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 agreeable, but this isn’t a natural trait. Anyone can become more friendly and pleasant by changing their habits.
Check out these eight habits that make some leaders extraordinarily likable.
1. They can read people well
An essential part of being likable is being able to read others well. From body language to facial expressions, a generous 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 create relationships with the people they teach. They understand that the people they show are real humans, too – they are emotional, intelligent, and essential. They can make helpful, 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 must be earned. Likable leaders earn the trust of their employees through their actions as well as their words. They don’t make promises they never intend to keep to appease 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
The highs and lows of life never rattle a likable leader. They are proud of their actions without bragging, and they don’t lose it when something terrible happens. They understand life is full of successes and failures, and expecting a life without any losses is unreasonable.
5. They are not arrogant
Most people dislike arrogance – especially when it is their boss who is being complacent. Likable leaders see their employees as equal and would never think 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 think being a leader means you have an 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 adverse situations, they work 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 evident to anyone who works for them. This shows their love 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 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 great. 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 allows them to shine and improve their skills.
