Good, Sue Shellenbarger in the Wall Street Journal finally said it..."likability matters more than ever at work."
Yes, you also need to know your subject matter and be able to perform like a pro, but just that alone is not enough.
If your a card or a jerk, no one wants to know you.
The old Jewish thinking about being a mensch, first and foremost, still holds true.
"Likable people are more apt to be hired, get help at work, get useful information from others, and have mistakes forgiven."
Employees also track employees likability on social networks and recruit those who can well represent them and make transformative changes.
What contributes to likability:
1. Be Authentic - an ounce of sincerity is worth more than a boatload of of b.s. -- people see right through it.
2. Use Positive Cues - eye contact, smiling naturally, and a warm, varying, and enthusiastic tone make you approachable and believable.
3. Show interest in others - selfishness, narcissism, and I, I, I will get you no friends; show genuine interest in the other person--be cognizant of what's in it for them--give a damn!
4. Listen - 2 ears, 1 mouth; close the mouth and listen to the other person--don't just hear them, understand them, empathize, feel something!
5. Find common ground - look for shared interests or commonalities; we can all relate to others with whom we can identify.
Short and sweet, treat others as you would want to be treated (Golden Rule) and it doesn't pay to be a ass! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
So It Really Is A Popularity Contest