The Relationship Multiplier

5 Lessons • 25m • Michelle Tillis Lederman

The Relationship Multiplier

Likability is essential for career success, as highlighted by Michelle Tillis Lederman, who emphasizes that it starts with self-acceptance and involves bringing your whole self to work, listening deeply, and fostering genuine connections.
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Be Authentic in Your Interactions

Authenticity, often misunderstood, is about embracing your true self in all interactions, as it fosters genuine connections; prioritize activities that align with your authentic self and reframe or eliminate those that don’t to enhance personal acceptance and fulfillment.

Be Authentic in Your Interactions

Listen to Understand (The 3 Levels of Listening)

Being a good listener involves understanding different listening levels—connecting personally, focusing on the speaker with probing questions, and intuitively reading body language—while prioritizing inquiry over advocacy to align your requests with the other person's interests.

Listen to Understand (The 3 Levels of Listening)

Slow Down Your Thinking (4 Essential Questions for Keeping Your Focus as a Listener)

Jumping to conclusions is instinctual due to evolutionary pressures, but slowing down your thinking by asking four key questions can enhance your listening habits and openness to different perspectives.

Slow Down Your Thinking (4 Essential Questions for Keeping Your Focus as a Listener)

Present Feedback on a Silver Platter (A 4-Part Model)

To ensure your advice is effective, follow Michelle Lederman's four-part model: Ask open-ended questions, elaborate with supportive information, empower the recipient to suggest next steps, and collaborate to build trust, all while focusing on positive emotional engagement.

Present Feedback on a Silver Platter (A 4-Part Model)

Bring Authenticity to Difficult Situations in the Workplace

Michelle Lederman advises that when faced with decisions you disagree with at work, focus on the common goal rather than the path, allowing you to authentically motivate your team while remaining true to yourself.

Bring Authenticity to Difficult Situations in the Workplace

People do business with those they like, making likability a vital career skill. According to connection instigator and author Michelle Tillis Lederman, likability begins with self-acceptance and learning to “bring your whole self” to work. After that, it’s about listening deeply and establishing real connections.

Learning Objectives

  • Bring your authentic self to work.
  • Deliver feedback effectively.
  • Navigate difficult situations at work.
  • Improve your active listening skills.
  • Use questions to deepen your understanding.