Will the Winner of the Election be the More Likeable - or Credible - Guy?

I like to say that consistency over time equals credibility. But is likeability – a seemingly more shallow quality – just as important?

I ask this question on account of the presidential election. You have to go back to 1972 – Richard Nixon beating George McGovern – to find the last time the more likeable candidate didn’t win the presidency.

That can’t be a coincidence.

Of course, every president needs credibility. But it seems that no one will listen to him – he won’t even get the job - if he’s not likeable in the first place.

At work, we try to be thoughtful, and fair, and respectful with our colleagues. But do we do enough to be liked by them, as well?

What about in our personal relationships?

If we made an effort to be more likeable, would people be more receptive to us, as they are to the presidential candidates?

Is likeability as important as credibility? I don’t have the answer. I’m asking.

When we eat our Wheaties in the morning, we may all want to sprinkle some likeability powder in there, just to be safe.