Yesterday i was scheduled to interact with two candidates for two totally different jobs. You first get to know candidates through their documented CV. One CV was a beauty, including his picture. At first sight i liked him. It was perhaps because he was a pass out of NIFT. The other one was the opposite, a psychometry research student, without picture. I was negatively impressed.
When we met the candidates, the impression turned totally opposite. After about
three hours of interactions, I was wondering how likeability affects my
conclusions, at times adversely also.
And today morning I find this article written by a psychologist for Forbes
titled "Power of Likeability". The author highlighted that in social
groups, including workplace teams, likeability is evaluated first, may be
subconsciously. He says "We constantly evaluate others including leaders
by two sets of non-verbal signals: One set of signals conveys power, authority,
and status. But the first thing we look for (especially now, when empathy has
never been more important) is a collection of “pro-social” signals that display
warmth, empathy, and likeability."
The article provided some research based insights, directly or indirectly, what
makes one more likeable.
I have strong likes and dislikes. The article made me think if my likeability
measures match the researched conclusions? It made me ask a question to myself,
am I likeable?
And that was more important for me. I need to get 360-degree feedback on that
count. Such evaluation starts with self-evaluation. I asked myself following
questions:
• Friendliness: How approachable and welcoming am I?
• Empathy: Can I understand and share the feelings of others?
• Positivity: Do I generally have an optimistic outlook?
• Respect: Do I treat others with courtesy and consideration?
• Active Listening: Do I pay close attention to what others are saying?
• Humor: Do I use humor appropriately to connect with others?
• Helpfulness: Am I willing to lend a hand when someone needs it?
• Reliability: Can people depend on me to keep my word?
• Positive interaction: What did I do that contributed to the positive
atmosphere?
• Negative interaction. What could I have done differently to improve
the situation?
I have my self evaluation score, but what matters more is your feedback. I have
created a form for you to respond and give me your candid feedback. Please
click on this link to open the form: https://forms.gle/pmwipYGV1WRXPEsi8
I
am undertaking this exercise purely with selfish motive to improve myself and
be more likeable.
