People Proficiency

In the survey of approximately 500 board-level executives, 61 percent said interpersonal and teamworking skills were more important than IT skills.

I’ll be the first guy to admit it --I am still developing my people skills. Many years ago I could have cared less about that area of my life. I just figured if I developed my talents and skills, life would go well. Over the years I have begun to realize life is more than achieving goals.

Purposes for People Skills...

· People skills and the ability to start a wonderful conversation with anyone you meet are essential life skills. Your success and happiness are directly related to the development of these social skills.

· In an increasingly competitive world it is your skill with people that determines whether you move ahead more so than your technical ability. There is a plentiful supply of able workers but very few have great communication skills.

· Your social life - your popularity, your acceptance by others and the extent to which you feel valued and appreciated depends on how well you express yourself.

· The failure to connect with people leads to loneliness and an uncomfortable sense of being excluded. And too much time spent alone when you would rather be enjoying the company of like minded people.

· Happiness is very closely tied to the quality of the relationships in your life. The more close relationships you have with people who genuinely care about you the happier you will be. And all lasting relationships depend on good communication skills.

· Good times are even more fun when you are with people you like. And the bad days are easier to handle when you can turn to others for support and encouragement. None of this is feasible without the ability to reach out when you need to most of all.

· True success is a team effort. You will get ahead faster and enjoy the journey much more when you have a team of supporters, helpers and mentors on your side.

· Making a difference for others is one of the most satisfying ways to feel like your time here is worthwhile. However, positive intentions alone are not enough. You still need to be able to get through to people if you are to really make an impact in the lives of people who need your help.

· At the end of your life, do you want titles or testimonials? Qualifications, awards and a track record of achievement are all worthwhile. Just be sure you also make a positive impression on the people you come into contact with. Otherwise do any of those successes really matter?

· You owe it to yourself to have a great home life and rich friendships with a wide range of people you like and care about. To connect with people requires you to have good communication skills. If you neglect communication skills you limit your happiness and success. And by default you give others control over your life.

As a pastor I strongly believe that healthy relationships are God’s will for our lives. ----How are your people skills and is there a relationship in your life that you may need to cultivate?