It's hard to look at yourself in the mirror and consider whether you lack social skills.
Good social skills will help you succeed at work and in personal relationships, so it's important to reflect and work on them!
1. Communication
Good communication helps you get your message across clearly and avoid misunderstandings.
Everyone communicates both verbally and non-verbally. Non-verbal communication comes through in your body language.
Verbal 💬
Be polite
Speak calmly and not too loudly
Take turns speaking
Don't talk about yourself too much
Don't interrupt
Non-Verbal (body language) 👀
Establish eye contact
Face towards the other person
If seated, lean towards the speaker
Nod your head to indicate interest
Avoid crossing arms and pointing
Let's help Jenny...
Jenny and her co-worker Emma share an office space and they've been getting on each other's nerves. Their supervisor asked them to work out their differences. Jenny wants to communicate clearly with Emma during their discussion.
Quiz
What communication skills should Jenny use in the meeting?
Did you know?
2. Listening Skills
People become frustrated when they feel as if they're not being heard.
Practice ACTIVE LISTENING:
Some main points about listening:
Stay present and focus
Indicate attention using non-verbal techniques shown above
Reflect back to the person what they said
Did you know?
3. Grooming Habits
It has to be said: You can really turn people off if you don't pay attention to personal grooming!
You don't need to look like this:
Josh Dallas
Ariana Grande
But this isn't a good look....
Put some effort into being neat, clean, and well-groomed if you want to make a good impression.
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4. Flexibility
No, not that kind of flexibility...the kind where you are willing to change plans and pivot if things don't go your way.
For example:
Clara spent hours preparing for a big client meeting. After her presentation, the client tells her they changed their mind and want her to rework the project details.
Clara is discouraged, but listens to their ideas and begins working on a new approach the following week. They really like her next draft.
Juan is excited for his second date with Jane, and made reservations at his favorite steak place. On the way there, Jane tells him that she's a vegetarian.
Juan is disappointed, but they end up going to another restaurant where they can each get a meal they enjoy. It ends up being a great night.
Bri's Conference
Bri ordered swag for a conference she's organizing, but a week ahead of time, the vendor says they shipped the order to the wrong location and it won't arrive on time.
Quiz
What should Bri do? Select all that apply:
Did you know?
Take Action
Social skills help you succeed both personally and professionally. If you think you need to improve in any of the areas covered in this Byte:
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