Building Trust & Likeability

In this lesson, we discuss how earning a senior promotion requires more than simply being ready for the next level—especially when multiple qualified people are competing for limited opportunities. When candidates have comparable skills and performance, factors such as trust, relationships, and how others experience working with you can influence who receives the opportunity.

• Build trust by showing up when things go wrong: Senior leaders need people they can rely on without micromanaging. Handling crises, setbacks, and difficult situations effectively can demonstrate that you can be trusted when the stakes are high.

• Relationships matter when qualifications are similar: When two candidates are equally capable, leaders may gravitate toward the person they find easier and more enjoyable to work with, particularly when the promotion means spending considerably more time together.

• Become someone people want in the room: Your interpersonal presence can affect your progression at senior levels. Being helpful, constructive, and pleasant to work with can make others actively want your involvement in important conversations and opportunities.

Original podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WaeGfLnRvc&t=24s