What's Good People Skills Worth? An Extra $29,000/year!
What are people skills? People skills are the tools you use to communicate and interact with others. Individuals with strong people skills are kind, caring, considerate and can relate to others, and socialize easily. People skills also are known as life skills.
Are people skills valuable? Well Research has found that those who have strong people skills can make an average of $29,000 more per year! So, I'd say they are pretty darn valuable.😎
Even though I'd be pretty ok with an extra $29,000 extra dollars/year, I like good people skills first and foremost because of what they bring to others and to me. Think about how you feel when someone is kind to you. Or, how do you feel when someone goes out of their way to help you? On the other hand, how do you feel when you say good morning to someone and they just look the other way and walk right past you? But I'm going to be really honest with you. When I show another person kindness, caring, respect and good manners, I feel good. Why? Simple, I chose to do what is right...treat another human being with love, and kindness.
I feel like COVID-19 has really opened my eyes to many things, one being the immense value of good people skills. A lot of people are going through challenging times during this global pandemic. I know I am. However, when others have been kind, caring and friendly to me, it has given me a bit of a boost of joy and a bit of hope. When I do the same for others, I can see their eyes light up even though their mask is hiding nearly 50% of their face.
I'm often asked by students, "Mr. Brown, what are some very important people skills I can develop now which will help me in my career someday?" Here is what I tell students:
1. A Positive Attitude--Life has a lot of ups and downs and numerous challenges. I love it when I'm working with a co-worker who has the attitude of, "Hey, we got this. Let's go to work together and crush this..."
2. Listen Attentively--The most important thing you can do to be a better listener is look directly at the person speaking. My mom gave me this advice many years ago and man was she ever right! Too often, rather than being fully engaged in the conversation we're in right now, we get distracted, our eyes are on our phone, our Apple Watch or computer. Not good! To set yourself apart, attentively and enthusiastically listen to the human conversation happening right in front of you.
3. Improve Your Team-Building Skills--Team players in the work-world have a tendency to become great working teammates and often times they become a team leader. I've worked with people who are selfish, uncaring, and arrogant. Pretty much no one wanted to work or even be around this kind of person. On the other hand, I have worked with co-workers which were all about the team! That's the kind of people I want to work with Monday through Friday!