Leaders Are Likable

 

How can Leaders Become Likable?

“We will work harder and more effectively for people we like, and we will like them in direct proportion to how they make us feel.” (Kouzes and Posner)

Leaders need to be likable. However, leaders should never get caught in the trap of becoming people pleasers.

How to get the best out of those you lead?

There is an old saying, “people don’t care how much you know till they know how much you care.” Being likable as a leader starts by caring for those you lead.

Think about it, would you ever “go the extra mile” for a leader who was a complete jerk?

Of course not!

Therefore, your people won’t go the extra mile for you until they know you care for them.

If you want to be likable as a leader (I’m not talking about being a people pleaser), you have to LOVE those you lead.

Benefits for Being Likable

Your team will:

  • Work harder to accomplish the mission and vision of the organization
  • Trust you, and they will trust your leadership and your heart
  • Communicate with you more
  • Be more likely to listen to your feedback on their performance

Skills to Learn to Become a Likable Leader:

Balance Your Gratification/Frustration Titration. As a leader, you will want to be likable and approachable. However, you also have to frustrate those you lead to motivate them to accomplish tasks and pursue goals. Always be aware of how much you need to frustrate or gratify those you lead.

Listen to Feedback. Complete a 360-degree feedback review on your leadership and create a growth plan to address your leadership blind spots. Click here to learn more about a 360-Degree Feedback review.

Listen and Love. Learn to listen to those you lead; really listen to them. What do they like? What are their passions and interest in life (outside of work)? Why do they want to serve or work with you or in your organization? What do they need (resources) to do their job better or more efficiently?

Likable leaders typically have devoted followers.

NOTES:
James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner (2006). A Leader’s Legacy. Jossey-Bass Publishing.
Cloud, Dr. Henry (2009). Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps To A Happier, Healthier You. Zondervan Publishing.

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Terry Porter