INTERPERSONAL SKILLS - continued

5. NETWORK

It seems participation among people in groups and volunteer organizations today are dwindling. This is surprising since such groups provide a convenient vehicle to meet and exchange ideas with your peers. Such forums are useful:

○     To exercise our basic social skills.

○     To stay abreast of current developments in our field of interest.

○     To establish relationships with people who possess different skills and knowledge that can help us.

Instead of resisting networking with others, the younger generation should embrace it. Regardless of the group dynamics involved, such forums help to improve ourselves personally and professionally.

6. BE COURTEOUS (Complementing)

Your manners and how you interact with others says a lot about a person's character. Basic courtesy means you are socially well adjusted. Small details can have a dramatic effect. For example:

○     A simple Thank You note will be remembered for a service rendered.

○     Invite others to participate in events. Again, a personal note can work wonders and makes people feel wanted. If you stumble over an omission on your invitation list (which inevitably happens), move swiftly to correct the omission. Include people, don't exclude them, let them know their presence has meaning to you.

Above all else, watch your temper. As the old adage admonishes us, "You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar." A little courtesy can go a long way towards building fruitful relationships.

7. BE POSITIVE (Answering)

Whenever questions are put before you try to answer all of them neutrally. Take time to understand the question and be honest and trustworthy in your answering.

People naturally gravitate to others with a positive or upbeat personality. This doesn't mean we always have to wear a smiling face, but we should concede that people like optimists as opposed to pessimists. As such, we should always be looking for reasons why something should be done, as opposed to reasons why it shouldn't.

Is the glass half empty or half full? Your answer says a lot about how people perceive you.

CONCLUSION

We enjoy life through the help and society of others. Whether we like it or not, we must interact with other people on a daily basis. And its really not that complicated; just use your head, loosen up a bit, treat others as you would have them treat you, and try not to stick your foot in your mouth.