20 Simple Social Skills That Will Make You Instantly More Likable

Be true to your word

Sometimes, the behaviors that convey warmth and those that convey competence can be at odds with each other.

“If you appear too warm, people may question your competence – so you come across like a doormat,” Halvorson writes. “And if you appear too competent, people may assume you’re cold – so you end up looking like a jerk.” Neither doormat nor jerk are particularly likable qualities.

The key to finding the sweet spot between “lovey-dovey” and “arrogant bastard,” Halvorson says, is to simply be a person of your word.

“Be sure to take ownership of your own mistakes, avoid deceit at all costs, and be someone your coworkers can always count on to do the right thing. After all, this is ultimately what trust is actually about,” she says.