4 Science-Backed Tips to Make a Great First Impression

It doesn’t matter what position we may hold in the world, most of us want people to like us.

As a leader, it matters a lot that the way you meet and greet people establishes your likeability or lack of it. Leaders need followers. Followers are happier following leaders they like. Ergo, it makes sense to take 4 tips from leadership training programs on how to make a great first impression.

1. Do not try to show off your status or power with an over-confidential posture or handshake. A polite, rather deferential attitude shows that you are honored to meet this new person.
2. Demonstrate genuine interest in others. This is not the time to brag about your own accomplishments but to draw out your new acquaintance who will be pleased at your attention and polite curiosity.
3. Be more vulnerable than competitive, more concerned with what you can offer to the relationship than what you can gain.
4. End the conversation graciously with a smile and an appreciative comment on the meeting.