“A gossip is one who talks to you about other people. A bore is one who talks to you about himself. And a brilliant conversationalist is one who talks to you about yourself.”
William King
We all have special abilities. Like it or not whatever you do or wherever you go people will be involved somehow. Ever notice wherever you go, there they are? Ask a mother who tries to hide out of plain sight just so she can catch her breath and within seconds there’s a tug on her leg. Be Present…
Years ago I knew someone who would seek me out in order to have a conversation (or so I thought), until they would ask a question of me all the while looking around the rest of the room. I don’t know about you but it’s strange trying to have a conversation with someone who is not totally present.
It’s not all about you…
Take the time to catch up on the lives of others. No matter what you are doing with your own life always make time for the ups and downs of those around you. If they need a shoulder to cry on give them one of yours. If they need someone to share some good news with, be their biggest cheerleader. When we think of communication we seem to focus on talking and talking and talking. However, the best communicators are the best listeners. Listening is a true art form, an ever-decreasing one.
Everyone needs to know that they matter…
More than anything people want to have a sense of belonging and a reason for being. We want to know that we not only matter but that we make a difference in the lives of others. We want to be needed and encouraged. What is life all about if it’s not about people? In the end people will be left with either good or bad memories of you. Along with leaving a good impression there will be some people that no matter what you do it will never be enough. Find a place where who and what you are makes a difference. What is the legacy that you want to leave behind? What changes do you need to make? After you determine what it is, make a plan and follow through.
How do you want to be treated?
When I was growing up one of the best lessons my Mother taught me was to treat other people the way you want to be treated. She also taught me to be generous with whatever you have, for even the little you may have could revolutionize someone else’s life. This has stood me in great stead not only in my life but also the lives of my children. We have always fought for the underdog, and we always will! When you fight for the less fortunate there is no greater gift than to see them stand on their own two feet, or to see them come out from under something.
“The greatest pleasure I know is to do a good action by stealth and to have it found out by accident.”
Charles Lamb
Some people may not think that people skills are important, however, great companies and organizations understand that there is power in their people if given the chance. In fact they are more likely to hire for people skills with the ability to teach the basics.
“As we look into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”
Bill Gates
You can make a difference, start today…
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
John Wesley
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