Dealing with People; A skill You Will be Paid For, But Which is Never Taught in Class.

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This title could be a whole cauldron of disappointment to those who have invested more time in class, hoping they will command higher figures. Those who consider themselves street-smart can be tempted to think their turn has finally arrived. This is another enlisting for bitter pills. 

This piece of work neither fights intellectual achievements nor endorses the lack thereof. Instead, I am saying that even those who have never attended class can learn and practice it.

No one can blame their inability to express this vital skill, to lack of adequate schooling. The grounds are so level that anyone can access the necessary preparation. Companies and organizations will pay dearly if you can provide it.  I’m talking about dealing with people. 

The ability to work with others is a skill of its kind. Most people are slow to learn it and ready to forget. It is not learned in academic halls but a practical bit of life. There is not a specific way of handling everyone. This requires more observations. Deliberate moves are also necessary to learn what makes other people give their best. 

Those who can master this art will always find a position of usefulness. This mastery will make them qualified for financial rewards.

Whereas we cannot give an absolute model that will work for everyone, the following will make you edge out in interpersonal skills:

1. A policy of no Criticism. 

If there is something that most people cannot handle, it is the sharp and cutting criticisms. Even when they are wrong or guilty, critical words often do more harm than good. This is especially true if the words come from high up the scalar chain.

It is easy to fault-find and complain about people. However, we can avoid this by learning more about what could have made them take the turn they took. Try getting to know changes and improvements that will make them do better when confronted with the same situation again. 

Don’t use failure to judge a character or make someone feel inferior. Human beings find kindness attractive when they are right. But if kindness is offered when they have made a mistake, it will melt their hearts. This will make them give nothing less than the best in their subsequent approaches to duty.

2. Recognition of Achievements. 

Don’t believe a statement that people often make that “I don’t like recognition.” This is not true, and in most cases, they are just being people. Everyone feels good when their efforts are noted and even rewarded.

A simple statement like “I like the way you are doing your work” can greatly encourage people. Saying “I can’t think of a better way to do this” acknowledges their skill. It also boosts their effort and precision.

If there is an output growth based on the diligence of someone, it serves as a power-up to recognize it. If there’s a loss, it is tempting to quibble and criticize. However, it will be for good that one is encouraged to do better.

Let no one suffer want for recognition of their efforts and contributions to make results more colourful.

Recognition today will make someone find reasons for more tomorrow, and this means success for the organization or the company. 

3. Sincere Appreciation.   

While writing about ‘The Power of Appreciation‘ in his weekly gems, Jefferson shared this quote. It is wise and you should ruminate on it:

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire

This one can be easily confused with flattery, but it needs not be so. We can make it a habit of looking out for something to appreciate about someone. It may not be related to their job description, but it serves to jump-start them.  

No one wants to be in places where they are not celebrated. It demonstrates mental problems or serious desperation that people can endure in places where they are not celebrated. No one stays long in places they struggle to fit in.

If they cannot fit in based on their prowess, you can make a difference by finding something that can warrant a chivalrous appreciation.    Be careful to ensure it is sincere and verifiable and not mere flattery. Nothing is as bad as when people realize that their appreciation is simply cheap flatter. 

Try this in your work area, family, and general interaction with people and share the result.

Those who can master the art of dealing with people are badly needed assets. You can make a difference by making people safe around you. Handling human beings is not like handling machines.

You can handle your car as you wish. You can shape it through panel beating. But, it doesn’t work the same way with people.

People hear tones, see attitudes, and recognize the modulation of voice. The ability to get the best out of people is something I want to pay for.