An Overlooked Recession-Proof Investment (2023)
Every Sunday I send out something to think about, a question to ponder and something to try to make your life a little more pleasant. The idea is to inspire and encourage positive change. Readers share their progress so we can all benefit from the learnings.
THINK
“Being likeable is more important than being intelligent.”
Neeraj Sinha
I’ve spent a large chunk of this week attempting to hire an Editor.
During the interview process, I was reminded of an important but commonly overlooked component of selection.
Likeability.
I connected very quickly to a couple of candidates. As I waited for their test edits to arrive, I was willing them to be good.
I was even making excuses for their errors, in advance, before to seeing their work. 🤷
“They just need time and experience.“
“I can explain what I’m looking for if they don’t get it right. “
I had to remind myself that I was hiring an editor, not a puppy.
On the flip side, one candidate – who had the highest standard of editing examples – talked over me multiple times, told me he knew exactly what I wanted (without allowing me to explain what I wanted) and displayed what bordered on arrogance.
Charlie Munger was the first person to highlight the likability bias that exists in all of us.
Charlie explains that the ‘Liking Tendency’ causes the liker (me) to ignore faults of and comply with the wishes of the likee (friendly editors). You’re also liable to like anything associated with the person (including their skills).
The opposite is also true.
With the ‘Disliking Tendency’, the disliker (me) tends to ignore the virtues of the dislikee (arrogant editor), dislike the people, products and actions merely associated with them, and distort truths to facilitate hatred. Ouch!
So that’s why my mother-in-law doesn’t like my beard. 🤔
There’s a reason why ‘How to Win Friends & Influence People‘ by Dale Carnegie is one of the bestselling non-fiction books of all time.
Being likeable is a massive overlooked advantage in life.
Are you using it?
How can you influence others to ignore your faults, comply with your wishes and be drawn to things associated with you?
….Without holding a gun to their head.
Are you inadvertently influencing people to ignore your qualities, dislike what you offer and distort truths abuot you?
Here are 15 ways to become more authentically likeable:
- Be genuine. Be you.
- Ask more and talk less.
- Listen without interrupting.
- Don’t seek attention. Give it to others.
- Smile more.
- Give more. Take less.
- Don’t judge. Be open-minded.
- Don’t complain. Be positive.
- Trust others.
- Forgive quickly.
- Keep promises.
- Apologise sincerely.
- Be vulnerable.
- Be honest.
- Be fun and cheerful.
These tips don’t cost you anything, you can use them immediately and in any environment.
Don’t overlook the importance of being more likeable.
The financial impact could be huge and it’ll generally lead to a happier existence.
 Reflect and share this list with someone.Â
ASK
If you’re interested in becoming more likeable in life, consider the following questions:
“Who’s the most likeable person you know and why?”
“How likeable would you rate yourself out of ten?”
“Which one tip could you immediately improve upon?”
If you’re feeling extra brave, you could ask your family and friends. 😬
Write down what comes to mind.Â
TRY
Once you’ve identified at least one tip you could improve upon:
Demonstrate it today and see how it feels.
When done authentically, this simple investment will yield you (and those around you) an immediate and significant return.
Remember: Little by little, a little becomes a lot. Â
SHARE
Comment below and share how it went for you.
If you tried being more likeable this week, COMMENT and share your wins with the world.
