Level Up: Career politics 101

Courtesy of a viral tweet, let’s look into a topic that’s as slippery as a banana peel on a corporate floor: the age-old debate of competence versus likability in your career. 

You’ve probably heard whispers of tweets like this that say likability can sometimes be more important than sheer skill or competence. But is this a healthy mindset to adopt, or are we just setting ourselves up for a popularity contest in the workplace? 

Picture this: you’re in a meeting, and someone presents an idea that’s, well, let’s just say it’s not going to win any awards. But instead of calling it out, you notice everyone nodding along. Why? Because the person presenting is charming, relatable, and has that magnetic quality that draws people in.

Many argue that while competence gets you to the door, likability gets you through it. In other words, if you want to climb the corporate ladder, you might need to work on your charm as much as your Excel skills.

But here’s where it gets tricky: relying too heavily on likability can lead to some serious pitfalls. So, while it’s tempting to think that being everyone’s favorite coworker will fast-track your career, it’s essential to remember that skills matter, too. After all, no one wants to be the likable person who can’t get the job done when deadlines come calling.

If you’re ready to boost your likability without sacrificing your expertise, here are some traits and behaviors to cultivate:

- Empathy: Show genuine interest in others’ lives. Ask about their weekends and other important things to them in a way that doesn’t intrude on privacy.

- Active Listening: Everyone likes to feel heard(including you). Engage fully in conversations with your colleagues as much as you can. 

- Reliability: Be the person who delivers on promises. If you say you’ll send that report by Friday, do it! Trust is built on reliability.

-Collaboration: Be a team player, share credit, and support the ideas of others(if you agree with them, of course).

- Openness: Be approachable and willing to share your thoughts and experiences.

Likability can indeed grease the wheels of your career progression, but it shouldn’t replace hard-earned skills and expertise. Striking a balance between being liked and being competent is key to creating meaningful relationships in the workplace.

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