Likeability

 

We all like to be encouraged, and we want to encourage others, but the most encouraging people in the world are those who are just friendly and kind. People want to be around people they like. Likable people make us feel good about ourselves and the world around us. Things seem more natural when you are with someone friendly and kind…likeable.

In author Tim Sanders’ book, The Likeability Factor, he talks of the advantages of being a likable person. “Regardless of a person’s position or age,” Sanders says, “being likable greatly increases his or her chances of having a happy, fulfilled life, both professionally and personally. Likeability is not just an accident of nature; however, it is a set of skills that can be learned, practiced, and perfected.” It is not a case that some people are likable and some not. We all can learn the skills to be likable.

“All things being equal, the likable person wins.  But all things not being equal,

the likable person still wins.”

Old Saying

 

Scouts and Scouters should strive to be liked by as many people as they can. One of the goals of the Scout is to influence others. That will not happen if you are not likable. 

One of the best ways to improve your likeability factor is to care for others. When we learn to love and accept others for who they are, not who we think they should be, we become more likable. One of the most likable people there was, the late Fred (Mr.) Rogers said, “Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.” 

Scouts learn that caring for people and being friendly is never based on if we think a person deserves it. Businessman, Bo Bennett said, “Be friendly to everyone. Those who deserve it the least need it the most.” Many people who were trapped in unhappy and dead-end lives were shown a better way by someone who chose to be friendly to them. A little kindness can go a long way to making someone like you, then trust you and then follow you.

The well-known steel magnate Charles M. Schwab once said, “Lead the life that will make you kind and friendly to everyone about you, and you will be surprised what a happy life you will lead.” Likeability is one of life’s greatest riches. Treasure it more than money, and you will be wealthy beyond your dreams.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey