So… who was the better dancer?  Donny or Mya?  Most viewers of Dancing with the Stars would agree that technically, Mya had Donny beat (click on the link if you want to watch).  But here’s another wonderful example of the importance of likeability to success in any endeavor.  Donny won the ballroom championship not because he was the best dancer, but because of other factors that contribute to his high LQ (likeability quotient).

You may not be competing for a mirror ball, but chances are you have or will compete for a job, a promotion, or an assignment you want.  Just because you have the most experience or can do the job better than others, doesn’t mean you’ll land it.  You’ve got to be likeable enough to make others want to work with you.  Let’s look at what makes Donny Osmond so likeable and extrapolate how you can add those same behaviors to your repertoire in an effort to boost your LQ.

1. The smile.  Donny’s famous Osmond smile would light up the screen when the camera was on him.  Smiling is one easy and sure-fire way to enhance your LQ.  But note, Donny got feedback that he needed to be more serious for certain dances and he took it to heart.  The same is true for you.  Your smile should be used at appropriate times and avoided when you want to be taken seriously. 
2. Open to feedback.  When Donny received feedback from the judges he listened intently, didn’t dispute it, and created the behavioral changes that were suggested.  Can you say the same about yourself?  Make it easy for your management to give you feedback by asking for it and acting on it. 
3. High energy.  Every time Donny hit the stage he gave 150% of his energy.  High energy (not to be confused with manic) is rewarded in most professions.  You can exhibit high energy by picking up the pace of your speech if you tend to be slow, walking briskly rather than ambling down the hall (people do notice), and speaking loudly which naturally increases your gestures. 
4. Eye on the prize.  Donny was clear throughout the season that he wanted to take home the trophy.  He said it out loud every chance he got.  Are you making your desires known to the powers that be?  Don’t assume people know you want that promotion — ask for it.
5. Humility.  One of the things that adds to Donny’s LQ is his ability to laugh at himself and interact with others with humility.  You may be the best educated person in your department or company, but letting others know it won’t enhance your LQ.  Mary Kay Ash (founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics) once said that we all should treat others as if they’re wearing a sign that says “Make me feel good about myself.”  That means listening more than talking, showing a genuine interest in others, and treating everyone with whom you come into contact with unconditional positive regard. 

TAGS: Dancing with the Stars, Donny Osmond, Likeability, Likeability Quotient, Mary Kay Ash, Mya