You can have the best technical leadership skills in the world, but if your teams don't like you, it could hinder your effectiveness, writes executive coach Joel Garfinkle, who recommends adopting a warm, friendly tone, looking for common interests with others, following through on promises and recognizing the contributions of your team members. "Giving credit where it's due shows generosity, boosts morale and makes you more likeable," Garfinkle notes.

Put it into practice: If you regularly offer ideas and not just critiques to your team and keep your cool during stressful times, your team will perceive you ..., Garfinkle writes. "Shifting the focus to solutions and staying positive makes you more approachable and helps others feel more confident in working with you."