Hello, my friend! How are you? If you're out of time or "in a rush", go to the last paragraph of this text for a fast answer.

In times of immediate responses and connection 24 hours a day, talking about long-term transformation is a risk! But… we believe you can (and must!) dream big, and make a daily effort to get better every day. This is our mission - seeing you speaking English and being a Leader wherever you go. "The 5 Essential People Skills" was written by Dale Carnegie and its goal is to improve your people skills. In other words, to improve your relationships at work and at home.

If you think your competence is enough, you're wrong. "Knowing how to deal with people is as important as technical or administrative knowledge, and effective managers are part workers and part diplomats". Although we sometimes are proud of our "rationality", we're creatures of emotion, always dealing with our prejudice, pride, vanity…

Here are some rules of communication presented by the author:

1- Call people by name: it's the sweetest sound to anyone's ears;

2- Admit when you're wrong: recognizing your mistakes is an honorable act, since so few people do so;

3- Hold people to high standards: believing a man encourages him to do his best not to disappoint;

4- Show sincere interest: everyone you meet has a rich history of interests and experiences.

To be interested you must focus in the other person. Being interested is different than just being curious. Call people by their name, recognize your faults, trust them and open your ears to their stories, not yours. When you meet people do you normally ask about themselves or prefer to talk about you? Comment here and see you next class!