Here’s another bit of advice from Robert Bly’s book: “Make Every Second Count.” discussed last week.
This list is even easier than his ideas to gain ten percent productivity.
A long long time ago, BF (Before Facebook) there was a concept known as “people skills.” Bly’s suggestions for better people skills are worth reading, and can be distilled down to a few basics that can carry you far when working with others.
I’m distilling them down to the essence, so you can tweet or put ’em on your phone and carry them with you today:
- Make a conscious effort to be positive.
- Answer emails and phone calls promptly.
- Take an interest in people’s lives.
- Meet people halfway.
- Listen before speaking, maintain eye contact, and admit when you’re wrong.
Read more in Bly’s book if that list doesn’t turn you into a charmer. He explores the psychology behind these traits. People tend to want to work with you if you communicate well and can keep impatience or annoyance off your face.
If you want to be on the ‘preferred vendor’ list in your world, it couldn’t hurt to apply these few principles.
BIO: Helen Gallagher blogs at Freelance-Zone.com to share her thoughts on small business and technology. She writes about, coaches and speaks on publishing. Her blogs and books are accessible through www.releaseyourwriting.com. Helen is a member of ASJA, Small Publishers Artists & Writers Network (SPAWN.org), and several great Chicago-area writing groups.