As we get older and more mature, you will realize that the need to possess people skills are highly needed compared to when you were younger. With maturity comes responsibility such as school, work, networking and lots of other activities that involve connection with other people. What are people skills, you ask? In short, people skills define the ability to listen, communicate and relate to other people on a more personal or even professional level. Since we do care about how our dear escapists progress in their lives, here are some great "people skills" tips SweetEscape would like to share with you:
1. Knowledge is power, but emotional intelligence takes you a long way!
We know, books can take you to a lot of great places in life, which is why we are educated from a very young age. What we do with that knowledge, is entirely up to us! Most of us use it to get that dream job we've been wishing for throughout our college days, whereas the rest opt for starting their own company and be their own boss. To balance it out, however, we musn't forget about emotional intelligence, which involves the usage of our heart and feelings. Basic book knowledge is great and all, but without feelings - they can amount to almost nothing when it comes to relationships with people.
2. Resolve conflict - in a positive manner
Conflict, unfortunately is inevitable, and if we don't encounter one every single day, conflict is like an unwanted contract that comes naturally with what we know as life. But, don't fret, dear escapists! Conflict is needed, because through conflict... we learn to grow as individuals as well! In order for that to happen, however, you need to be able to resolve conflict with a more positive manner - with a purpose of finding a solution to the problem. Remember, conflict enables us to grow - if we take time to look and work together to find the solution!
3. Listen to others - really listen
There is a huge difference between truly listening and hearing, and people can actually sense that! People appreciate real listeners, because it makes them feel understood - and we as humans, LONG to be understood! The art of listening also has its own perks, though. You've got to remember to give feedback as a form of response and acknowledgement of the listener. To add to that, make sure you're completely focused on the person speaking, meaning phones down, and stop everything you're doing! Ears, eyes open, and of course, sit facing the person.
4. Learn and be aware of people's different backgrounds and cultures - respect!
As you are hopefully aware, people come from different background and cultures - that may or may not be the same as yours. We know, it could be a lot of work to take the time to learn of different cultures and background, and what is appropriate or inappropriate for them. Although, it would help you a great deal if you did. The easiest way is to be aware of the more universal ethic codes, for a start. You'll find that this is easier to apply because it can be applied universally, so start your research!
5. Is your body language on point?
You know what they say - communication is key to human connection. Body language, our fellow escapists, is also a form of communication. We use our body parts (unconsciously/autopilot-ly) to further express what we say. Look back to those school days of yours, when you had to do those dreadful class presentations. Or, perhaps you were into theater and acting, and was taught how to meserize your audiences using your body language movements. Remember, the way we sway and cross our hands, how our feet are positioned while we stand and talk - they all determine how respectable we are!
6. Have an open mind
Here is a trickier part of our people-skill-tricks. Have an open mind! Even if you were to read books everyday, you wouldn't be able to master every single thing in this lifetime (we hate to break it to you), and that's completely okay! It's great to be booksmart, but there's that other thing to consider: street smart. When we mention street smart, we're talking about knowledge on social norms, ethics and behavior. So, you might know a thing or two (or more) about tons of different subjects. But, other people can be knowledgeable as well about other things that you may or may not know of. And to get things clear, having an open mind doesn't mean agreeing to everything you hear. It's more about acknowledging that there is a possibility that what you're hearing is the truth.
7. Respect people's opinions - Everyone is entitled to their own opinion!
People come from different places and family backgrounds. Some were raised in urban cities, and others were born and raised in the suburban part of cities. So, if people were to have different ideas and perspectives towards certain subjects, it's only right to respect those differences. You might like the color blue, but to others, white is better - and it goes on. So, when you're faced with a different opinion from your opponent, accept and appreciate that their mind works and sees things differently!
8. Learn to give (constructive) and take criticism
Of course as individuals, our goal is to grow into better beings, and eventually we would like those closest to us to grow with us for the greater good. It's totally normal if we find ourselves giving and taking criticism to and from others. It's not always pleasant, since not many people know the proper way of criticizing others. So our advice to you is to learn the art of constructive criticism, where the critiques given are delivered in a positive manner. The general idea of constructive criticism, is giving critiques for a purpose noneother than to help the person change into a better person.
9. Cliche but true: Eyes are the windows to your soul!
You've probably heard of this a few times in your life. If not, then you'll find this to be a great tip to use! If you're asking us for details as to how it works and why it is so, it would be a long dreadful novel about the psychology of humans. But, long story short, make sure to make eye contact when speaking to a person - it shows that you respect them and acknowledge their effort and time in speaking to you. Interestingly enough, people can tell a lot by looking into your eyes... so, eyes up! If you pay attention, the most socially pleasant people have the warmest eyes... and those with more piercing eyes aren't as likeable.
10. Attitude - reflection of your character!
The saying couldn't be more accurate! Have you ever met a person, whose attitude was just so on point that you found him/her to be such a pleasant person to be around? Attitude can be fixed, and it does take time. There's no harm in upgrading and making some changes to your attitude. People with positive attitudess tend to be more likeable than those who are more clueless and ignorant about their attitude. So, have you looked in the mirror lately? There is always something to fix about ourselves... and it doesn't hurt!
Want to show off your people skills in your circle of friends and networks? Planning on having a gathering with your closest ones, or perhaps, a more professional setting with your workmates and clients? For any gathering you have, SweetEscapes is here to capture your best moments! Anytime, any where, and for any occasion you would like to have, you can simply book your session in less than two minutes through our website or mobile app. SweetEscape is always ready #ForEvery moment!
