Dave Kerpen, author of “Likeable Social Media” and “Likeable Business,” interviewed dozens of successful business leaders, to determine what made them so likeable and their companies so successful. The concepts that came from those interviews are simple, yet ones that many managers lose sight of, perhaps in the name of revenues or the bottom line. Sales coach John Klymshyn (klymshyn.com) summarizes some of the important principles that can produce better leaders:
Adaptability
“When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.”
– Ben Franklin
There has never been a faster-changing marketplace than the one we live in today. Leaders must be flexible in managing changing opportunities and challenges and nimble enough to pivot at the right moment. Stubbornness is no longer desirable to most organizations. Instead, humility and the willingness to adapt mark a great leader.
Listening
“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.”
– Ernest Hemingway
Listening is the foundation of any good relationship. Great leaders listen to what their customers and prospects want and need, and they listen to the challenges those customers face. They listen to colleagues and are open to new ideas. They listen to shareholders, investors and competitors.
Authenticity
“I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I’ve become. If I had, I’d have done it a lot earlier.”
– Oprah Winfrey
Great leaders are who they say they are, and they have integrity beyond compare. Vulnerability and humility are hallmarks of the authentic leader and create a positive, attractive energy. Customers, employees, and media all want to help an authentic person to succeed.
Transparency
“As a small businessperson,you have no greater leverage than the truth.”
– John Whittier
There is nowhere to hide anymore, and businesspeople who attempt to keep secrets will eventually be exposed. Openness and honesty lead to happier staff and customers and colleagues.
Gratefulness
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
– Gilbert Chesterton
Likeable leaders are grateful for the people who contribute to their opportunities and success. Being appreciative and saying thank you to mentors, customers, colleagues and other stakeholders keeps leaders humble, appreciated and well‑received.
Surprise and delight
“A true leader always keeps an element of surprise up his sleeve, which others cannot grasp but which keeps his public excited and breathless.”
– Charles de Gaulle
Likeable leaders underpromise and overdeliver, assuring that customers and staff are surprised in a positive way. Surprise and delight create incredible word-of-mouth marketing opportunities.
Team playing
“Individuals play the game, but teams beat the odds.”
– SEAL Team saying
No matter how small your organization, you interact with others every day. Letting others shine, encouraging innovative ideas, and practicing humility will help you become a more likeable leader. You’ll need a culture
of success within your organization, one that includes out-of-the-box thinking.
The Golden Rule:
above all else, treat others as you’d like to be treated
By showing others the same courtesy you expect from them, you will gain more respect from coworkers, customers and business partners. Holding others in high regard demonstrates your company’s likeability and motivates others to work with you.
