Relationship Skills (“Soft Skills”) You MUST have for Success in Your Business and Your Life

Women know true success is found within our relationships - not money. The way we communicate with ourselves and with others ultimately determines the overall quality of our life – and the success or lack thereof – of everything we do!
One of the essential skills needed for success in business and life is predicated upon effective communication skills.

Below are the 3 most effective communication skills necessary for creating success in your business and your life.

1. Verbal Communication. When communicating with others it is very important that we choose our words carefully because the words we use matter. The more emotionally loaded a topic of conversation is – the more imperative it is to choose your words carefully. Now is a good time to remember my strong belief that you can say just about anything to anybody - IF you know how to say it and when to say it. Timing in the workplace and at home is critical to insuring your message is heard.

2. Non-Verbal Communication. Approximately 80% of all communication takes place non-verbally. The most important type of non-verbal communication is body language. For effective communication to take place, it is important your body language, and all other forms of non-verbal communication, is consistent with your verbal communication. If there is a discrepancy between your verbal and non-verbal communication, people will be confused. Confusion leads to misunderstandings and lost business. Be clear that your non-verbal communication supports your verbal communication.

3. Active Listening – notice I use the word “active” to describe the listening process. Active listening is the ability to listen without a hidden agenda or any preconceived notions. Let’s be honest. Most people listen with their own hidden agenda and it usually occurs in one of two ways. The first way occurs when people listen with the intention of trying to “catch” the speaker providing false information so we can prove them wrong (and ourselves right). I often refer to this type of listening as the: “Ah ha, I got you…” way of listening. The second way most people listen is by silently standing by and appear to be listening; but they are actually just waiting for the speaker to finish talking so they can say what they want to say. When we listen in this manner, we are not really listening at all; rather we are listening with our own agenda. The ability to actively listen will provide you with a tremendous amount of information and will help you connect and develop a positive relationship with your colleagues, customers or employees. Everyone loves a good listener!

The above 3 steps will provide you with the necessary “soft skills” needed for creating success in your business/career and your life.