15 Habits of Well-Liked Industry Leaders

Being well-liked is a common desire. We can all think of people in our spheres whom everyone feels comfortable around and wants to know better. These individuals are like magnets. How do they achieve this appeal?

When we analyze their success, it's because they have cultivated many, if not all, of the following 15 habits of well-liked industry leaders.

Being a well-liked industry leader in your niche is entirely in your control. It's a matter of emotional intelligence (EQ). Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a flexible skill you can improve with intention and effort; it is not an innate, fixed set of characteristics.

Emotionally intelligent people engage in specific behaviors that make them likable and successful leaders in their industry. Here's a list of these behaviors and some thoughts on how you can begin practicing them.

The 15 Habits of Well-Liked Industry Leaders

1. They are open and friendly

If you feel uncomfortable in social settings or are naturally reserved, you may appear fake, aloof, or indifferent. Be aware of how you present to others. Practice opening up in verbal and nonverbal ways: smile and make eye contact; a nod to show you're listening; lean in when someone speaks to you.

Unspoken communication can be even more important than what is said. As a leader, take note of facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. This practice enables you to understand what's happening regardless of what is said.

2. They have empathy

Empathy is the ability to genuinely understand and share the feelings of another person. This means you get excited about others' good news and don't get jealous. It also means you comfort others when bad things happen or when they're down. A well-liked industry leader constantly places themselves in others' situations. This makes it easier to understand why people are doing what they're doing and enables you to respond appropriately. 

3. They know when to pause

Well-liked and respected people have mastered the art of pausing. After all, another component of emotional intelligence is not reacting without first taking stock of the situation. That way, you can objectively review what's happening and stop yourself from saying or doing anything impulsive. When things get tense or the energy level is too high, a well-liked industry leader learns to pause.

Several things you might consider during that pause:

• Is the other person anxious, angry, annoyed, disappointed, or stressed?
• What is their mood?
• What is my mood?
• Is there something I could do to help make both of us feel better?
• If I don't know what to do, is there anything I might say to help the other person?
• Assess whether you should stay silent and calm and take cues from the person you're interacting with regarding the best next step.

4. They are humble

Humility is the quality of having a modest view of one's own importance. As an industry leader, you want to be confident and have solid self-esteem, but you don't want to cross the line to arrogance. Your leadership position gives you additional accountability to those around you, and humility helps maintain that balance.

5. They have substance

Understand that your knowledge and expertise are critical to the success of everybody who follows you. If you, as an industry leader, regularly connect with people to share your substance with them, you can improve your status throughout your sector by sharing valuable insights and information.

6. They have a sense of humor

People who are well-liked and enjoyed by others have a genuinely great sense of humor.

7. They actively listen

To become a good listener, you have to concentrate on what others are saying. Don't jump in to try to solve a problem or offer advice. Ask follow-up questions, and make others feel heard by letting them know you understood what they said. You can use open-ended questions to propel the conversation forward by inviting the other person to offer their opinion or thoughts. 

8. They are genuinely interested in every person

There should be no difference in how you treat someone, regardless of their position in the hierarchy and their job or personal situation. As a leader, you should want to hear everyone's story while remaining open-minded and willing to talk and listen.

Those magnetic and well-liked individuals believe that everyone, regardless of status or skills, is worth their time and attention. They make everyone feel valuable because they genuinely believe that everyone is valuable.

Likable people are seen as personable and approachable because they allow others to offer thoughts and ideas. They respond by sharing their feelings and beliefs in a considerate and respectful way.

Regardless of any commonalities you may or may not have with an individual, try to see every new person as an opportunity to learn something new.

9. They do not need to be the center of attention

Likable industry leaders want to share the stage and seek to shift focus to those around them.

It doesn't matter if the group is casual or professional, a meeting, or a lunch; you should develop the habit of asking people questions. Doing so allows you to uncover their emotions and motivations and show genuine interest in them.

10. They are altruistic and generous

Well-liked people are rarely selfish. They don't look for what a situation offers them or what their actions will provide for them in return. But it's understood that giving increases the chance of receiving value. A well-liked industry leader focuses on giving generously.

11. They give credit and accept blame

If well-liked people are recognized for success, they typically shift and share the praise with others. It's one of the habits that makes them well-liked industry leaders. Conversely, if things go poorly on their watch, they don't hesitate to take responsibility. These are good lessons to integrate into your leadership style.

12. They focus on who's in front of them

Well-liked leaders know that matching their voice and tone to the other person is a powerful way to build affinity and connection. Practice fully committing to the person in front of you, and make sure no device will interrupt your conversation.

13. They are balanced and reliable

Well-liked people are honest if they feel frazzled or stressed and can ask for extra space and patience. You want to be approachable, so you need to be seen as even-tempered. 

14. They show nonverbal respect, as well

Nonverbal respect is the act of showing consideration and esteem through body language and physical cues. Here are some facets of nonverbal respect:

• Facing the person you're talking to
• Looking them in the eye
• Avoiding negative posture like slumping or crossing your arms

One of the most significant elements of likability for an industry leader is making sure the nonverbal messages you send others match the words that you're speaking.

15. They're positive and steady, even in a storm

Sure-fire ways to become a well-liked industry leader? When you find yourself in a negative situation, emanate a genuine hope for the future. Have confidence that you can help make tomorrow better than today. Take things in stride. Don't toot your own horn, and don't get rattled if you blow it. Savor success and readily acknowledge failure without getting mired in either. Learn from both and move on.

Likability isn't a birthright; it comes from acquiring skills essential to your professional success as an industry leader. Like other professional skills, you can study people who have mastered these habits, practice what works, and adapt it all to your style. How do you incorporate this into your business strategy? Start with customer-centric marketing. Once you switch the focus to providing value to your customers and building relationships, you'll find that the rest comes with it.