What Is Your Like-ability Quotient?

It’s been a long long time I’ve written and it’s like breaking through ice to do this again. Refreshing! Lol!

And so, we have an interesting and virtual topic today….’like-ability’.

Getting ‘liked’ or liking people is something I’ve been studying for a while now. I normally refer to myself as a student of human behavior and communication, which simply means, I take delight in studying why people behave and communicate in a certain way and manner, no big grammar. Like my best friend would say; “Oyinade, you don’t need a Phd to know so, so and so…” I must tell you, it is an awesome experience paying attention to thousands of people and trying to decipher codes and expressions….and I love it.

So, I got into a discussion about my obsession with a good friend and before I knew it, he went off like; “You know people like you, don’t you?” Now, that sent me on a memory trip. Who can remember the proverbial Elephant that his villagers wanted to capture but instead, sang praises to him so he could dance all the way to a false throne that was set on a mat that covered a deep pit? I looked at my friend in the face and replied; “Why will people like me?”

The question of “liking” and “being liked” is a rather important one. I once read in a book that people who have more acquaintances tend to be more successful than those who have just a few and it’s quite logical. Those with more acquaintances get to build more relationships or bridges with people that helps them to achieve what they want to achieve in life as against existing as an island.

Since I know the benefits of being “liked”, I have decided to work hard at that aspect of my life and will gladly share the step to doing that openly with you too J

• Be Confident : It’s fine to be a little quiet and mild, but you still need to show people that you aren’t afraid to face the world. So work on your self esteem. Write down a list of good things about you, do things that make you feel happy and confident. Don’t be afraid to try something new and scary. You don’t have to be outgoing and hilarious; you just have to have a healthy level of self esteem.

• Be nice. Well, obviously, this is how to be liked, but it’s incredibly important. You may not know where to start. Just start by being as patient and polite as you can with people, yet casual. Listen, and try to help if you can. Do things for people because you want to, not to get something back. No matter how much of a bad mood you’re in, be as nice as you can to people. This is a big step.

• Be yourself. If you keep pretending to be someone you aren’t, people are eventually going to get irritated, or like you for someone you aren’t. So just be yourself. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind and do as you feel, even if nobody else is in it with you. It will earn you respect and people will know who the real you is.

• Genuinely like other people. Take an interest in other peoples hobbies and interests, they will see that you like them and they will like you in return.

• Bring out the best in people. Make people feel comfortable about being who they are and bring out the best in them. According to Henry Ford said, “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.”

I’m very excited to welcome you to this great journey of getting “liked”! It is a two-way situation that builds a smooth road to success!

Writer – “Oyinade is calm, passionate and detailed. She enjoys writing, traveling, listening to people and paying attention to her environment & colours. A brand executive, she constantly strives for quality, excellence, integrity & accountability. She currently works full time with a leading marketing communications firm in Lagos Nigeria.” Check her blog at www.topazandaqua.com

Tagged Confidence, Highlights, Human behavior, lifeatwork, Likeability