LifeTwo Reviews "The 11 Laws of Likability" by Michelle Tillis Lederman

Everyone wants to be liked, but what does that really mean? Is it really important to business success? After all there are numerous notable cases (most recently Apple's Steve Jobs) who are quite unlikable yet extremely successful. All of this is covered in Michelle Tillis Lederman's insightful "The 11 Laws of Likability". Lederman argues that since people tend to do business with people they like then likability is a critical element of business success as well as personal development and growth. To some the entire concept might come off as overly simplistic or worse a recipe for insincerity in the name of business networking. But few will seriously argue that professional relationships aren't an indispensable aspect of workplace success or that likability isn't important. How one becomes likable is answered in eleven "laws".

The first law of likability addresses the issue of authenticity where Lederman argues that being phony or not true to yourself is the worst thing you can do to forge meaningful bonds. She states that the "best you is the real you" and that you will have far better results making the connections you want to make (as opposed to those you feel you should make). This first law should assuage any reader fears that the book will suggest that the road to likability includes fake smiles and fawning attentiveness -- nothing could be further from the truth Lederman states. Other laws address positive self-image, making a good first impression, being a good conversationalist, developing trust, and uncovering commonalities.

The overarching point is that by being the real you and employing simple techniques you can build meaningful professional (and personal) ties and be a better person in the process. These relationships will help you climb the ladder of success and since humans are social at our core you will be happier as a result.

"The 11 Laws of Liability" should appeal to job hunters as well as those at any stage of their careers. It is full of practical advice and highly recommended to LifeTwo readers.

It is available at Amazon and all other major booksellers.