7 answers
mayleah
Student
Imperial, California
3
Questions
Updated
799 views
How can I be more likable in professional settings? I want to be an architectural engineer
I want to be more likeable for people I'll work with.
7 answers
Rebecca Short
Interior Designer (Residential and Hospitality)
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hi Mayleah!
When first starting I think it is important to do a few key things:
1. When asked to do something, be a person who is positive about the task.
2. Ask questions and bottom things out - never assume.
3. Get everything in writing/an email.
4. If you have two competing tasks, don't stress. Ask the people who gave you the tasks to talk and set the priorities.
5. Don't present problems, present solutions as options for how you could move things forward.
6. Help. If you see someone carrying something, overworked, or just in need of an extra hand, ask if you can help. Sometimes it is as simple as finding a role of packing tape or putting away some samples.
7. Learn. Learn. Learn. If you are weak in a skill and are nervous about being assigned work utilizing that skill, go home and practice learning the skill until you aren't scared anymore.
8. Coming out of school everyone is used to hard work and long hours = better grades. However, at work time = money. Long hours take from the firm's revenue and perfect is the enemy of progress. The goal in firms is to do the least amount of work possible in the shortest amount of time to achieve the basic goal. Ask before going above and beyond or you might be seen as someone who can't control their own creative impulses.
9. Don't talk about others. Be kind. Be comfortable and confident in your own skin.
10. Listen. Listen. Listen. I started out working before everyone could go remote. Because of that I was able to listen in on thousands of conversations and learn from each of them. If you can go to the office, go to the office. Earphones off whenever possible and listen to everything going on around you. It's all gold.
11. Be on time or early to work, meetings, completing deliverables, etc.
12. Make eye contact and give a positive expression. Say good morning! Keep conversations short, but ask people about their work.
13. Ask more experienced team members for their advice, thoughts, etc. when you see a natural opportunity.
14. Be organized and have a tidy desk.
15. Never heat fish, broccoli or spinach in the microwave. Or anything else very uniquely pungent, for that matter!
16. Before you say something in a meeting or professional conversation with your principal or much senior team members, ask yourself: Is it helpful? Is it necessary I say it right now? Could I ask this question/bring this up later in a more one on one setting?
17. Stand up straight. Give a normal handshake - not extremely strong and not weak, just normal.
18. If you are provided with business cards, bring a few in your pocket to meetings with people from outside the firm.
19. Provide progress reports if you are working on something for a few hours to a day or longer. Keep your supervisor aware of your progress so they can balance and plan their work and the work of others, and respond knowledgably if someone asks about what you are working on. They aren't following up on you as much as they often just need to keep all the balls in the air and have them land at the right time in the right sequence.
20. Help set up and break down meetings. If you have the time, this is huge. Sometimes it only takes about 10-20 minutes. Ask where you can pitch in and do a good job.
I hope this helps!
When first starting I think it is important to do a few key things:
1. When asked to do something, be a person who is positive about the task.
2. Ask questions and bottom things out - never assume.
3. Get everything in writing/an email.
4. If you have two competing tasks, don't stress. Ask the people who gave you the tasks to talk and set the priorities.
5. Don't present problems, present solutions as options for how you could move things forward.
6. Help. If you see someone carrying something, overworked, or just in need of an extra hand, ask if you can help. Sometimes it is as simple as finding a role of packing tape or putting away some samples.
7. Learn. Learn. Learn. If you are weak in a skill and are nervous about being assigned work utilizing that skill, go home and practice learning the skill until you aren't scared anymore.
8. Coming out of school everyone is used to hard work and long hours = better grades. However, at work time = money. Long hours take from the firm's revenue and perfect is the enemy of progress. The goal in firms is to do the least amount of work possible in the shortest amount of time to achieve the basic goal. Ask before going above and beyond or you might be seen as someone who can't control their own creative impulses.
9. Don't talk about others. Be kind. Be comfortable and confident in your own skin.
10. Listen. Listen. Listen. I started out working before everyone could go remote. Because of that I was able to listen in on thousands of conversations and learn from each of them. If you can go to the office, go to the office. Earphones off whenever possible and listen to everything going on around you. It's all gold.
11. Be on time or early to work, meetings, completing deliverables, etc.
12. Make eye contact and give a positive expression. Say good morning! Keep conversations short, but ask people about their work.
13. Ask more experienced team members for their advice, thoughts, etc. when you see a natural opportunity.
14. Be organized and have a tidy desk.
15. Never heat fish, broccoli or spinach in the microwave. Or anything else very uniquely pungent, for that matter!
16. Before you say something in a meeting or professional conversation with your principal or much senior team members, ask yourself: Is it helpful? Is it necessary I say it right now? Could I ask this question/bring this up later in a more one on one setting?
17. Stand up straight. Give a normal handshake - not extremely strong and not weak, just normal.
18. If you are provided with business cards, bring a few in your pocket to meetings with people from outside the firm.
19. Provide progress reports if you are working on something for a few hours to a day or longer. Keep your supervisor aware of your progress so they can balance and plan their work and the work of others, and respond knowledgably if someone asks about what you are working on. They aren't following up on you as much as they often just need to keep all the balls in the air and have them land at the right time in the right sequence.
20. Help set up and break down meetings. If you have the time, this is huge. Sometimes it only takes about 10-20 minutes. Ask where you can pitch in and do a good job.
I hope this helps!
