Skills matter at work. However, if you’re rude or difficult to work with, skills can only take you so far. On the other hand, being likable may just be one of your biggest professional assets. It’s that X factor that makes you an awesome teammate to be around.
“Likability is important because we like working with and being around people who are similar to us. We seek commonality. Whether that’s common professional interests or common belief systems, people who are similar to us create feelings of trust and psychological safety, which is an essential culture builder,” according to executive coach and HR expert Teresa Vozza.
The next time you experience immediate rapport with a coworker, take notes. It may be because they exude likability. “A likable employee is someone we develop an instant rapport with. Rapport is created through a person’s words, actions, and body language. There is a mutual sense of reciprocity and joy when we’re around a likable employee,” adds Vozza.
Ready to spread those good vibes and make sure your coworkers enjoy your presence? Here are seven tips to be a likable employee (and person).
1. Don’t focus on being likable
It sounds counterproductive, but you don’t want to turn to be likable into your main goal, as it may come across as disingenuous. “If being likable is your goal, it is unlikely you will achieve it. But if you are willing to help, quick to recognize excellence, and interpersonally engaging, then likability is a natural outcome,” says Scott C. Hammond, Ph.D., Professor of Management in the Jon M.. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University.
Instead of being overly concerned about appearances and making things all about you and how you are perceived, aim to connect on an authentic level and bring the best of yourself to your professional world.
2. Be mindful of your body language
Your body language speaks volumes, says Vozza. It can even send more powerful cues than the words that you use. Being aware of it can increase how likable you are. “A likable employee leans in to show interest in another person’s viewpoint, smiles often, and makes regular eye contact,” she says. She recommends maintaining an “open” body language: close proximity, at ease, and alert.
3. Choose your words with care
While non-verbal cues are important, your words also carry weight. “Likable employees are self-aware and emotionally intelligent,” adds Vozza. “They choose words that convey respect, care, and compassion, while simultaneously challenging the status quo in healthy and productive ways. They ask intelligent and thoughtful questions.” Bring a mix of insightfulness, curiosity and empathy to the table and you’ll naturally boost your likability.
4. Seek to provide value
According to Hammond, getting into the habit of thinking about how you can help in various situations goes a long way in terms of being liked. “When bosses, peers or clients describe a problem, assume they are asking for help. Provide help on their schedule and based on their need with a willing attitude, and you will be likable,” he says.
5. Celebrate others
The next time you have a positive thought about a coworker, share it – as long as it’s sincere and appropriate, of course. Being generous with praise creates a positive environment and makes people drawn to you. “Sincere recognition of the contributions made by others builds the bond of trust in any team. Success is not a zero-sum game. If you celebrate the success of others, they will celebrate yours,” adds Hammond.
6. Become a deep listener
Being a likable employee is also about what you don’t say. “Likable people give other employees ample air time. They aren’t fighting for the limelight or incessantly talking. In fact, likable people are deep listeners and demonstrate an impressive ability to use silence effectively and make others feel heart,” says Vozza.
7. Take interest in people
Hammond recommends using coffee or lunch breaks to socialize and show your interest in others – both personally and professionally. Strike a convo and ask questions. You’ll bond, but you may also learn something new or get inspired. Likable employees tend to be people who genuinely care about getting to know others and love to connect and share ideas, after all.
