How to Use People Skills that Breed Success

By Sandy Schroeder

In a fast-paced world, we may undervalue the people skills that can be as powerful as academic skills.

My grandfather fully understood people skills. He never knew a stranger. No matter where he landed, he had a ready smile and an easy manner that helped him connect with everyone.

Essential Building Blocks

People skills are really critical to our happiness. They help us find mates, land jobs, nourish our family, and shape our worlds. Our viewpoint, perspective and personality all come into play in skills like these from Lifehack.

Easily reaches others – Be clear and effective when you write, speak, or call others.  Be equally good at listening and interpreting.

Radiates energy – People who attract other people often have a contagious enthusiasm for life. Staying healthy and active helps to supply the necessary energy.

Knows how to relate – Watch others who have mastered this skill. Notice how they make others feel valued, and how they easily find ways to connect.

Un-square the box – Thinking creatively can help you stand out to take the lead. Try to see people and projects from many different angles.

Be friendly and open – People who reach out to others stand a better chance of becoming leaders and fitting into a variety of situations.

Know how to listen – Look around at meetings to spot the people who are really listening, ready to interact. Leaders see those people too, and choose them first.

Be receptive to feedback – Positive and negative feedback gives you a better perspective to build on.

Be trustworthy – We live in a society where trust is at risk. Violence, theft, and fraud can make us feel suspicious of everyone. Maintain caution, but be trustworthy to build your reputation and facilitate interactions.

Be willing to bend – Successful interactions with individuals, friends, co-workers and other groups requires flexibility to make the pieces fit.

Learn how to amuse others – Laughter brings its own magic to every situation. Try to see the humor in every situation and use it to connect at work, at home, and in the community. Watch what happens when laughter helps to ease tension, pulls people together, or lightens the load at the end of the day. Then use it whenever you need it to make things better.

People skills never go out of fashion. Keep exploring their impact and make them work for you.

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Goodyear, Ariz.

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