'I thought the only way to get promoted was hard work, until I learnt about the "radiator theory."'

I used to think that burning the midnight oil was the only way to climb the corporate ladder. Work was all about delivering results, meeting deadlines, and proving my technical skills. Right?

Wrong! Because I just learnt about the 'radiator theory', courtesy of Mamamia's BIZ podcast — and consider my corporate mind blown.

What is the radiator theory?

Basically, the radiator theory suggests that there are two types of people at work: Radiators and Drains.

And, yes, one is definitely better than the other.

"Drains are the people that are taking the energy out of the room, and the Radiators are just radiating warmth — reflecting back the best and bringing out the best in other people," Soph Hirst told fellow host Michelle Battersby on this week's episode of BIZ.

"Drains take, and Radiators give."

A different term for the 'Radiator' colleague that you may be more familiar with is the 'personality hire'.

These are the folks who are hired for their charisma, enthusiasm, social skills, humour — their ~vibe~ — over sheer technical prowess. But don't be fooled, they still need to be competent at their job.

According to the BIZ experts, Radiators (or personality hires) are more likely to get ahead than Drains because their ability to ~uplift and inspire~ often catches the eye of senior leaders.

So the takeaway here is, be a Radiator, not a Drain.

Watch: How to become a 'personality hire' at work. Post continues after video.

How being a Radiator can propel your career.

At first, I was sceptical. Unless your boss is Michael Scott, surely they would prefer you knuckle down and meet KPIs rather than perform a stand-up routine on company time??

But, as the BIZ team explained, "Personality [hires] can often be the people that go into leadership roles because they are really good at communicating, and they have great adaptability."

Being a Radiator means you're not just doing your job well; you're enhancing the workplace for everyone around you.

When you radiate positivity, you build stronger relationships, make collaborations smoother, and create a ripple effect of productivity and happiness.

Plus, leaders are more likely to notice and value someone who can contribute to a thriving team culture.

The hidden costs of being a Drain.

On the flip side, the BIZ girlies spoke about how lacking an interpersonal spark can hold us back — no matter how technically proficient we are.

It's not just about delivering your part of the work, it's about contributing to the overall vibe of the workplace.

You might be incredibly skilled, but if you're not bringing something ~extra~ to the table in terms of personal interactions and team cohesion, you could be missing out on opportunities for advancement.

"If you've got personality hires over on the left, and you've got an ace, all-star, technically brilliant person over on the right, but maybe they've got a bit of a bad attitude — they still reach their KPIs, but they're not actually that pleasant to be around — I think that kind of employee could also see their growth and career advancements be stifled," explained Soph.

Listen to the full episode of BIZ below.

How to become a radiator and boost your career.

So, how do you transform the perception of yourself from a Drain to a Radiator? According to Soph and Michelle, anyone has what it takes to become a personality hire.

Develop your charisma.

"Charisma is made up of two things, those things being warmth and competence... it's actually something that you can practice and grow and develop over time."

Charisma isn't something you're born with; it's a skill you can cultivate. Start by working on your warmth — small gestures like smiling, nodding, and showing genuine interest in your colleagues' lives can make a big difference. Combine that with competence by confidently sharing your ideas and being reliable in your work.

Bring your authentic self to work.

"It's about being the you-est you. It's about not being scared to be your real self, and to just be a bit more genuine at work."

Authenticity is key. Don't try to be someone you're not just to fit in. Share your interests, let your personality shine through, and build genuine connections with your coworkers. People can sense when you're being real, and that authenticity fosters trust and collaboration.

Build rapport through small gestures.

"I would actually put the effort into telling [a colleague] if you thought they did a good job... just do it for the special people that you want to build a connection with."

Simple acts like complimenting a colleague's work, celebrating their achievements, or even just checking in on how they're doing can strengthen your relationships. These small gestures show that you care and are invested in your team's success.

Stay positive in tough situations.

Try to bring "positivity, enthusiasm, and a hunger to learn" into the workplace. "I always share a smile. I boost the spirits of others by encouraging them."

Work can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude can help you and your team navigate through tough times. Your optimism can uplift others, making the workplace a more enjoyable and resilient environment.

Participate in or organise social events.

Engaging in social activities, whether it's organising team lunches, celebrating birthdays, or sharing personal stories, can enhance team bonding. These moments outside of work tasks help build a supportive and connected team.

Embracing the Radiator role.

Transitioning to a Radiator isn't about neglecting your work; it's about enhancing it with your positive energy and interpersonal skills. It's about creating a balance where your technical competence is complemented by your ability to uplift and support your team.

It's like they say on BIZ: "I think it's about celebrating your interests. Don't be afraid to kind of talk about what you do outside of work that's interesting and unique about you."

Feature Image: Supplied

BIZ is the podcast to help get your work-life, and your life-life, sorted. Together, hosts Soph Hirst and Michelle Battersby share expert secrets and shortcuts to make you better at the job you're doing today — and help you design the career you want in the future, whatever that may be.

Soph Hirst and Michelle Battersby are your favourite new internet career mentors 💖 — helping Gen Z fast-track their careers without hating their lives.

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