Every workplace has that one person — the one who seems to get along with everyone. No matter where they go, people are happy to have them on the team.
But here’s the thing: It’s not luck, and it’s definitely not random. These people possess specific traits that make them universally loved at work.
It’s not about being a “people-pleaser” or putting on a fake smile every day.
The most well-liked people at work have something deeper — qualities that make them reliable, approachable, and just easy to be around.
They contribute to the team in ways that go beyond productivity, bringing positivity, stability, and trust wherever they go. And the best part? These traits can be learned.
So, what are the secret ingredients that make some people so universally loved in the workplace?
Here are 8 key traits that set them apart — and if you recognize any of these in yourself, you’re already on your way to becoming someone that everyone loves to work with.
In the world of work, authenticity is key.
And here’s why.
People who are universally loved and appreciated at work aren’t pretending to be someone they’re not. They don’t hide behind a façade or play workplace politics.
They’re honest, transparent, and genuine in their interactions.
This authenticity helps foster trust, creates a positive work environment, and makes them approachable.
Being authentic doesn’t mean they bare all their secrets. What it does mean is that they show the following behaviors:
Stay true to their values
Admit when they’re wrong
Show some vulnerability
If you’re someone who believes in the power of authenticity and practices it at work, then you’ve got one of the key traits that makes people universally loved and appreciated.
Let’s face it — in any context, be it personal or professional, everyone likes to be heard and understood.
And there’s a psychological concept that revolves around this idea: active listening.
Active listening is not just about hearing the words that are spoken. It’s about fully engaging with the speaker, understanding their perspective, and responding thoughtfully.
You see, universally loved individuals at work don’t just nod along in conversations or meetings.
They show genuine interest in what others have to say, ask insightful questions, and provide thoughtful feedback.
This level of engagement shows their respect for others’ ideas and makes the speaker feel valued.
And when people feel valued, they naturally develop a sense of admiration and appreciation for the listener.
Active listening is more than just a communication skill. It’s a powerful tool that can foster stronger relationships at work.
This brings me to the next point…
If someone is an active listener, chances are they’ve also got the gift of empathy.
Empathy is more than just a buzzword. It’s a trait that’s deeply valued, especially in the workplace.
Universally loved individuals at work often demonstrate empathy in various ways:
They understand and respect the feelings of others.
They offer support during challenging times.
They celebrate others’ successes as if they were their own.
In essence, they make an effort to put themselves in others’ shoes.
This ability to empathize creates a sense of belonging and understanding among colleagues, making these individuals incredibly likable and appreciated.
Let’s be honest. We all want to be treated with respect, don’t we?
In my experience, individuals who are universally loved at work are the ones who treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their position or status.
They understand that every person has a unique role to play and every role is crucial for the success of the organization.
They don’t belittle others or undermine their efforts.
They appreciate diversity and understand that different perspectives can only enrich the team.
I’ve found that this respect is often reciprocated, creating a positive and harmonious work environment.
Picture this: You’re working on a project and you need a colleague’s input urgently. You reach out to them and they promise to get back to you by the end of the day.
But they don’t. How would you feel? Frustrated, perhaps?
Now, imagine a different scenario.
The same colleague not only gets back to you on time but also offers assistance beyond what was asked.
Wouldn’t that make you appreciate and trust them more?
Reliability in the workplace goes a long way in earning love and respect.
Universally appreciated individuals keep their word, meet deadlines, and deliver on their commitments.
They’re the people you can count on, the ones who won’t let you down when it matters most.
Ever noticed how certain individuals naturally bring people together in the workplace?
These are the folks who understand the power of collaboration. They’re team players.
According to leadership and life coach Elizabeth Perry at Better Up, a good team player has the following characteristics:
Accountability
Flexibility
Positivity
Commitment
Integrity
And take note — good team players don’t hog the limelight.
Instead, they share their success and attribute it to their team. They believe in the mantra, “Together we achieve more.”
This trait doesn’t just make them great colleagues; it makes them inspiring leaders.
Humility is a trait that’s often overlooked, yet it’s an essential quality of individuals who are loved and appreciated at work.
In my early professional years, I worked with a leader who was brilliant and highly accomplished.
But what set him apart was his humility.
He was always open to learning from anyone, regardless of their position.
He would readily admit his mistakes and never hesitated to give credit where it was due.
His humble demeanor made him not just a respected leader, but a beloved one.
People who exhibit humility don’t let their achievements or status cloud their judgment.
They remain grounded, acknowledge the contributions of others, and are always ready to learn and grow.
In essence, they understand that no one is above making mistakes or learning something new.
This humble approach earns them the love and respect of their colleagues, making them truly appreciated at work.
Here’s the final point, and arguably the most important one.
Universally appreciated individuals at work lead with kindness.
They understand that kindness isn’t a weakness; instead, it’s a strength that fosters connection, trust, and mutual respect.
They’re not just kind in their words but also in their actions.
They’re the ones who lend a helping hand when someone is struggling, offer words of encouragement when someone is feeling low, and celebrate others’ successes.
Remember, in the hustle and bustle of our professional lives, a simple act of kindness can leave a profound impact.
So if you’re someone who believes in leading with kindness, you’re embodying the core trait of those who are universally loved and appreciated at work.
Now that we’ve explored the traits of individuals who are universally loved and appreciated at work, it’s time for some self-reflection.
Ask yourself:
Which of these traits do you already possess?
Which ones do you need to work on?
Are there any traits that surprised you?
Remember, nobody is perfect. We all have our strengths and areas for improvement. The key is to acknowledge them and strive for growth.
As you reflect on these traits, think about how you can incorporate them into your professional life.
Because at the end of the day, being universally loved and appreciated at work isn’t about being popular.
It’s about creating a positive impact on those around you.
The post 8 traits of people who are universally loved and appreciated at work appeared first on Small Business Bonfire.
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