How to Be More Likable in Your Workplace
How to Be More Likable in Your Workplace
Most people want to be more likable in the workplace.
In reality, it’s very unlikely that your coworkers hate you.
Maybe you’re having trouble making meaningful connections with team members, leading to miscommunications that setback productivity.
If you have an aggressive personality, that can be off-putting to individuals in your workplace that are more modest in their approach to things.
The solution to the issue is simple: don’t bend over backward to change who you are, but make small compromises to accommodate the needs of those around you.
There are a few ways you can do this:
- be less competitive
- like others more
- engage in meaningful conversations and relationships
- focus on the positive
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No competitive mindset
It’s difficult to avoid coming across as competitive, especially if your work incorporates many gamification techniques.
Most offices are wrought with competition, particularly by those who are eager to succeed.
While being competitive is okay, you’ll want to avoid leading with your competitive foot.
It can make you seem aggressive and self-serving if you’re eager to brand all of your accomplishments, and can even be seen as an attempt at denigrating others.
Compete, but do so keeping the feelings of your coworkers in mind.
Like others more
No one in your office is named “Hey, you,” and they won’t appreciate being called that.
Get yourself on a first-name basis with everyone.
When conversing with them, speak to them personally.
If you act like everyone else around you is merely a warm body, people may interpret that as you perceiving yourself as the center of the universe.
Using personal greetings and delivering respectful messages and requests will help you meet others at their level.
Have meaningful conversations
Think about the worst conversation you ever had on a first date.
It was boring, and none of the topics you touched on had any substance.
Nobody gained anything from that conversation.
When you’re stuck in small talk with your coworkers, every conversation is like a bad first date.
This doesn’t mean you have to go around reciting philosophy or teaching everyone about the individual components of DNA, but you can do a little better than talking about how nice it is outside.
Ask people about their families and the things that matter to them.
Be positive, even when it’s difficult
We all have bad days.
It’s important not to let everyone know just how bad of a day you’re having, especially if you’re risking putting them on the receiving end of your frustration.
If your moods seem unpredictable, nobody will be sure what to make of you.
If you’re having an off day and it’s too difficult to suppress, tell people respectfully that you’re not having a good time right now and that they shouldn’t take it personally.
A heads-up can go a long way.
Build real relationships
One way to get to know everyone better is to foster a relationship with a give and take.
Inevitably, people will become overwhelmed and need a little help.
It never hurts to volunteer.
If you’re the one that’s overwhelmed, it never hurts to ask for help.
Directly working on a project with someone can help them see your motivations and priorities.
They’ll know they can depend on you when they need a helping hand, which will only create positive associations.
Relationships where people trust you go a long way to making you more likable at work.
You can be more likable at work
Remember, your goal is to become more likable.
You don’t want to become a pushover.
If you can find a sweet spot between likeability and strength, others will be more apt to respect you.
Building a positive work reputation can lead you to further career success.
What other ways do you try to be more likable in your workplace?
Let us know in the comment section below.
Be sure to share this article on social media with a coworker who might need to read it!
