by Nicholette Marbley
A good percentage of Americans are returning to work, which means it is time to use people skills again. Your attitude, appearance, tone of voice, and so much more affect your job. Following these gender-neutral rules can save you from being terminated, being last on the layoff list, get you a promotion, and help you gain some extra friends. The One Minute Money For Women 21 Strategies For Financial Empowerment by Deborah Smith Pegues is an excellent book that explains the ins and outs of making and maintaining a decent income. Here are some gender-neutral tips on how to be your best self:
Chapter 10: Hone Your People Skills
DO THESE!
- Smile
- Use the words Please and Thank You
- Listen and get to know people; it is not all about you.
- Don’t judge
- Do Not Interrupt
- Be quick to serve others
- Be humble
- Resist envy
- Remember the name of each individual you meet
- Make people feel valued and appreciated (use words of encouragement or a compliment)
- Do not gossip or tell secrets
- Do not complain
- Be flexible and patient when the unexpected occurs
- Resist being biased or playing favorites
- Only criticize when you have shown some type of empathy to that person ( You should give direction in private)
- Laugh at shortcomings
- Maintain a positive attitude
- Admit mistakes
- Establish! Honor! And Communicate boundaries!
- Treat everyone with respect.
Chapter 11: Polish Your Image and Networking Skills
DO NOT DO THESE!
- Being Self-conscious. (fixing makeup, clothes, and posture in public)
- Wearing an outdated hairdo
- Sporting old fashions or wearing things that do not fit you properly
- Too much makeup or none at all(men can wear makeup also. I act on the side, so trust me, I know)
- Not knowing proper dining etiquette( look then up google before a dinner party)
- Poor diction or grammar
The last one is not from the book but from my personal experience.
7. Overpowering perfume or no scent (Do not choke your neighbors! One of the worst things you can do!)
Good luck out there!