Popularity: it’s not just for high-schoolers anymore.  Just as popularity plays a role in high-schoolers’ success, popularity strongly influences success in the workplace, suggests a 2009 University of Florida study.  Popular workers, those viewed as “accepted by their peers,” were thought to be more rewarding to interact with.  They were also thought to make it easier for the team to accomplish tasks.  Clearly, popularity matters.  And who doesn’t want to be well liked and make work easier, especially if you’re managing that team?

In his Leadership & Learning blog, Kevin Eikenberry found that people’s reactions to popular people are the very reactions leaders want to elicit from their team.  Popular people are emulated, listened to, followed, and admired.  They are influential.  Eikenberry applied these qualities of popularity to effective leadership.  In a nutshell:

• Managers’ behaviors, techniques, and approaches are emulated when they lead by example.
• Managers are listened to when they apply solid communication skills.
• Managers are followed when they strive to lead their team to a better, more successful place.
• Managers are admired when their leadership skills build trust and loyalty.

These techniques all work together to build a more influential leader.

So does that mean managers should try to be popular?  Yes and no.  When managers work hard and lead by positive example, others notice.  This will organically lead to popularity because you’re a hard-working, positive resource for your team, not because you tried to be popular.  On the flip side, if you make popularity your goal, you’re likely to get mixed reviews.  Popularity doesn’t come from trying to please everyone, refusing to take a stand, or failing to dole out discipline.  In fact, people-pleasing attitudes are less likely to command the respect and admiration—and popularity—garnered by hard-working leaders.

Now for the information you wish you’d had in high school—aside from working hard and leading by example, how can you become more popular?

• It may go against common sense, but instead of striving to be admired, start by admiring others.  Ask questions about your coworkers.  Remember: people like to talk about themselves.  Find out what’s important to them and be a good listener.  Don’t always turn the discussion back to your own experiences or always try to “relate.”
• People are naturally attracted to people who exude confidence.  Try to act relaxed, natural, and positive when interacting with coworkers.  It’s also a great point to be helpful whenever possible; liberally share time and knowledge when you can, and be willing to go out of your way to solve problems, even if they’re small.
• The office’s after-hours party planner is usually well liked, and as a bonus, is instrumental in building morale.  If you’re comfortable, start by organizing simple events, such as hitting Happy Hour after work.  Spending outside time with your team is a great way for them to see you as a person, not just as their supervisor.

Now you’re ready to become more popular, and in the process, become a better manager!  What could be better?  So get out there and get that popularity rating you were meant to have in high school!

For more HR-related tips and tricks, visit the YES! Your Human Resources Solution website and blog.  We’re happy to get your business on the track to success with a free consultation!