“Well, at least feeling this way allowed us to work on our personalities! People skills are ageless and have served us well” I say to the woman helping me with my purchase. She gives me a knowing nod. |
The Backstory.
I’m at a department store picking up a Prom dress for my daughter. The Customer Service Representative quickly slips into a conversation about her high school years. She immediately mentions her awkwardness and not feeling good about her appearance.
“I was 5’11” and felt so awkward about how I looked,” she says as she packages up my purchase. “I wish I would have felt more confident.”
I let her know that I can relate.
We exchange smiles and I head out with my dress purchase complete with crinoline.
Which also appears to be timeless.
High school. Where figuring out how to fit in is a priority.
Understanding your strengths and leveraging them for success often starts with people skills.
Which is why I’ve been known to recite the following to my kids:
"You play the hand you're dealt. I think the game's worthwhile"
– Christopher Reeve (aka Superman)
"You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away and know when to run..."
– Kenny Rogers, The Gambler
Clearly, I like card references.
But it’s true!
Figuring out how to show up and interact with others is an important professional skill and a HUGE advantage in life.
Combining your strengths and your ability to relate and connect to others is a winning hand.
Once you realize how you are being perceived, you are able to make small changes that make big impacts.
I’ve met a lot of incredibly smart people that don’t understand why they are viewed as intimidating or hard to approach.
I’ve also met a lot of friendly people who wonder why they are liked by all but are never considered for lead roles or positions.
Here’s the deal…
When you are both personable AND skilled, things start to improve.
Having a balance of both hard skills and soft skills creates excellent people skills.
(And cool rollerblading tricks)
Because balance means influence.
When people say soft skills are a “nice to have” and not a “need to have”, I protest.
You need to take the hand you were dealt and lean into your natural skill set while also paying attention to being balanced with both hard and soft skills.
Because that is where the magic happens.
You start to understand how to best play your cards.
And that's a bit like having a royal flush.
And acing life.
Your co-pilot (who enjoys playing Euchre and a good card pun),
P.S.
Now snap to it!
What people skills do you want to learn?
What skills have served you well?
And what is your favorite card game?!