Everyone wants to be respected in the workplace. In fact, let’s be honest– Everyone wants to be respected everywhere. And everyone wants to be liked. The respect of others can open doors to countless opportunities, increase our salaries, allow our voices and ideas to be heard, and even help us make new connections in the world of friendship and romance. So what small steps can you take to increase your likeability and gain the trust of those around you?

The Golden Rule of Likeability

First, all efforts to boost your image in the workplace start with a simple rule: People like those who like them. The most effective way to get others to like you is to like them first, and more. To literally and genuinely look for the best in them, and focus on aspects of their personalities that you sincerely respect, admire, and enjoy. But since workplace interactions can be fleeting and superficial, this is easier said than done.

Since it takes time, frequent contact, and a truly warm and open personality to form instant respect and affection for new people, you can also do the next best thing: make others FEEL liked, regardless of how well you really know them. This is a little more manageable, and a few steps like the ones below can help.

Simple ways to Make Others Feel Liked and Respected

1. Remember names and use these names every time you greet someone or part ways with them. Speak names with clarity and confidence. Don’t mumble. 

2. Use your eyes. This can be difficult, especially if you’re trying to speak with someone while rushed, distracted, or dealing with feelings you’re trying to hide. But do it anyway. Look people in the eyes while you speak to them, no matter what you’re saying.

3. Don’t dress to impress. Dress to fit in and dress to show respect. On an ordinary day, there’s no need to wear a suit to work if it doesn’t match the culture around you, and overdressing can sometimes come off as smug or competitive. At the same time underdressing shows disrespect for the company around you. Ideally, you want people to be so focused on you that they don’t notice or remember your clothes at all.

4. Smile genuinely. If this is impossible because you really don’t have a genuine smile in your heart at the moment, make sure your fake smile looks genuine by smiling with your eyes and cheeks, not just your mouth.

5. Choose your words carefully and remember the words of others accurately. Don’t just listen, remember.

6. Values are important. We respect those with strong value systems. But personal values should be handled with care and never imposed on others.

These simple gestures can make sure those around you feel acknowledged, respected and cared about. For more simple strategies that can help you find the best in others and showcase your most likeable traits, reach out to the Texas staffing pros at Expert.