Career-Doomed, If You're Not Well-Liked

"Has anyone heard of someone not promoted to partner because they weren’t well liked?"

Reddit Big Law, January 24, 2023. Here is the thread. 

No surprise, the consensus is that it is rare to become partner in a law firm without being well-liked. My hunch has been that former leader at Jones Day Mickey Pohl (now counsel) rose up the ladder not only because he is a fine litigator. Also, he is so likable.  

In addition, there have been situations of demotion and job loss because the professional wasn't likable. Work is hard. Who wants those unlikables around.

Of course, that reality dominates most of work life. When white-, blue-, and pink-collars come to me with problems with superiors, colleagues, and subordinates the usual cause is not engaging. That also plays out in romantic relationships. No ambiguity: It also shapes success in politics. Read Hedrick Smith on that (“The Power Game”)

The result is that there is no connect. That human being becomes isolated in unlikability. Those in the loop will even start tormenting them.

The good news is that you can become likable. An efficient and effective route is to enroll in an introductory Dale Carnegie Systems course. It’s hand-on. You stand up and present yourself every week. Directly and indirectly you get it: How to win friends and influence people. Twice I was honored to be a graduate assistant in those courses. The students’ emotional intelligence skyrocketed.

Meanwhile, analyze how the successes in your industry handle themselves. No, it isn’t charm. At Disney, CEO Bob Iger’s usual charm strategy isn’t effective as challenges pile up. Being likable is about caring. The other person picks up that you are taking in their full humanity. Everything from emotional needs to the reality of bills coming in every month.

Smart intuitive career and communications coaching, including using the Tarot. Try it, with a five-minute complimentary session. Totally confidential. Then fees customized for your unique budget.

Please make an appointment with janegenova374@gmail.com

 

 

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