Post Date: 2/5/2016
Publication: Fast Company
You may not think being popular among your peers should be among your top work priorities, but being the most liked person in the office can impact your success. Likable people are more likely to have wider social networks to call upon. Plus, the relationships you have with the people you work with can make the difference between a great day and a terrible one.
Be A Team Player
"Nothing derails your likability more than ego," says Jennifer Blank, HR manager at McGarrah Jessee. Roll up your sleeves whenever needed. Offer to help others complete time-sensitive projects, even when it’s not your job. "You’ll earn gold stars when the folks you work with know you’ve got everyone’s best interest at heart, and that you can be counted on to contribute your fair share to the workload," says Blank.
Take Responsibility
While no one likes showcasing their failures, owning up to your mistakes and offering a sincere apology if needed can go a long way to improving your likability. "Hiding failures or diverting blame will corrode your reputation," says Blank.
Avoid The Gossip Mill
Sure, gossiping may help you fit in with a certain crowd at work, and many people make the mistake of thinking that they’re making friends when they gossip with them. But getting caught up in the company’s rumor mill will most likely have coworkers steering away from you, and, Blank says, will erode the trust that is essential to true likability. People tend to avoid sharing personal information with trash talkers, which means they may not trust you with work-related information that could help you grow in your career.
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