Live in a likable mindset

- No matter how skilled you are, relationships will be increasingly important to your career, especially as you climb the ladder. Unfortunately, many realize this too late. With the average job tenure lasting about four years, you'll want to consistently invest in cultivating your brand and network. Here are strategies that'll help live a likable mindset to ensure opportunities continue to flow your way. Be responsive. Responsiveness drives likability. Strive to provide a response within 24 hours even if you don't have an answer yet. Just an update that states you're working on it can go a long way in creating peace of mind for others. No dead ends. If you can't help or your department isn't the right one to contact, strive to offer at least one step. Perhaps you can direct someone to the correct person or make a suggestion that'll get them closer to the answer. Saying, "It's not my job," or "I don't know," may be truthful but not the best way to spread goodwill. Pitch in. Everyone is busy but making a new pot of coffee or staying late to help a colleague can go a long way in building your likability brand. Before rushing to your next task, consider the impact of the few minutes you delay to assist someone else. It'll be noticed. Set boundaries. Although you might feel that like boundaries create distance, they can actually be useful in creating clear guidelines for a relationship that help avoid confusion or embarrassment later. For example, if you need to leave early two days each week to pick up your children, let the new team know upfront you'll be unavailable during these times. It's better to underpromise and overdeliver than vice-versa. Recognize others. Much of the work you'll do will be a team effort. Make it a point to recognize and elevate others when given the opportunity including peers, direct reports, or even those who work outside of your department. Speak up about someone's contributions in a staff meeting or share positive feedback with their manager. Don't complain. When you're having a bad day, vent to a trusted friend outside of the company. Bottling it up isn't healthy but spewing negativity onto your colleagues damages your brand. And spread joy. Sometimes it's the little things like holding the elevator that makes someone's day. In fact, there's research indicating that individuals who keep a candy dish on their desks are more likable and earn more promotions. These are easy wins so why not try them? Whether in a job search or looking to get ahead, the research is consistent. You'll get further in your career if you're considered likable or easy to be around. No matter what your skills, few managers will hire someone they don't like. It causes too many headaches and there are always other options. I'm not advocating for becoming a pushover or ignoring your values, but rather, pausing to consider the impact of your behaviors before taking action. Some of these suggestions may resonate, others may feel a little uncomfortable. Try something new each day to see how it fits and what reactions you get. Before you know it, these behaviors will become habits and you'll see the likability effect bring more opportunities your way.