“We are all born with an innate understanding of interpersonal equity -
the idea that if you lend me your rake today, I'll respond in kind when
you come to borrow my shovel tomorrow. Or nearly all of us are born with that. Psychopaths aren't.” - Jeffrey Kluger
Friendship is an art; it is cultivated. Today’s discussion borders on the subject matter of friendship, as a strong people skill, and please permit me to narrow it down to the work environment for the purpose of today’s discussion.
We don't live in a vacuum or work in isolation. Even in this high-paced technical world, we are always communicating in some way. Since so many of our waking hours are spent working, a great deal of our lives are spent interacting with co-workers, clients and customers. The ability to use effective interpersonal skills help you build not just better relationships with others, but makes working with them more enjoyable.
George B Yancey told a story where he said;
Jasmine works in the Elementary Education Advising Center at a state university. Part of her duties are to help enroll undergraduates for the next semester. One undergraduate was having a bad day and took her frustration out on Jasmine. Although she was being verbally attacked, Jasmine maintained a friendly demeanor, a helpful attitude, and a willingness to listen to the student's needs. This calmed the student, and Jasmine was able to reassure her that everything would work out. Subsequently, not only did that student make it a point to be pleasant to Jasmine in the future, but Jasmine's supervisor noted her excellent interpersonal and advising skills and passed on her positive
