If you want to be a successful leader whom a team follows with total conviction, you have to be a likeable leader. Tyrants with brilliant vision can command a reluctant following for a time, but it never lasts.
As part of a leadership workshop, I often ask attendees to describe the best and worst leaders they have ever worked for. People inevitably ignore innate characteristics such as intelligence, extroversion, etc but instead focus on qualities that are completely under a leader’s control, such as approachability, integrity, and positivity. These words, and others like them, describe leaders who have a high emotional intelligence and are highly likeable. Research by Roche Martin has identified those leaders who possess these qualities outperform those who do not by a large margin.
The great thing about emotional intelligence (EQ) is that you can improve it with focus and effort. Below are 7 key behaviours that emotionally intelligent leaders use that make them so likeable.
They’re approachable.
You know those people who only have time for you if you can do something for them? Likeable leaders truly believe that everyone, regardless of status or ability, is worth their time and attention. They make everyone feel valuable because they believe that everyone is valuable.
They’re positive.
Likable leaders always maintain a positive outlook, and this shows in how they describe things. They don’t have to give a presentation to the board of directors; they get to share their vision and ideas with the board.. They don’t even have to diet; they get to experience the benefits of eating healthfully. Even in undeniably negative situations, likeable leaders emanate an enthusiastic hope for the future, a confidence that they can help make tomorrow better than today.
They demonstrate integrity.
Likable leaders inspire trust and admiration through their actions, not just their words. Many leaders say that integrity is important to them, but likeable leaders walk their talk by demonstrating integrity every day.
They form personal connections.
Even in a crowded room, likable leaders make people feel like they’re having a one-on-one conversation, as if they’re the only person in the room that matters. They are totally ‘present’ for that person.
They read people like a book.
Likable leaders know how to read people as unspoken communication is often more important than the words people say. They note facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice in order to get what’s really going on with their people.
They’re humble.
Few things kill likeability as quickly as arrogance. Likable leaders don’t act as though they’re better than you because they don’t think that they’re better than you. Rather than being a source of status, they see their leadership position as bringing them additional accountability for serving those who follow them.
They appreciate potential.
Likeable leaders not only see the best in their people, but they also make sure that everyone else sees it too.