Top 10 PEOPLE SKILLS to put your Career on a Fast Track

Top 10 PEOPLE SKILLS to put your Career on a Fast Track

1. EXPRESS BOLDLY

Be assertive. Learn to express yourself verbally and in writing. Be direct and clear, using simple language and minimum words. Assertiveness is not aggression, so stick to positive language, learn to accept a 'No' and don't alienate people by bragging.

2. LISTEN SINCERELY

If speaking up is important, learning to listen is critical. Getting the communication right the first time saves you trouble later. Be 100% present in every conversation and listen sincerely, and with humility and empathy.

3. RESOLVE CONFLICTS

Conflict resolution is the biggest skill that managers and leaders need. Being fair will help people listen to you during disagreements. To resolve issues, seek common ground between both parties and present both sides equally. Find consensus and hold people accountable for their actions. Focus on the solution, not on the problem or people concerned.

4. SHOW INTEREST

The workplace is for teams, not individuals. Success comes only through team work. The closer the bonds you build with people, the easier your work will be. Break the ice with a smile and increase quality time spent with people, both in and outside office.

5. SAY THANK-YOU

Even if it appears difficult or corny, learn to say thank-you and express gratitude. Be sincere and specific in your words. Acknowledge your subordinate who stayed back late to complete the presentation for your meeting. It helps people feel energized and creates an enabling environment for the team.

6. BODY LANGUAGE

Follow both general and local etiquette. Master non-verbal communication: have clear eye contact and a confident posture. Only if your body language and behaviour are in line with expectations, will your words have an impact.

7. ASK QUESTIONS

Learn how to question people and respond in the right way. Questions are vital to learn how things work, foster close relationships in a team, manage people and projects and avoid needless conflict. Avoid a manner that assumes wrong intention or wrongdoing on the other person's part.

  8. USE THE MIRROR

Japanese legends respect the power of mirror/self-knowledge. Introspect to know what makes you thrive and what makes you lose focus and motivation. Figure out the same for people around you.

9. DON'T LOSE YOUR COOL

US President Barack Obama is known to never lose his cool even in the most stressful situations. Doing so will give you power over the situation and people involved. The first step is to shut up and walk out or walk away till you have calmed down. You can come back later with a planned response to achieve your aims with minimum disturbance to you or your team.

10. ASK WHAT YOU WANT

The quickest secret to success is to ask yourself: 'What do I want?' Figure out what you want from the situation or the person you are dealing with. This will help formulate a plan and take the best action possible.