Michelle Tillis Lederman Books
Michelle Tillis Lederman is an American author, speaker, and executive coach specializing in communication, leadership, and relationship-building. She is the founder of Executive Essentials and has been recognized among Forbes’ Top 25 Professional Networking Experts.
Known for: The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like
Books by Michelle Tillis Lederman
The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like
Why do some professionals seem to attract trust, opportunities, and loyalty wherever they go, while others with equal talent struggle to build momentum? Michelle Tillis Lederman argues that the answer often comes down to likability—not in a shallow, people-pleasing sense, but as the result of authentic, generous, emotionally intelligent connection. In The 11 Laws of Likability, she reframes networking as relationship-building and shows that career success grows from the quality of the human experience you create around you. Drawing on her work as a communication expert, executive coach, and leadership advisor, Lederman offers a practical framework for becoming more approachable, memorable, and trusted in professional settings. Her eleven laws cover qualities such as authenticity, self-image, curiosity, listening, familiarity, generosity, and patience. Together, they reveal that meaningful relationships are not built through manipulation or polished scripts, but through consistency, presence, and genuine interest in others. This book matters because modern work runs on human connection. Whether you are building a career, leading a team, growing a business, or expanding your network, likability can become a powerful professional advantage when it is rooted in sincerity.
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Authenticity Makes Connection Feel Safe
People are drawn less to perfection than to congruence. When your words, tone, values, and behavior match, others relax around you. That is the heart of Lederman’s first law: authenticity is the foundation of likability because it signals trustworthiness. In professional settings, many people try to...
From The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like
Self-Image Shapes Every Interaction
The conversation you have with yourself becomes the energy other people experience from you. Lederman emphasizes that likability begins internally: if your self-image is dominated by insecurity, apology, or self-criticism, it leaks into your body language, tone, and social presence. You may hesitate...
From The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like
Perception and Energy Leave Lasting Impressions
People respond not only to who you are, but to how they experience you in the moment. Lederman’s laws of perception and energy show that likability is partly created through emotional presence. Perception is the lens through which others interpret your behavior, while energy is the emotional force y...
From The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like
Curiosity and Listening Build Real Rapport
Most people think connection comes from being interesting, but Lederman argues that it more often comes from being interested. Curiosity and listening are two of the most powerful drivers of likability because they make other people feel seen. In a world full of interruptions, self-promotion, and tr...
From The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like
Similarity and Mood Memory Deepen Bonds
People tend to trust what feels familiar and enjoy those who make them feel good. Lederman captures these truths through the laws of similarity and mood memory. Similarity is about identifying common ground, while mood memory is the emotional residue people carry after interacting with you. Both inf...
From The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like
Familiarity Grows Through Consistent Presence
Trust rarely appears all at once; it usually accumulates through repeated, positive exposure. Lederman’s law of familiarity explains why likability often grows over time. The more consistently people encounter you in helpful, respectful, and reliable ways, the more comfortable they become with you. ...
From The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like
About Michelle Tillis Lederman
Michelle Tillis Lederman is an American author, speaker, and executive coach specializing in communication, leadership, and relationship-building. She is the founder of Executive Essentials and has been recognized among Forbes’ Top 25 Professional Networking Experts.
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Michelle Tillis Lederman is an American author, speaker, and executive coach specializing in communication, leadership, and relationship-building. She is the founder of Executive Essentials and has been recognized among Forbes’ Top 25 Professional Networking Experts.
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