Likeable managers lead to business success

Managers could soon be selected on how likeable they are, regardless of their experience, if Australia follows the US trend of ësocial screeningí, according to a leadership coach for some of the worldís most successful companies.

Tim Sanders, an international expert in advising leaders on how to be more likeable and productive, told recruitment business owners and managers at the Recruitment and Consulting Services Associationís (RCSA) International Think Sharp Conference on the Gold Coast recently, they need to increase their ëlikeability factorí for ultimate business success.

ìEmotionally talented leaders have less employee turnover and drive higher productivity levels,î Likeability expert, Mr Tim Sanders said.

ìAs a result, social screening, where candidates are hired if theyíre socially fit instead of being judged by their resume, is becoming a fast growing trend in the US.

ìWhen a company is highly liked, it increases productivity by 15-20%. When a companyís leader is highly liked, better customer service is created which has implications for company performance,î he said.

In his Keynote Address, Tim Sanders told recruitment owner/managers at the RCSA Conference that many companies today are seriously thinking about how to make their businesses emotionally talented and more attractive to work for.

ìFor a company to be seen as credible, it needs to establish a low turnover policy as this sends a strong message to stakeholders about the company,î Mr Sanders said.

ìThe strategy to recruiting and retaining the best staff is to make yourself emotionally talented- not just financially strong,î he said.

Mr Sanders emphasised a growing need for leaders to harness positive relationships particularly with generation Y, who rate work environment and personal respect as the number one reason to stay in a job, as well as job mobility and flexibility.

ìThis group is more likely to leave a job because of their relationship with their boss rather than because of money,î Mr Sanders told RCSA Conference attendees.

ìCreating a positive mood state within your workplace can be as simple as ësmiling backí at your employees and maintaining genuine friendliness and openness.

ìThe most deciding factor in what makes you a likeable leader is ërealnessí- bosses that are admired are those that are genuine,î he said.

Tim Sanders is known as an advocate for good values in the business world and was most recently a senior level executive at Yahoo!, serving as Yahoo!ís Leadership Coach. He has also worked on brands such as Dell Computers, Intel and Ford Motors and is the New York Times bestselling Author of The Likeability Factor.

ìThe RCSA is sincerely appreciative to have Tim share his experiences and knowledge with Australian and New Zealand recruitment industry leaders,î CEO of the RCSA, Ms Julie Mills, said.

ìI am confident his insights will make a valuable contribution to the industryís growth and development in these changing times,î she said.