We all have those coworkers …
The people we avoid at the water cooler. The people who take credit for everything. The "negative Nancys." People you don’t want to spend time with.
We complain about them regularly, but how can you ensure people aren’t saying those things about you? How do you become "likable?"
1. Be reliable.
Don’t say one thing and then do another. When you offer to do something, commit to it.
Don’t be late to an early morning meeting. Don’t agree to come in and help on a project over the weekend and then back out at the last minute. Hold yourself accountable. People like people they know they can count on.
2. Be a doer.
Don’t just talk about big ideas … figure out a way to make them happen. Take initiative and get things done. Be confident and execute on your own; don’t ask a manager or coworker to hold your hand. Mistakes can (and probably will) happen along the way.
That’s OK. Learn from them and grow. Leadership, management, and peers see right through someone who promises the world but never executes. When you commit to something, see it through.
3. Recognize others.
One of the best ways to create a positive work environment is to acknowledge when others within your company or team have done something great. When someone hits a goal, closes a deal, or finishes an important presentation, congratulate them.
Go to a happy hour and buy him or her a drink after work. Don’t be so consumed with your own work that you forget about everyone around you. People like to be noticed. When you’re genuine and pay attention to others in the office, it goes a long way.
4. Smile.
This one may seem obvious, but a smile is one of the first things to go during busy or stressful situations at the office. You’re not going to love your job all the time. You’re not going to be happy all the time.
But the fact of the matter is people want to be around people who are pleasant and positive. Smile and say good morning when you get into the office. Smile at coworkers in the hallway. Walk into a meeting looking happy.
5. Get to know people.
Don’t just clock in and clock out; make it a point to get to know your coworkers on a personal and professional level. It’s important to ask people about more than their career progression or a day-to-day life in the office.
Ask how their weekend was. Ask them what college they went to. Find out what their hobbies are and talk to them about their spouse or kids. Spend time together at a happy hour or game night outside of the office. Build real connections and have real conversations with people.
6. Know how others like to work.
Ask your manager and coworkers how they like to communicate and how you can work best with them. If someone prefers having phone calls over sending emails, pick up the phone. If someone prefers having meetings in the morning, try to avoid scheduling ones in the afternoon.
Show coworkers you care not only about your work, but theirs as well.
Tom Gimbel, founder & CEO of LaSalle Network, a staffing and recruiting firm headquartered in Chicago, and a 9-time Inc. 5000 winner. Gimbel is an expert on career management and company culture, speaking at universities and conferences across the country.
SEE ALSO: 17 communication habits of highly likable people