Contrary to conventional wisdom, likeability is high on the scale of importance for successful leaders.
Likeability is a genuine kindness and compassion for others that comes wholly from within and extends indiscriminately without. It is generous in its offering and profoundly felt when received.
Leadership needs positive intent. It is more than people merely getting along with one another, being pleasant and ‘nice’ and avoiding conflict. Every interaction and conversation had by a direct supervisor or manager is an opportunity to stretch beyond the basics.
