Improving Your Likeability Quotient
Life is a lot like a silent disco. Everyone's got their headphones on, lost in their own rhythm, their own beat. It's easy to judge those dancing differently, to label them as odd or weird. But the truth is, they're just listening to a different tune. It's about perspective. We can all learn to dance a little better with others, to increase our Likeability Quotient (LQ). It's not about changing who we are, but about adjusting our steps to better connect with those around us.
Some of the ways we can live harmoniously with each other and increase our Likeability Quotient include:
Acknowledge that being different is not wrong
As Friedrich Nietzsche once said, "Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." In the business world, we encounter a wide array of cultures, traditions, personalities and practices. The key is to recognise that these differences are not about right or wrong but about diversity in perspective.
Appreciate and celebrate differences
Rather than letting our differences divide us, we should appreciate each other, learn from one another and complement each other's differences. This not only makes us understand each other’s worldviews but it also helps us build stronger relationships with each other.
Apply the platinum rule
This rule authored by Michael O’Connor and Tony Alessandra, stipulates that “we do unto others wherever possible, as they would want to be done to them.”
The platinum rule is the true test of respect for each other’s differences. It teaches us to treat others the way they would like to be treated and to be mindful of other people’s differences by treating them in line with their differences.
Deal with yourself first
Improving your LQ starts with self-awareness. Reflect on your behaviours and how they might be perceived by others. It is crucial to identify areas for improvement and actively work on them to significantly boost your likeability.
"Life is like peeling an onion; we must do so by finding the best ways to reduce the tears in our eyes" - Ayuli Jemide
The concept of the Likeability Quotient is one every individual should strive to attain. As lawyers in a diverse African legal landscape, we work in environments where we meet people of different thought processes, cultures and world views and in order to effectively execute our work we need to acknowledge our differences with the people we are constantly interfacing with to serve them better.
This article is republished from the original work of Ayuli Jemide, a renowned solicitor, public speaker, author, and Adjunct Professor. Ayuli is the founder and lead Partner of Detail Commercial Solicitors, Nigeria's first commercial solicitor's firm to specialize exclusively in non-court room practice.