Are you a likable leader? The best leaders are not just wise and intelligent – they are also popular and well-liked by others. Some people are much more likable than others, but this isn’t a natural trait. Anyone can become more likable and pleasant by changing their habits.
Check out these 8 habits that make some leaders extraordinarily likable.
1. They can read people well
A very important part of being likable is being able to read others well. From body language to facial expressions, a likable leader is always looking out for silent indicators of how others around them are feeling. This means they can often predict the moods and feelings of others, which helps them to make decisions that others are happy with.
2. They form connections with the people they lead
A likable leader doesn’t alienate anyone – instead, they take the time to form connections with the people that they lead. They understand that the people they lead are real humans too – they are emotional, intelligent and important. They can make useful, innovative suggestions that will improve the company. This means people feel like they can bring up important issues with the leader without fear, as their leader sees them as an equal.
3. They have integrity
Not all leaders are trusted, liked and admired; these qualities need to be earned. Likable leaders earn the trust of their employees through their actions as well as their words. They don’t make promises that they never intend to keep to placate their employees. Instead they follow through with everything they commit to doing, and they aim to be honest rather than charming.
4. They take their accomplishments in their stride
A likable leader is never rattled by the highs and lows of life. They are proud of their accomplishments without bragging, and they don’t lose it when something bad happens. They understand life is full of both successes and failures, and to expect a life without any failures is unreasonable.
5. They are not arrogant
Most people dislike arrogance – especially when it is their boss who is being arrogant. A likable leader sees their employees as equal, and they would never think that they are better than anyone else. They don’t believe being a leader is a chance to do as they please and make their life easy – they believe being a leader means you have extra responsibility to make sure their employees are both happy and productive.
6. They are positive
A leader has a responsibility to maintain a positive outlook for their employees. This isn’t about being fake or pretending; even in negative situations they are working on finding solutions while staying optimistic. They don’t need to hold countless meetings and presentations to show their passion for the company – it is obvious to anyone who works for them. This shows their passion for their work and their cheer, which helps other employees to be productive and happy while at work.
7. They have substance
A good leader doesn’t lead because they are charming and loud; a good leader leads because they have essential knowledge and information that others don’t have. A likable leader is intelligent and puts in a lot of effort at work to improve the company for everyone. They don’t pretend to be better than they actually are – instead they win people over with their enthusiasm and commitment to their job.
8. They are generous
A common trait of a likable leader is being generous. Many bad leaders hold back information and resources from their employees because they worry their employees may take advantage of the kindness – or outshine them. A likable leader is happy to help their employees because this gives them the opportunity to shine and improve their skills.
