In today’s fast-paced and competitive workplace, expertise and competence are important, but they alone won’t guarantee your success. Often, it’s something far less tangible that determines whether you advance or stay stuck: likeability. Whether you’re aiming to climb the corporate ladder, gain recognition or build meaningful relationships, being likable at work is the secret weapon that can open doors and create opportunities. Studies show that likeable people earn more, enjoy better career advancement and form stronger connections with colleagues. Likeability isn’t just a “nice-to-have” trait; it’s the key to unlocking your professional potential.
Why likeability matters
Likeability is an often-overlooked quality in the workplace, but it has a far-reaching impact. When high-level leaders or influential stakeholders discuss an employee, it’s often the likeability factor that ensures they remain top-of-mind for future opportunities. In other words, it’s the lasting impression you leave that determines whether you’re remembered and whether people will want to work with you again.
Studies support this: According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, likeability is one of the key traits that determine whether someone is hired or promoted and advanced. The study found that likeable people tend to receive better performance reviews and are more likely to be recommended for leadership roles. Furthermore, likable individuals are often viewed as more competent, even when their technical skills are average.
On the flip side, being difficult to deal with, combative, argumentative or challenging to others, can have the opposite effect. People may avoid you, and as a result, your career progression can stagnate.
What makes someone likeable at work?
If you’re wondering how to be likable at work, here are key strategies you can use. These simple, actionable tips will help boost your likeability and strengthen your professional relationships.
1. Be warm and approachable
People gravitate toward warmth. To boost your likeability, make an effort to be approachable and friendly. Small gestures can make a big difference.
- Smile genuinely and often.
- Use people’s names in conversation.
- Keep your tone friendly, not transactional.
Tip: Instead of diving straight into work tasks, try starting with a personal touch. “Hey Alex, how was your weekend?” This helps foster rapport before getting down to business.
2. Find common ground
People connect more easily when they can relate to each other. Finding common ground helps build rapport quickly and makes interactions feel more natural.
- Mention shared interests during conversations.
- Participate in workplace social events or casual Slack channels to create connections.
Tip: “Have you seen the latest [movie/book/sporting event]?” Finding a mutual interest can break the ice and strengthen connections, making you more likeable.
3. Be reliable and helpful
Consistency and reliability are cornerstones of trust, and trust is a huge component of likeability.
- Follow through on promises.
- Offer help or resources when colleagues are stuck.
Tip: “Is there anything I can do to help?” Being dependable and offering assistance when others need it strengthens your relationships and makes you more likeable.
4. Listen more than you talk
Likeability doesn’t just come from being a good talker. People remember how you make them feel, and one of the best ways to make someone feel valued is by listening.
- Show interest in others’ thoughts and ideas.
- Nod, paraphrase and ask follow-up questions to demonstrate engagement.
Tip: “Tell me more about that.” Encouraging others to share more creates space for deeper connection and shows that you’re truly listening.
5. Be positive and solution-oriented
Staying calm and optimistic, especially during challenging situations, makes you someone people want to be around. Rather than focusing on problems, focus on solutions.
- Stay calm during stressful situations.
- Offer ideas, not just critiques.
Tip: “Let’s focus on how we can solve this.” Shifting the focus to solutions and staying positive makes you more approachable and helps others feel more confident in working with you.
6. Give credit, share praise
Recognizing others’ contributions not only strengthens relationships but also fosters a culture of collaboration.
- Publicly acknowledge others’ work in meetings or emails.
- Recognize team efforts and share the spotlight.
Tip: “We couldn’t have done it without [name]’s contribution.” Giving credit where it’s due shows generosity, boosts morale and makes you more likeable.
7. Be authentic
Authenticity is key to building trust and likeability. People appreciate it when you show up as your true self.
- Don’t force fake enthusiasm or try to be someone you’re not.
- Be honest and transparent in your interactions.
Tip: “I’m really excited about this, but I’m also a bit nervous.” Being genuine about your feelings helps others relate to you and fosters a more authentic, likeable connection.
I’ve seen the power of likeability firsthand in my executive coaching practice. One leader, technically excellent but struggling with personal connections, focused on being more approachable and collaborative. As a result, they started receiving more positive feedback from colleagues and managers. Within six months, their career took off, not because their technical competency improved, but because their likeability fostered stronger, more supportive relationships.
By focusing on these strategies for how to be likable at work, you can increase your likeability, build stronger relationships and enhance your overall success in the workplace. People may forget what you said or did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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