Is a winsome personality genetic or cultivated? In a recent study conducted by UCLA, it turned out the popularity factor wasn’t nearly as important as the quality of genuine sincerity.

Being a winsome business professional is within reach for anyone who sets his or her mind on becoming a likable person.

One factor that contributes to a higher aptitude for “like-ability” is the willingness to care enough about the other person to carry part of the load for keeping the relationship in good working order. On a larger scale, those little niceties in social interactions make a great deal of difference in greasing the wheels of industry.

Popularity is not strictly about chemistry, and it’s also not contingent on whatever mood you may be experiencing at the moment. Instead it is one’s conscious decision to focus on the other person in the interchange.

Collegial relationships are also about what not to do: Don’t be an attention hound. In introductory situations, always give deference to the other person and never seek attention on your own behalf. That’s the sure way to make a memorable impression.

Practice consistency in your day-to-day interactions. This precept can be applied to situations both on and off the clock. While some people have a greater propensity to emotional ups and downs, always make sure your talk matches your walk. And do work hard to place names with faces. Universally people get a lift when they know the other person remembers their last interchange and their name.

Practice these same ideas with your “internal customers” — your staff members. Cultivating the art of using emotional intelligence to cement business relationships will take your business to the next level.

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