Likeability at Work

Introduction

Enhancing your likeability at work doesn’t mean trying to be everyone’s best friend. It’s about building trust, respect and approachability by being authentic, positive, reliable and ready to listen.

Likeability is a secret weapon that can open doors and create opportunities.

“…Studies show that likeable people earn more, enjoyed better career advancement and form stronger connections with colleagues. Likeability isn't just a ‘nice-to-have’ trade; it is the key to unlocking your professional potential…”

Joel Garfinkle, 2025

Likeability can be an overlooked quality in the workplace that can have far reaching impact.

“…This is a lasting impression you leave that determines whether you are remembered and whether people still want to work with you again…”

Joel Garfinkle, 2025

“…Likeability is one of the key traits that determine whether someone is hired, promoted and advanced…..Likeable people tend to receive better performance reviews and are more likely to be recommended for leadership roles. Furthermore, likeable individuals are often viewed as more competent, and even when their technical skills are average…”

Harvard Business Review as quoted by Joel Garfinkle, 2025

However, if you are not likeable, ie difficult to deal with, combative, argumentative, more challenging, etc, people tend to avoid you.

Some practical, research-backed tips that make a real difference in enhancing likeability:

1. Greet People Warmly (be warm, friendly and approachable)

• Smile genuinely and often
• Make eye contact; eye contact shows you’re present and respectful
• Keep your tone friendly, not transactional
• Using someone’s name in conversation increases warmth.
• A simple “Good morning!” or “How was your weekend?” builds rapport.

Tip: don’t underestimate the power of small, daily greetings or personal

2. Practise Active Listening (listen more than you talk)

• Don’t interrupt—show genuine interest
• Nod
• Make eye contact
• Ask clarifying questions
• Reflect back what you heard (“So you're saying…”).
• People will remember how you made the feel

“…One of the best ways to make someone feel valued is by listening. Show interest in other people's thoughts and ideas…”

Joel Garfinkle, 2025

Tip: Ask others to ‘tell you more!’; this will encourage others to share more

3. Be Generous with Credit (share praise)

• Publicly appreciating and acknowledging others’ ideas and contributions
• Say “That was Sarah’s idea—it really improved the process”
• Likeable people lift others up rather than compete for the spotlight
• Foster a culture of collaboration

“… Giving credit, where it's due, shows generosity, boosts morale and makes the giver more likeable…”

Joel Garfinkle, 2025

4. Follow Through on Commitments (be reliable, consistent and helpful)

• Do what you say you’ll do
• Reliability builds trust and respect
• Be dependable
• Offer assistance when others need it
• If you're delayed, communicate early

5. Be Consistent and Fair

• Treat everyone with equal respect—regardless of role, rank, etc
• Avoid playing favourites or engaging in gossip

6. Stay Positive but Real (be solution orientated)

• Be optimistic without being fake
• Stay calm, especially during challenging situations
• A positive attitude during stress shows leadership and maturity
• Acknowledge tough realities without complaining
• Focus on solutions rather than problems
• Offer ideas, not just critiques

Tip: Let's focus on how we can solve this.

“…Shifting focus to solutions and staying positive makes you more approachable and helps others feel more confident in working with you…”

Joel Garfinkle, 2025

7. Show Humility and Vulnerability

• Admit when you don’t know something
• Say “I made a mistake” when appropriate—this earns trust
• People like those who are real, not perfect

8. 8. Help Others Without Expecting Return

• Offer help when others are stressed or overloaded
• Even small favours (proofreading, quick brainstorms, etc) can leave a strong impression

9. Be Curious, Not Judgmental

• Ask questions about colleagues’ interests, cultures, or roles
• Show appreciation for diversity rather than making assumptions

10. Find Common Ground

• People connect more easily when they can relate to each other
• It helps builds rapport and makes interaction feel more natural by mentioning shared interest in conversations

 Tip - participate in workplace social events

11. Be authentic (be your true self)

• Don't force fake enthusiasm
• Don't try to be someone you are not
• Be honest and transparent in your interactions
• Be genuine in your dealings

Bonus Tips for Quiet or New Team Members

• Bring snacks to share in a meeting
• Post one useful resource or tip in a shared chat
• Volunteer to take minutes—it shows initiative and helps you stay informed

Summary

Be Someone People Want to Work With

NB

“… People may forget what you said or did, but they will always remember how you made them feel…”

Joel Garfinkle, 2025