tales. This means gossip. Even though you think you may be ‘informing’ stop and realize that what you say probably will come back to haunt you some day. Then others will be
less likely to trust you, leading to not liking you. - Don’t Keep Score. Be willing to share with no strings attached. This way you will gain respect and admiration. This can also create a reciprocal feeling where others will offer assistance without being asked.
If you can make them like you then they’ll be happy to know – and follow - you.
