Good morning and welcome to Coffee with Claire.
Today I am coming to you with a takeaway coffee in hand. I am on my way to the airport, heading to Queenstown to be part of a beautiful ceremony for a friend. And somewhere between packing my bag and picking up my coffee, I found myself thinking about something a little unexpected.
Likeability.
It keeps showing up in conversations and in the work I have been doing. Not in a superficial way, but in the way people feel when they interact with you. Do they feel energised? Do they feel seen? Do they feel respected and acknowledged?
Because likeability matters a lot more than we tend to admit.
Competence gets you in the door.
Likeability is what helps you stay there.
And it is often what helps you grow.
Why Likeability Matters
If people enjoy being around you and genuinely feel connected to you, everything becomes easier. Work flows better. Conversations open up. Collaboration becomes natural.
And while some people think they can push or persuade their way into opportunities, I think it is much more about magnetism. That feeling of being drawn to someone because the interaction leaves you lighter, not heavier.
There are actually studies that show you can be a B plus performer and still achieve A plus success because you are easy to work with. Being likeable amplifies your competence. It expands your impact.
Being Deliberate About Connection
This has had me reflecting on how I show up. In business and in life.
Am I present?
Am I listening?
Am I genuinely connecting?
Because there are moments where I get it wrong. Moments where my mind is elsewhere, or I am rushing, or I am thinking ahead instead of being right here. And the truth is, people feel that.
There is nothing worse than being in a conversation with someone who is scanning the room or looking over your shoulder. Presence is a gift and most of us are starved for it.
Lately, I have been slowing my energy down.
Leaning into deeper conversations.
Really seeing people.
Really hearing them.
It feels grounding. It feels human.
A Small Invitation
So here is a gentle challenge for the week.
Think about how you interact with the people around you.
Why you show up the way you do.
And what small shift might help you connect more deeply.
Likeability is not about being perfect.
It is about being present.
Have a wonderful week and enjoy your coffee.