Idiot's Guides: People Skills

People skills, also known as interpersonal skills, are the key to success in work and life. It seems like common sense, but so many people have difficulty grasping and mastering the most effective ways to interact with others, especially in an increasingly digital world. In this book, readers get: How-to advice on the foundations of effective communication, including listening, empathy, clarity, conversation skills, and diplomacy. It provides examples of interactions in various work and life situations, including those that went well and those that didn't - with advice to improving outcomes. It offers tips on understanding and maximizing nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions, voice tone, posture, and gestures. It courageously and assertively handle conflict and have difficult conversations, such as bad news, disagreements, apologies, and resignations. It offers tips on profiling the audience, and public speaking to large or small groups. It includes steps for being more influential and persuasive, collaborating effectively with partners, and knowing when to stay silent. It also helps in dealing with differences, coping with difficult people, and identifying one's own unique gifts and style.