Not A People Person? Let's Change This.

You say you’re not a people person.

If you are in business, you must know that it’s all about people. Your capacity to establish and maintain relationships is not an option it’s a requirement. 

It’s not my intention to stress you out, instead I’d like to invite you to reframe this perspective just a tiny bit. Not only will your effort pay off in business, you will also find more pleasure and connection in your interactions.  

Dealing with (interacting with) people looks and feels different for each of us. 
How to make this process effective, and meaningful for you and the individuals you interact with is feasible no matter where you place yourself on the people person scale.  

In business and in life for that matter, it is about people. In order to work well with your partners, employees, customers, and suppliers your mindset and intention is key.

We don’t want you to put on a ‘false’ happy face or ‘pretend’ as you interact. What I do want you to think about is that there is a human being behind each one of these labels. Tap into that reality and connecting becomes much easier. 

Here are 3 suggestions you can begin experimenting with.

1.  Change Shoes

Place yourself in their shoes. This does not mean agree with everything they say. Instead allow yourself to truly step into their reality. Empathy is not about who is right or wrong, its about allowing yourself to connect with the others perspective, circumstance and emotions. 

“Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.” ~ Mohsin Hamid

2.  Be Real

Show up authentically in your interactions. It is the foundation for creating relationships based on trust, respect, and understanding. Perhaps for many of us it is the most difficult task but it is also one of the most rewarding. 

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

3.  Be Kind

Unfortunately, kindness gets a bad wrap in business. Often synonymous with being too soft, this virtue deserves to be nurtured. 

It absolutely does not imply being dishonest. Even in sharing bad news with an employee for example you can be kind and honest in your delivery.  

 “Kindness in words creates confidence, kindness in thinking creates profoundness, kindness in giving creates love.” ~ Lao Tzu

Next time you think to yourself “ I’m not a people person” I’d like you to try changing shoes, being real, and being kind.

If you continue to tell yourself you are not a people person, it’s time to work on it. Give me a call and let’s chat.  

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