Blog written by recruiter Koreena Geisler-Wagner.
We all like to believe we are “likeable” people, yet there are a few occasions in which we wonder whether this is truly an accurate descriptor. Here’s the good news– your perceived “likeability” is determined by others’ perception of you, and others’ perception of you is something that you alone can control; therefore, you are in control of your own level of “likeability.” In his article “10 Silly Things You Do That Make You Less Likeable,” Dr. Travis Bradberry explores the ten behavior traits most likely to diminish one’s likeability. Improving your own likeability (and thus allowing yourself to further grow in your respective careers and life ambitions) is as simple as avoiding some of these common behaviors! Here are a few behaviors we pinpointed as most important to diminish:
- Humble bragging. Bradberry says it best: “For example, the gal who makes fun of herself for being a nerd when she really wants to draw attention to the fact that she’s smart or the guy who makes fun of himself for having a strict diet when he really wants you to know how healthy and fit he is. While many people think that self-deprecation masks their bragging, everyone sees right through it. This makes the bragging all the more frustrating, because it isn’t just bragging; it’s also an attempt to deceive.”
- Failing to actively listening. Everyone, and probably on multiple occasions, has been so focused on what they are going to say next in conversation, they completely miss what is really being said. Try asking more questions to force your brain to stay on track rather than deviating to your next phrase or comment.
- Sharing too much, too early. This is arguably the most important behavior to avoid! There is a difference between being honest and simply divulging everything you can think to divulge. More times than not, sharing too much personal information (especially in professional settings) will do your career and professional development more harm than good. Every situation, of course, is different, but a good rule of thumb is to separate your personal from your professional life as much as possible.
Today’s message for avoiding “unlikable” behaviors is brought to you by Contemporaries.
Photo: retrieved from Pexels, available under the public domain.