The office environment is a tricky place. Although your colleagues may not be the people you would choose to spend your time with, and certainly it is inevitable that strong personalities will clash when forced in close quarters, it is crucial to find ways to keep civil and work well with one another in the office. Being well-liked, gaining respect, making friends, and being a great leader are all admirable skills for the workplace, and luckily, with practice and time, just about anyone can learn them. Here are some easy tips on how you can be more likeable in the office.

Be yourself. People tend to gravitate towards those who are honest and genuine because those are the qualities most commonly associated with trustworthiness. People who appear fake make it difficult for others to like and trust them. Concentrate on what makes you unique and happy as an individual and you will be much more likeable than if you attempt to win people over by pretending to be what you think they want. Allow yourself to be confident enough to be comfortable in your own skin and let your true self shine. Your genuineness will win over more people than a created persona ever will.

Put away your phone. When you are speaking to someone, glancing at your phone or responding to texts or emails in mid-conversation will kill any chance of making a positive connection. When you are having a discussion, you want to focus all of your energy on that conversation. You will be a better listener and have a more enjoyable and effective conversation if you fully immerse yourself than when you allow yourself to be distracted. It also helps the person you’re speaking to feel valued and respected.

Ask questions. The biggest mistake you can make when listening to someone is not really hearing them. The words may come through, but the meaning will be lost. A simple way to avoid this is to ask clarifying questions. Asking a question shows that you are engaged, listening, and care about what they are saying.

Make yourself approachable. Too often people will make themselves unapproachable in the workplace because of the pressure they feel to meet deadlines. Whether it’s due to project commitments, being in a bad mood, or feeling stress from a variety of work-related factors, acting like you don’t have time for others will cause others to avoid you in the future. No one wants to feel as though they’re bothering someone else, so if you want to be more likeable, make yourself approachable to your coworkers. Don’t rush down the corridors at work, but instead spend a few extra minutes in common areas to engage in light conversation throughout the day or join a group of colleagues for an occasional sit-down lunch, in or outside the office.

Don’t seek attention. Being likeable doesn’t mean being extremely extroverted and seeking attention. People are actually turned off by this behaviour. All you need to do to win your coworkers over is a friendly and considerate attitude. Rather than trying to brag to show how important you are, speak in a friendly manner and people will be more responsive. People are more attracted to your attitude than your importance. Another way to show that you are a team player is to not take all the credit when you are being recognised for an accomplishment. Thank all the people who worked hard to help you get there.

Be positive. Bad moods are contagious, especially in the office. People are social creatures and the mood of one person can affect the mood of others, which is why it’s so unnerving to be around someone who is negative. Even if you feel like you’re in a bad mood, ditch the downer attitude for a more pleasant demeanor, especially in the workplace. It will keep you professional and focused.

Be consistent. You can follow all the tips on how to be likeable, but you must make sure you keep it consistent. People won’t trust you if you have a friendly attitude one day and a different attitude the next day. Your coworkers will be confused if your emotions are all over the place. When people approach you, they like to know what to expect. Being consistent means being reliable and even though your mood may change, it shouldn’t affect how you treat other people.

People want to do business with people they like so being likeable is crucial element in creating a successful career path for yourself. Not only will it help you move up the corporate ladder, but it will also make your day to day life in the office much more pleasant and productive. While not all of us are born with natural charisma and social prowess, the above tips will get you on the right track to being more likeable in the office and moving forward in advancing your career.

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How to Be More Likeable in the Office

Career Advice Career counselling, advice and guidance
Select article category

Select article category

Productivity Tips
Workplace English
Industry Stories
Job Search in Hong Kong
HR Career Success
How to Get Promoted
Career Path Planning
Career Coaching & Guidance
Advice Columnist