LTM 21. Increase Your Likability Factor

21. Increase Your Likability Factor
There are many factors that will influence your ability to foster
relationships and advance your career, but likability ranks near the top of
the list. Friendly people do the LITTLE THINGS that connect with people
and, generally speaking, likable people have greater spheres of influence,
get better results, live happier lives, and are more successful. The logic is
simple: people are subconsciously drawn to people who are likable.
All the great teachers of personal achievement from Napoleon Hill to
Anthony Robbins have talked about the importance of creating a likable
personality. Dale Carnegie’s famous book How to Win Friends and
Influence People is one of the best books on the subject, and his teachings
live on today. Peter Handel, President and CEO of Dale Carnegie
Training, said, ―In order to be the most productive, you must find the
right balance of competence and likeability.”
There is no doubt in my mind that being likable can help build a positive
brand and increase the value you bring to your family, your community,
and to the marketplace.
If your friends, family, team members, or business colleagues were to
rank you on the likability scale (1–10) what would they say? Be honest
now. How likable are you?
Your Likability Factor Self-test
 When speaking with other people, are you genuinely engaged and
interested in what they have to say?
 Does your smile communicate an authentic interest in the other
person?
 When people are speaking, are you patient? Do you let them
finish before responding?
 Will you get in the back seat of the car so your friend can sit in
the front seat?
 Do you accept responsibility when you are wrong?
 Do you show respect for people’s time by always being punctual
for your appointments?
 Do you avoid complaining when things displease you?
 Do you say please when asking people to do something for you,
even if they are being paid to do it?
 Do you offer your sincere appreciation to those who have done
something to help you, even if it’s within their job description?
 Are you friendly in your emails?
 Do you pay compliments to others?
 Do you encourage others when given the opportunity?
 When having dinner at a friend’s home, do you pitch in and help
do the dishes?
Improving Your Life One Thing at a Time. 63.
 Do you practice humility—the art of being modest?
 Do you listen more than you talk?
 Do you offer a heartfelt apology, without excuses, when you have
offended someone?
 Do you make people feel comfortable when they are around you?
 Do you try to maintain a positive attitude at all times?
How did you do? Are there areas where you need improvement?
Each one of these points represents choices you make. Being likable is
about being unselfish and doing the LITTLE THINGS to connect with people
and show you care.
LTM Challenge
As you go about your daily routine, start paying attention to the things
you do and don’t do when communicating and interacting with others in
person, online, and over the phone. As you review your daily encounters,
look for ways you can increase your likability and become a person who
attracts others.
When you do the little things to connect with people, your
relationships will improve and you will have
greater influence at home, at work, and in the community.