How to Talk to Anyone at Work: 72 Little Tricks for Big Success in Business Relationships

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Is It Better to Be Liked or Respected at Work?

I sometimes ask my consulting clients this question during casual conversations. Quite a few say, “Being respected is most important.” Don’t they realize there’s a glass ceiling above the heads of those who feel that way? It’s not one of gender or race. This one is molded from the hidden hostility of their colleagues. Those upward strivers are struggling to crawl up a slippery slope, because without some of the caring ways of dealing with colleagues, they have enemies salivating to see them fall. Others say, “Being liked is more important.” But that sometimes means giving in to people and sacrificing your principles. A strong leader doesn’t do that. I promise you, though, there are ways to garner ...