In this fifth episode of Season 5, Jenni Field emphasises the importance of likeability as a crucial practice for credible leadership. She explains what likeability entails, debunks common misconceptions, and highlights the chaos that can ensue without it, including people not agreeing with your direction or intentionally working against it.
Jenni also shares insights and real-life examples, as well as practical strategies to build likeability through explaining the ‘why,’ being positive with realism, and showing curiosity!
Episode Timestamps:
- 00:40 – Defining Likeability
- 01:26 – The Need to Be Liked vs. Being Likeable
- 04:18 – The Chaos of Lacking Likeability
- 05:21 – Building Likeability as a Practice
What is important to think about when it comes to this practice is the fact that being likeable isn’t the same as being liked. We don’t need to be liked to succeed. And actually if we can detach from that need itself, that need to be liked, that’s what will help us succeed as a leader. If we don’t make that detachment, then our decision making will be impacted and our ability to have some of the really difficult conversations will also be impacted. – Jenni Field
Key Takeaways From This Episode:
- You can’t be a credible leader if you are truly unlikeable
- Likeability is characterised by charisma, light-heartedness, and an agreeable nature
- Lack of likeability can lead to chaos, misalignment, and sabotage within a team
- Detaching from the need to be liked can enhance your decision-making and ability to handle tough conversations
Thank you for listening!
Keep the conversation going, ask questions and share your thinking by joining the Redefining Communications community, and connecting with Jenni on LinkedIn, Instagram and X(Twitter).
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