People management skills are essential in all walks of life. Whether you're rich or poor, employed or unemployed, a corporate CEO or a plumber, strengthening these skills can help you live the life you desire.
We all share similar wants and needs. When you meet those needs, people tend to be very easy to get along with. With patience, practice, and a willingness to understand people, you can develop strong people management skills.
Here are some good techniques for strengthening your people management skills:
1. Put yourself in their shoes. If you had their position, would you like yourself as a manager? Great managers commonly know what people are thinking and feeling. They're quick to pick up on things and work hard to solve problems. Ask yourself if you're willing to do the same.
2. Show gratitude and appreciation. You might feel appreciative of your team, but without action, they'll never know it. Always be on the lookout for new and exciting ways to show these emotions. People love to be appreciated and a sincere "Thank you" makes them feel good! People tend to want to do more for managers who show appreciation.
3. Give sincere compliments. Think about what you really like about your team and point these things out as regular compliments. If you're sincere, chances are that the recipient will sense your genuine appreciation.
4. Treat others with respect. Strive to always treat people with respect, no matter what their stance in life. Treat them the way you'd like to be treated. This shows character and strength, both of which are characteristics of someone with superior people skills.
5. Delegate appropriately. When you delegate the right tasks to the right people, they have an opportunity to excel. This raises the morale of the people around you and motivates them to do a good job.
6. Be honest. If you've ever been caught in a lie, you know how quickly you can lose someone's trust. Earning and maintaining trust is an important people management skill. When others trust you, they believe in you, and your opinions mean more to them.
7. Listen attentively. Truly listen to what people are telling you. Make an effort to understand their point of view, even if you don't agree with it. When they know you consider their feelings as important, you'll find people more willing to listen to you.
Practice these strategies each day in your communications with others and you'll soon find yourself living a life with more cooperation and less dissent!
Questions to consider:
Do you feel sincere when you show appreciation?
What might hold you back from expressing appreciation?
Who do you admire that has exceptional people skills?