How Do You Become “Top of the List”? by Myra L. Corrello, PhD
May 23, 2008
Today we find ourselves living in a world of endless choices – for any product or service imaginable. Because of the overwhelming availability of options, competition to be selected is greater than it’s ever been – for key team assignments, a new job, a contract – anything. When everything else (price, quality, competence, expertise, professionalism) is equal, what can give you the competitive edge to be the one selected?
The bottom line is people choose to work with people they like – even if the Top Choice isn’t the logical best choice. We all do it – and we even find ways to rationalize our selection. Likeability is a key component of professional attraction, the extent to which others find your presence highly desirable in a professional setting.
Susan, a paralegal in a prestigious law firm, is obsessed with aging. Like many fortysomething women, she’s beginning to notice more sagging skin (and other body parts!), deeper wrinkles, and graying hair. Although she has impressive credentials, she is terrified to leave the job that makes her miserable.
“No one will hire me,” she laments.
Susan is convinced her maturing physical appearance will reduce her chances of being given a fair shot. Still, she doesn’t always get a fair shot with her current employer either.
You see, Susan is a complainer.
Her pessimistic outlook about her personal and professional life repels even the most compassionate co-worker.
Oftentimes, we become narrow-minded in identifying all the personal attributes that comprise our first impression. We think, most often, about the superficial – not realizing our inner thoughts/disposition/beliefs/communication patterns are also sending a powerful message that either attracts or repels those around us.
Susan’s aging looks are not preventing her from gaining new opportunities, her attitude is!
Think about people you love to work with – colleagues, co-workers, vendors, etc. What characteristics do they possess that you are drawn to? What gives them a “magnetic” personality?
If someone were to describe you, what attributes would they offer?
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I am anxious to read your article because I want to be the ‘chosen one’!