GREAT PEOPLE SKILLS MAKE YOU VALUABLE

Undoubtedly, there are those who question the need for soft skills. They often think their own technical prowess, together with mere hard work, will make them valuable. What they fail to understand is that technical proficiency is only being half-competent. Proficiency in dealing with people is what makes one a well-rounded, fully competent individual.

Great people skills make you a commodity. People who get along with others, especially in high performing teams, are extremely valuable. They promote camaraderie amongst team members and keep productivity robust by keeping everyone’s morale heightened. Unfortunately, people who lack soft skills can actually become a liability.

Professional sports are littered with athletes who have incredible talent, but are poison when it comes to team morale. A particular wide receiver in America’s National Football League is currently ranked among the most talented in that position. Unfortunately, he is also unemployed. Notorious for his narcissistic attitude and strained relationships with teammates, no team wants this guy. He publicly criticizes management, coaches, and players and makes outrageous comments regarding salaries, corporate decisions, game losses, and opponents (and, generally, anyone who bothers him). The fact that he was among the fastest and most agile receivers with some of the best statistical ratings no longer matters. His negative, accusatory, complaining attitude, ruins teams by dividing teammates. He makes practices unproductive, undermines leadership, and turns high performing colleagues into disgruntled employees.

The reason why people skills are such a commodity is because they have the exact opposite effect. Instead of a selfish, narcissistic attitude that repels colleagues, these individuals are sensitive and caring toward the needs of others. They are tuned in to the group dynamic and if disunity is present, they have a natural proclivity toward reconciling and bringing people together. They are intuitive when it comes to motivating others and encouraging productivity. As a result, coworkers want to be around them and look forward to what they can accomplish together. As opposed to the narcissist who leaves resentments in his wake, these social healers promote an environment that is life-giving, healthy, affirming, and productive—and these skills are always in demand.

Great people skills make you versatile. In other words, soft skills cut across hard skill sets and are desirable in any setting. Though a certain technical expertise may be lacking, wise managers will always want those with strong people skills on their team. Of course, there must be a certain amount of competency when it comes to aptitude, but, many times, I have heard leaders say, “I want her on my team simply because she has a great attitude.” The impact you can have on culture can make you extremely valuable and a versatile commodity that any smart leader would want. Dave Ramsey recently tweeted: “I'd rather have a passionate, unified team of B & C players than a collection of disgruntled superstars. The team wins every time.”

​Over the next few weeks, I will be posting a series of blogs that will identify effective people skills and explain how they can be developed in our lives. For more information, check out my latest book, UPWARD: Taking Your Life to the Next Level now available on Amazon.

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