Laurie Robinson Haden | Fall 2025
In elite corporate and legal circles, technical excellence is expected, but likeability is what makes people want to work with you, protect you, and champion your ideas. It’s the unspoken differentiator that determines who is pulled into high-stakes conversations, tapped for leadership, or shielded during difficult decisions, such as layoffs. When you’re both respected and likeable, you’re not just in the room—you’re valued in it.
Here are 10 strategic ways to build authentic likeability while maintaining your executive edge:
- Be Approachable with Intent
Executive presence doesn’t mean being distant. Maintaining warm eye contact, adopting a relaxed posture, and genuinely asking, “How are you doing?” before diving into business can shift the energy of the room. You’re more likely to be invited back when people enjoy your presence.
- Listen to Understand, Not to Respond
In board meetings or deal discussions, don’t just wait for your turn to speak—show that you’re actively absorbing. Try, “That’s a compelling point—can you walk me through how that might impact operations?” Listening well makes others feel valued.
- Share the Spotlight
Publicly credit colleagues and cross-functional teams. “This strategy came together thanks to the sharp analysis from our litigation team and deep insights from finance.” Likeable leaders build others up, and people remember that.
- Engage Beyond the Transaction
Don’t be the person who only shows up when something’s needed. Drop a quick note: “Thinking of you—hope your transition to the new role is going well… let me know if you need anything and how I can lend additional support.” Relationships grow between the meetings.
- Reveal the Win Behind the Work
Without oversharing, let others into your momentum. “We just closed a multi-year deal with minimal carve-outs—it was a tough negotiation, but worth it.” Your wins become relatable moments of leadership.
- Be Visible When It’s Not Required
Show up for the retirement toast, the team offsite, the pro bono initiative. Likeability isn’t earned only in headline moments—it’s built through presence and consistency.
- Stay Composed in High-Stakes Situations
Pressure reveals leadership. When everyone else is anxious, your measured tone—“Let’s take a beat and map our next three options”—creates psychological safety and earns lasting trust.
- Respect People’s Time and Boundaries
Being considerate builds loyalty. Don’t derail meetings with arguments and discord, cancel last minute, or send emails at 2 a.m. People appreciate leaders who are efficient and respectful.
- Use Humor Thoughtfully
Even high-powered rooms need levity. A quick, well-timed comment—“At this point, I think even the contract is negotiating with us”—lightens the load and makes you memorable.
- Say Thank You—Often
Never underestimate gratitude. “Thank you for the extra push on that project—it made a real difference.” Likeable leaders never assume appreciation is implied.
In conclusion, likeability doesn’t mean being soft or sacrificing credibility. Of course, you can be your authentic self (with a smile). It means being the kind of leader others trust, support, and want to follow. In complex organizations, likeability keeps you in the room, protects your seat at the table, and makes your presence an asset, especially when it matters most.
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