Have Your Way With People
Paper qualifications, skills and experience get you a foot in the door. But it is the soft skiDs that give you
the greater chance for a promotion over the next guy, aD things being equaL
By Anna Murphy
People communicate on an emotional level no matter who they are,
where they come from, or where they are headed in the corporate
world.
In a frenetic and often cold marketplace, people want to be treated
warmly. Emotional quotient (EQ) or social intelligence is the tool by which
you align yourself with others.
How to be popular among your co-workers? Let us count the ways:
Be a people person. See others not by their job titles but as human
beings, each with his or her own needs and aspirations.
Be positive. Be sensitive to the occasion and use words that are
supportive, congratulatory, helpful, motivational or sympathetic.
Or, just listen. This is such an underrated skill. Reserve advice for people
who ask for it. Most times, people just want to bounce ideas off you or blow
off a little steam, so do yourself a favour — zip.
Communicate effectively. Express yourself in a way that the person you
are addressing understands and appreciates. For example, use technical
or business vocabulary with those who think in those terms; pick up the
phone and talk to those who welcome a chat; or e-mail those who prefer to
communicate this way.
Watch the non-verbal cues. Be aware of body language. For example, a
boss tapping the table with his pen or wearing a frown on his face is not
likely to be in the mood to discuss a raise.
Keep your word. Never make a promise you do not intend to keep. You
may not realise it, but others may be holding on to your word. If you say you
are going to do something, follow through and deliver.
Share information. Especially, when you know someone who could use it
(not everybody is after your job). If you are in a mentoring relationship with
a co-worker, step up to the plate and ensure that your charge gets the help
he needs to succeed in his role.
Be cooperative. Other people also have deadlines to meet, so try to
accommodate their schedules too — regardless of whether they are seniors or
juniors. Where you have to delegate work to others, do so respectfully.
Widen your network, Share your friends and contacts with others and
hopefully they will share their networks with you. Listen for opportunities
where you may be able to put people together so that can achieve their goals
faster.
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