Why Making Mistakes Can Make You More Likeable

Do mistakes make us look bad, or more human?In this episode, Grace is joined by Chartered Psychologist James Meachin to explore why a small blunder can sometimes increase likeability rather than damage it. Drawing on classic research into the pratfall effect, they discuss how mistakes can make highly capable people seem more relatable, approachable, and real.A sharp, practical conversation on why mistakes are not always a problem, and why your response can matter just as much as the blunder itself.References:Aronson, E., Willerman, B. & Floyd, J. The effect of a pratfall on increasing interpersonal attractiveness. Psychon Sci 4, 227–228 (1966). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03342263Goksel, S., Sezer, O., & Berman, J. Z. (2026). Transcending embarrassment: On the reputational benefits of laughing at yourself. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspa0000477A podcast exploring the psychology behind current events, daily decision-making, and the ideas that frame our thinking.Brought to you by the expert team of chartered business psychologists at Pearn Kandola LLP. Find out more at pearnkandola.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.