Anyone who knows me knows that I’m fun to be around. I say that not to brag, but because it’s been said to me more times than I can count. In fact, when people first meet me at work events or networking mixers, they often joke, “You must be the personality hire!”
And for a while… I believed them.
Let’s be honest—my metrics aren’t always the highest on the board. But my likability? Top tier. I connect with people and bring an energy that’s undeniable. That makes an impression long before the numbers do.
And here’s what I’ve realized:
Being fun to be around doesn’t mean I’m not good at my job.
Being likable is part of being a great teammate, collaborator, and dynamic colleague. My soft skills don’t replace my technical ones— they enhance them. A company is not going to keep you around just because you’re a good time; they’ll keep you because you’re effective and people enjoy working with you.
Starting during Covid, I took full advantage when things began opening up again. I became the Yes person attending and volunteering everything I was invited to. This gave me the opportunity to showcase how I get along with all types of personalities and my ability to get folks excited about our company.
Now I know…
Being a “personality hire” isn’t a bad thing—if you can back it up with results.
So now, when people call me that, I smile with pride! I know the value I bring is more than just a vibe—it’s in the relationships I build, the energy I bring to a room, and the impact I make through both my work and my presence.
So whatever your skill is—whether it’s technical, relational, or somewhere in between—make sure you showcase it. You never know who’s watching, listening, or see your unique spark and think, “I want to work with them.”
And if they call you the “personality hire”? Own it. Just make sure your work speaks just as loud as your presence. 💚
LOLA 