What are some traits of likeable leaders?
Likeable leaders have certain qualities that make them higher performers compared with people who don’t have those attributes. Being likeable is a trait that can be learned and it demonstrates emotional intelligence, which is essential to work in a variety of dynamic organizations.
Build likeability through an online MBA
Students in an MBA program have opportunities to grow their likeability skills through collaborative problem-solving situations. MBA courses provide real-world learning experiences to analyze and synthesize the integration of business functions in complex organizations, diverse cultural settings and the global marketplace. And, TAMUCC’s MBA graduates obtain new skills, which boost their confidence and competency. Here are five more actions that emotionally intelligent people do to help them become likeable leaders:
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Maintain a positive attitude
Keeping a positive outlook, despite negative situations, is a critical leadership habit. For example, likeable leaders take the approach they have the opportunity to share their goals with their audience, rather than have to make a presentation. They benefit from healthy eating instead of having to diet. They get to connect with employees who contribute to their company’s success rather than feel obligated to do a plant visit. Likeable leaders demonstrate an uplifting perspective, even when facing tough circumstances.
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Be generous
Have you ever worked with someone who held back resources that would assist you in doing your job? It’s a tough spot to be in. Likeable leaders are above all generous with sharing connections and information. They are motivated by an internal compass built on generosity and they want you to succeed. Your success reflects well on them.
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Ask questions
Another leadership habit is to ask questions. Lots of them. By asking clarifying questions, people realize that you are actively listening and that you care about what is being said. Too often, people focus only on what they are going to say and fail to really listen to others. You will gain respect and admiration by asking good questions.
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Have a genuine, reliable demeanor
Phony or fake people are not fun to be around. If people don’t know who you really are, what you care about or what you really value, it will be difficult to build an emotionally intelligent relationship with you. When you are even-keeled, genuine and reliable, people will like you even more.
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Make integrity a priority
Integrity is another critical leadership habit for likeable leaders to have. Do your actions inspire trust and admiration? Do you demonstrate that integrity matters to you? Even the most charming people won’t be well-liked if they don’t make ethical decisions, keep their promises and back up what they say with sincere action
These are just some of the habits of likeable leaders, some of which can be cultivated through work experiences or an MBA program. Being well-liked is a goal of many business professionals and can help you become more successful throughout your career.
Learn more about Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s online MBA program.
Sources:
LinkedIn.com’s Pulse, 10 Habits of Ultra-Likeable Leaders, July 6, 2015.
Forbes, 13 Habits of Exceptionally LikeablePeople, Jan. 27, 2015.
