5 things you MUST avoid to get your colleagues to like you
If you think that being the best at your job is the key thing to get a promotion, think twice. Based on a number of studies, being liked will probably play a bigger role in getting you to the next level.
A study from University of Massachusetts found that managers were willing to accept an argument with no supporting evidence if the person speaking was likeable.
In another study, data shows that people who possess “likeable” skills like sincerity and transparency aren’t just highly likeable. They are also perceived to be outperforming by a large margin those who don´t . Another proof of that is that just 1 in 2,000 unlikeable leaders are considered effective by their employees.
With that in mind, it´s important to start paying attention to how likeable you are in the workplace. And if you want to be one of the popular girls at the office, there are five hugely annoying things that you must stop doing now!
1. Humble-bragging
We all know those people who are always self-deprecating themselves in an attempt to brag about something they do. For example, that girl who makes fun of herself for being a nerd when she really wants to draw attention to the fact that she’s smart. Or that other girl who makes fun of herself for having a strict diet when she really wants you to know how healthy she is.
If you do that sometimes, be careful. You may think that self-deprecation masks the bragging, but truth is that everyone sees right through it, and no one likes it.
2. Name-dropping
It’s great to know interesting people, but using every conversation as an opportunity to name-drop is pretentious and silly. Instead of making you look interesting, it makes people feel you’re insecure and overly concerned about convincing them you are worth their time.
Truth is people are averse to those who are desperate for attention. Simply being friendly and considerate is all you need to win people over. Speak in a friendly, confident and concise manner, and people will be much more attentive and persuadable than if you try to show them you’re important.
3. Not asking enough questions
The biggest mistake people make in conversation is being so focused on what they’re going to say that they fail to hear what’s being said.
A simple way to avoid this is to ask a lot of questions. People like to know you’re listening, and sometimes just a clarification question is enough to show that not only you are listening but also that you care about what they’re saying. You’ll be surprised how much appreciation you gain just by asking questions.
4. Whipping out your phone
Nothing turns someone off like a mid-conversation text message or even a quick glance at your phone.
When you commit to a conversation, focus all of your energy on it. Not only because conversations are more enjoyable when you immerse yourself in them, but also as a sign of respect for the person who is dedicating her precious time to talking to you.
5. Being too serious
Likeable people balance their passion for their work with their ability to have fun. At work you have to be serious, yet friendly.
That doesn´t mean you have to spend time telling jokes at the office. Just focus on having meaningful interactions with your coworkers, remembering what people said to you and letting them know that they are just as important to you as their work is.
START NOW
Good news is that these are all easy to adopt attittudes and you can start doing them today.
If you avoid these five behaviors and focus on being friendly while still performing at your best, no one will stop you from getting your well deserved promotion!
Image credits.
