Why Being Perfect Makes You Less Likable

If you are already seen as highly competent, making a small, clumsy mistake actually makes people like you more. This quirk of human nature is called the pratfall effect, and it makes you seem more relatable and approachable.

We naturally feel uneasy around people who seem flawless, so seeing a polished person trip up serves as a charming reality check. However, this only works if you have already established a high level of talent. If you are viewed as average, making mistakes tends to backfire and lower your perceived value. It turns out that a little bit of vulnerability is the secret ingredient to being truly charismatic.