10 Ways to Become a Likable Leader

It is often said that business and personal are two completely separate things, but are they really? Obviously professional skills are a priority within the work environment, but personal feelings play a major role as well in how you’re perceived in the office. Roger Covin discusses this concept in the Huffington Post, “research on likability has found that “good personality” attributes like trustworthiness, honesty, warmth, and kindness are very important, and that extroversion, intelligence, and sense of humor also seem to carry significant weight.”

It is evident that social skills are critical to leadership development and we have some tips to help you become a likable leader.

1. Form Personal Connections: Take time to form relationships through one-on-one conversations that make others feel important. Personal connections help build trust and respect between you and your coworkers.
2. Be Approachable: People admire leaders who lend a helping hand. Treat everyone the same, regardless of their position in the company.
3. Stay Humble: Acting better than others will not gain you the respect that you want or need. Take accountability in your role within each success and failure.
4. Be Generous: Extend yourself as a resource for those who may need your assistance and guidance. Leaders learn to guide and explain approaches for successful outcomes.
5. Push Positivity: Don’t be a negative Nancy, maintain your composure in negative situations. Presenting a vision of hope and explaining things that need to be improved will inspire others to do the same.
6. Have Integrity: Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk. Keeping your word and being honest will let people know that you can be trusted.
7. Analyze Others: Read people like a book. Take the time to evaluate and analyze those around you. Becoming knowledgeable on people’s intentions through facial expressions, body language, etc. will tell you a lot about the person.
8. Acknowledge Potential: Likable leaders see the potential others have and encourage them by acknowledging it.
9. Have Depth: Knowledge is power. Be sure to connect with people on critical levels and be able to understand the learning and communication styles of everyone.
10. Be Balanced: Acknowledge the successes, but also take time to evaluate the failures and describe how to overcome the obstacles next time. Likable leaders teach others how to celebrate the wins and learn from the losses.