01/10/2026
Being liked at work feels important. π
But it might be the wrong goal entirely.
Here's why ππ»
Likeability is unstable.
It shifts with someone's mood...
Their agenda. Their perception of you
on any given Tuesday. π¨
And when you optimise for being liked,
you start making decisions based on
how they'll land, not on what's actually right.
You soften feedback that needed to be direct.
You agree with positions you don't hold.
You make yourself smaller
so no one in the room gets uncomfortable. πΌ
And slowly...
you trade influence for approval.
Here's what actually builds your position ππ»
Not being liked.
Being respected. π‘
Respected for clarity.
For consistency.
For saying what you mean
and meaning what you say. π₯
Respect doesn't shift with someone's mood.
And it's a far more reliable foundation
for influence than likability ever will be.
πΎ Save this for the next time you catch yourself
optimising for approval instead of impact.
Follow me for more. π€