Thank you for your advice ☺️
mayleah
Abiola Oladipupo
Fabricator
37
Answers
Kaduna, Nigeria
Updated
Abiola’s Answer
By setting a standard for yourself and be a person of strict intergrity
Thank you for your help 😊
mayleah
Mel Pollman
Apprentice - Employer Branding
3
Answers
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Mel’s Answer
Regardless of your career path, I firmly believe that increasing your appeal in a professional environment calls for the development of robust interpersonal abilities. By consistently improving your emotional intelligence and establishing a reliable, accountable character, you'll be seen as a trustworthy and dependable individual in the workplace. Remember, it's the soft skills that truly matter. Wishing you nothing but success on your journey! :)
Thank you! 😊
mayleah
Cory Yeager, PE, SE, MsC, PPM
49
Answers
Updated
Cory’s Answer
There is no one answer that will apply everywhere and work. Every work environment is different and too often each environment will have a mooch, leach, predator or whatever.
Happy people make the most likable people. This goes both ways be happy and make others happy.
Usually technical people don’t give anything other than logical answers so try to understand that you have to like yourself first be other can.
Just like anything else…if you cannot explain it to others you cannot expect them to understand or get it.
Meaning your happiness will translate to others when it’s genuine. Not everyone will match your energy or get your style but you have to before others will have a chance.
Follow the advice above as it applies to you but most of all keep a balance of life outside of work and the perceptions of co-workers so that it isn’t disproportional to the rest of your life’s efforts and perceptions.
Best of luck and outcomes.
Happy people make the most likable people. This goes both ways be happy and make others happy.
Usually technical people don’t give anything other than logical answers so try to understand that you have to like yourself first be other can.
Just like anything else…if you cannot explain it to others you cannot expect them to understand or get it.
Meaning your happiness will translate to others when it’s genuine. Not everyone will match your energy or get your style but you have to before others will have a chance.
Follow the advice above as it applies to you but most of all keep a balance of life outside of work and the perceptions of co-workers so that it isn’t disproportional to the rest of your life’s efforts and perceptions.
Best of luck and outcomes.
Karen Murray
Network Engineer
3
Answers
Winchester, Massachusetts
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hey Mayleah,
Most people enjoy the company of others who are warm and easy to talk to. A simple "Hello", "How are you?" and a friendly smile can go a long way in setting a positive tone at work.
Through my experiences, I've found that one of the best ways to fit in at work and be seen as a pleasant colleague is to take an interest in what your co-workers are doing. People generally appreciate the opportunity to talk about their work. Try asking open-ended questions about their projects. For instance, you could say, "I'm really curious about your role in your department. Could you tell me more about what you do?" Then, make sure to give them your full attention. Avoid interrupting them, and ask follow-up questions like, "That sounds both exciting and challenging. Could you share more details?" The great part about this approach is that you'll also gain new knowledge and start building connections with your colleagues. If you later come across information that could be useful to them, don't hesitate to share it.
Remember to maintain open body language that signals your approachability. Avoid crossing your arms, as this can make you seem closed off and uninterested. When your co-worker is speaking, give them your undivided attention. Resist the urge to check your phone or computer. Show them that you respect their thoughts and that they are important to you.
Most people enjoy the company of others who are warm and easy to talk to. A simple "Hello", "How are you?" and a friendly smile can go a long way in setting a positive tone at work.
Through my experiences, I've found that one of the best ways to fit in at work and be seen as a pleasant colleague is to take an interest in what your co-workers are doing. People generally appreciate the opportunity to talk about their work. Try asking open-ended questions about their projects. For instance, you could say, "I'm really curious about your role in your department. Could you tell me more about what you do?" Then, make sure to give them your full attention. Avoid interrupting them, and ask follow-up questions like, "That sounds both exciting and challenging. Could you share more details?" The great part about this approach is that you'll also gain new knowledge and start building connections with your colleagues. If you later come across information that could be useful to them, don't hesitate to share it.
Remember to maintain open body language that signals your approachability. Avoid crossing your arms, as this can make you seem closed off and uninterested. When your co-worker is speaking, give them your undivided attention. Resist the urge to check your phone or computer. Show them that you respect their thoughts and that they are important to you.
Thank you for giving me advice 😊
mayleah
seyed hamid hosseini raviz
www.taravat.com
13
Answers
Karaj, Alborz Province, Iran
Updated
seyed hamid’s Answer
Hi Mayleah!
....
“Mutual respect.”
...
I hope this helps!
....
“Mutual respect.”
...
I hope this helps!
Thank you for sharing your advice 😊
mayleah
Jacob Murphy
Artist of several trades
2
Answers
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi Mayleah!
In terms of being 'likeable', I've found that sometimes being too eager to please can drain you a lot in terms of behaving in the work place. Many people say being 'likeable' is to put on a mask in front of others so they see what they expect. I believe being likeable in the workplace is about being honest, open, and not being afraid to ask questions about what goes on. In terms of professional behavior, I've found that you don't always have to be 'eager to please', and the level of desired professionalism can vary depending on your work environment. Adapting to it will allow you to better integrate amongst your peers.
In terms of being 'likeable', I've found that sometimes being too eager to please can drain you a lot in terms of behaving in the work place. Many people say being 'likeable' is to put on a mask in front of others so they see what they expect. I believe being likeable in the workplace is about being honest, open, and not being afraid to ask questions about what goes on. In terms of professional behavior, I've found that you don't always have to be 'eager to please', and the level of desired professionalism can vary depending on your work environment. Adapting to it will allow you to better integrate amongst your peers.
Thank you for the advice 😊
mayleah
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment