MODULE II (Social Skills)
1. Social Skills:-
Social skills are skills that promote effective communication with others. There are various social skills as
well as several different ways in which we communicate on a daily basis. Social skills include written, verbal,
nonverbal and visual communication used to relay a message to others. Common ways in which you exercise
your social skills are:
o The language you use
o The tone, pitch and volume of your voice
o Physical gestures you make
o Your facial expressions
o Your body language
o Eye contact with others when communicating
The following are a few of the many important social skills you should possess as a professional:
Observation
Active listening
Conflict resolution
Empathy
Written and verbal communication
Mirroring
Cooperation
Relationship management
2. Making an impact through social skills :-
Having social skills have their benefits and if we develop social skills and are cordial within our workplace,
we are known to develop social capital.
“social capital, involves the potential of individuals to secure benefits and invent solutions to problems
through membership in social networks.”
Thus, benefits of developing social skills are :-
People will like working with you.
When you ask for help, people provide it.
Others will understand your boundaries.
Clients will love you.
You’ll nail your job interviews.
How to enhance social skills :-
a) Improve your emotional intelligence
b) Look inwards
c) Practice effective communication skills
d) Fake it till you make it
e) Ask more than you speak
f) Give compliments
g) Be polite
h) Use open body language and non-verbal communication
i) Read the news
j) Don’t let the thoughts get the best of you
k) Start small
3. Creating a powerful first impression :-
Be on Time.
Present Yourself Appropriately.
Be Yourself.
Have a Winning Smile!
Be Open and Confident.
Use Small Talk.
Be Positive.
Be Courteous and Attentive.
4. Assessing the situation :-
a) Notice an occurrence out of the ordinary.
b) Decide "in your gut" that something is a miss or unacceptable.
o Ask yourself, "Could I play a role here?"
o If no one intervenes, what will likely happen?
o Is someone else better placed to respond? Are they available? Will they?
o What would be my purpose in responding?
c) Assess your options for giving help.
d) Determine the potential risks of taking action.
e) Are there risks to myself?
f) Are there risks to others? (e.g. potential retaliation against the person being "helped")
g) Is there a low risk option?
h) How could I reduce risks?
i) Is there more information I can get to better assess the situation?
j) Decide whether to act - now or later
5. Being zealous without being offensive :-
o Focus on what is important to the other person- Be “Other-centered”
o Respect boundaries
o Make requests, not demands
o Note non-verbal behaivour
6. Traits of a person with high social skills :-
o They show an appreciation for others
o They listen deeply- listen with your eyes, mind, heart
o They’re enthusiastic
o They use body language effectively
o They’re grateful
7. Self-awareness :-
A) Seeing the other side- A person may not be able to stay optimistic all the time specially in adverse
situations. Still, if he without being biased to a situation and analysing only one side of the situation, he
should try staying calm and composed and should also analyse the
other side of the matter as well. He should look after the pros and cons of the situation and make a valid,
logical and suitable decision accordingly.
B) Giving in without giving up – Give up feels like failure whereas giving in feels like acceptance that you
can’t change. Thus, giving in a positive feeling rather than giving up.
8. Life positions :- (You and only you can choose your mindset)
Life positions are basic beliefs about self and others, which are used to justify decision and behaviour. Life
positions described by Eric Berne (1962/1976) in an article entitled “Classification of Positions”.
He delineated 4 positions :
o I’m okay, You are okay (good)
o I’m not okay, you are okay (depressive)
o I’m okay, you are not okay (Paranoid)
o I’m not okay, you are not okay (Futile)
9. Self-perception :-
o Perception affects communication and communication affects perception—it is an ongoing cycle of
influence.
o Perception shapes how we interpret others’ communication and how we ourselves communicate.
o At the same time, communication influences our perceptions of people and situations. The two processes
are intricately intertwined.
a) Emotional self-awareness :- Recognizing and understanding one’s emotions; it is the differentiation of
emotion and impact
b) Self-Regard :- Respecting oneself. Analysing strengths and weaknesses, knowing inner strength and
confidence. How to do it:-
1. Make list of your strength and positive attributes
2. Learn to accept compliments /comment
3. Don’t keep putting yourself down
4. Stop apologizing
5. Try new things
[Link] time with those who help you to feel good about yourself
[Link] yourself with respect and consideration
8. Smile at other people and look them in the eyes
[Link] aware of your body language
10. Always think positive
c) Self- actualization :- Quest (aim) to improve oneself.
Physiological needs:- water, breading, food, sleep ,etc.
Safety needs:- health, shelter, job, etc
Love belonging needs:- love family friendship
Esteem:-Self esteem, confidence, achievements, respect by others
Self- Actualization:- Morality, creativity, acceptance of facts, etc.
10. Self Expression :-
a) Emotional Self Expression
o Open expression of feelings
o Verbally & Non verbally
b) Assertiveness
o Communicating feelings, beliefs, thoughts openly
o Defending them in socially acceptable ways
o Non offensive & Non destructive
c) Independence
o Self directed
o Decision making, planning,
o Autonomy
