Penelope Trunk, the Brazen Careerist, has a column up at Yahoo.com’s Finance site that’s worth a look. Titled “Making Yourself More Likable At Work,” it’s full of good, common sense advice that we could all stand to remind ourselves of from time to time. The most arresting part of the column comes under the heading “ten ways to blow it” - here’s a snippet:

• Using sarcasm as a defense mechanism

You probably don’t know if you’re using sarcasm as a defense mechanism, but if you use it a lot, it’s a safe bet that it’s in a defensive way.

• Being quiet because you’re insecure

People are inherently social animals. If you have nothing that you want to say, then you’re probably not likable because you have nothing to offer.

But if you do have things to say but don’t say them, then you’re not likable only because you’re so insecure that you believe you’ll sound stupid when you talk.

• Not revealing emotions at work

Keeping to yourself emotionally makes you seem one-dimensional, and it’s hard to convey likability with no depth. Most people who talk but don’t reveal emotions are out of touch with their emotions. You have to know them yourself to share them with other people.

I think it’s interesting that over 400 people have rated her column, cumulatively, as merely “good” - 2.5 stars out of 5. Is that because it’s just a “good” article? I don’t think so. Penelope is an excellent writer, and the column itself is hard-hitting and succinct. I think it’s because most people think they’re already pretty likable, and perhaps those people interpret Penelope’s column as an unfair calling-out-on-the-carpet for something they think they didn’t do (i.e., being unlikable). Another possibility: some people might object to the entire premise - that it’s not what you do, it’s who you know and how much they like you.

Nevertheless, I think it’s good advice to cultivate a friendly reputation at work. No one suggests you have to like everyone you work with. But you can make your work life considerably easier by following Penelope’s suggestions.

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