True story - one that introduced me to one of the nuances of corporate politics!
Post-NYSC, I interned with this edutech & was in a science team of 3 interns, all first class grads.
We all studied "unrelated" first° disciplines & like with all internships, it was probationary.
Post-NYSC, I interned with this edutech & was in a science team of 3 interns, all first class grads.
We all studied "unrelated" first° disciplines & like with all internships, it was probationary.
My close friend on the team counted his teeth with his tongue, accepted another offer & moved to Mobil.
I did my work, exceptionally well - displayed talent & corporate range but guess what:
At the end of the internship, HR informed me that they'd not be extending my contract.
I did my work, exceptionally well - displayed talent & corporate range but guess what:
At the end of the internship, HR informed me that they'd not be extending my contract.
I later found out that they were retaining the last guy
For weeks, I pondered. "Why X?"
We had equal academic standings - so, why him not me?
X was an undeniably brilliant guy.
He wasn't academically smarter than me but he had an edge, I didn't know existed at that time.
For weeks, I pondered. "Why X?"
We had equal academic standings - so, why him not me?
X was an undeniably brilliant guy.
He wasn't academically smarter than me but he had an edge, I didn't know existed at that time.
Then, it clicked! X was more likeable.
Don't get me misquote me.
X WAS NOT an asslicker, He was likeable.
He had the knack for opening & engaging conversations.
During breaks, he'd be in the open kitchen engaging conversation with folks, he'd expand discourses with the CEO.
Don't get me misquote me.
X WAS NOT an asslicker, He was likeable.
He had the knack for opening & engaging conversations.
During breaks, he'd be in the open kitchen engaging conversation with folks, he'd expand discourses with the CEO.
from global politics, to local economy, to science, produc lessons while they engaged their KFC buckets.
He had a personal relationship with everyone!
Me on the other end, I only spoke when spoken to.
I'd come in the morning, plug my ears, do my work, eat my food and leave.
He had a personal relationship with everyone!
Me on the other end, I only spoke when spoken to.
I'd come in the morning, plug my ears, do my work, eat my food and leave.
It is possible that for some roles you've interviewed for;
roles that you exceptionally nailed the interviews with accolades and they get back to you saying they found someone "who is a better fit".
They mostly found someone who was more likeable.
It was never a skill issue.
roles that you exceptionally nailed the interviews with accolades and they get back to you saying they found someone "who is a better fit".
They mostly found someone who was more likeable.
It was never a skill issue.
I latched onto that corporate lesson - If someone like you, they'll hire you.
If they like you, they will train you.
When it clicked, I laid my hands on every piece D Carnegie had ever written.
Likeability is a skill that can be learnt & belted.
Likeability is not asslicking.
If they like you, they will train you.
When it clicked, I laid my hands on every piece D Carnegie had ever written.
Likeability is a skill that can be learnt & belted.
Likeability is not asslicking.
Likeability shouldn't be mistaken for "yes'man-ism" as it is a weapon that can be acquired, to be deployed at will.
Emma stood his ground many times in arguments, discourses and he was still likeable.
In the past few years, I've been privilege to work with some CEOs and -
Emma stood his ground many times in arguments, discourses and he was still likeable.
In the past few years, I've been privilege to work with some CEOs and -
moderate some close circle highend Industry leader fireside chats & if there's one thing I have consistently picked from convos -
most of these guys would optimise hire for "culture fit" in the face of exceptional talents.
"Team fit" is the apolitical word for "likeability".
most of these guys would optimise hire for "culture fit" in the face of exceptional talents.
"Team fit" is the apolitical word for "likeability".
I understand dissenting maxims like "It is not my job to be likeable - It is my job to be myself & the right people will gravitate"
While I don't disagree with you, this very valid nuance of job interviews & office politics exists.
If they like you, they will hire & train you.
While I don't disagree with you, this very valid nuance of job interviews & office politics exists.
If they like you, they will hire & train you.
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