The top 4 social skills you need to be successful 📈

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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: