PART III

BECOME POPULAR

It’s about me! You are the ultimate change-maker. Don’t let your role or title define you. Make a difference by being your most likeable, enchanting self—in all situations. The “work me” and “real me” tributaries are merging. Social media doesn’t let us hide. The modern workplace values transparency. Like it or not, our personalities are our brands. Take charge of your reputation.

Recognize how your presence can determine if it’s going to be a good day at the office or a rush to the closing bell. In a rapidly changing world, the requisite skills for success are in constant flux; yet self-awareness (an appreciation of your impact on others) continues to predict career advancement. The earlier parts helped you gain respect, nonverbally tune in to others, and refine your perspectives. This part builds on those competencies by showing you how to be the person others want to connect with first. It’s time to work on your personal narrative, tell stories, and learn to thrive in possibility, imperfection, confusion, and tension. You want to develop a point of view to increase your value while at the same time knowing when to admit you are wrong. When you are the person people want to be with, opportunities multiply and you are happier and more successful.

This Part Is for You If

•   You want to be included and influential.

•   You’d like to help your colleagues shine.

•   Being wrong—or scared—has some appeal.

•   You’ve been promoted and are concerned about developing your executive presence.

•   Your emails are going unanswered.

•   It’s hard to connect to people you don’t know.

•   You have access to information and assume (incorrectly) that everyone else does, too.

•   Your internal voice is torturing you.