5 Characteristics of Strong People Skills
Many financial analysts have solid financial background and qualifications. How can you differentiate yourself from your peers in the competitive financial industry? If you and your peers offer similar level of value to the organization, how can you increase the chances of you getting the next promotion or keeping your job safe during cutbacks? Having strong people skills will distinguish from your competing peers. Here are five characteristics that will help your colleagues to better know you, like you and trust you.
Positive attitude - Everybody prefers to work with someone who is enthusiastic than one who complains. Do you embrace new responsibilities or do you grumble about having too much work? Do you see challenges as opportunities or threats? Are you a proactive action taker or are you easily influenced by negative events? Be sure that you are part of the solution and not part of the problem. Take initiatives and be willing to exceed expectations of your colleagues.
Emotional maturity - It is understandable that a financial analyst is stressed out under the intensity of work. Be responsible for your own your own feelings and keep them under control in the workplace. Take an honest look at yourself. Are you quick tempered? Do you act on impulses often? Do you express your emotions and vent out your frustrations in healthy ways? Exercise, rest and relaxation are just a few simple ways you can release tension. It you want to go far in your career, emotional maturity is critical quality to have.
Empathy - Understand that your fellow co-workers are under work pressure just like you. Some may even have their personal struggles to deal with. Empathy is the ability to identify and understand the wants, needs and perspective of others. Are you a good listener who can recognize the underlying wants and needs of others? Empathy is an essential quality of an excellent leader and is the basis for developing strong people relationships.
Team player - It may be counter-intuitive to help your co-workers when some, like you, may be vying for the same position that will open up. Although you will be evaluated based on your individual performance, you belong to a team. Be generous and share your knowledge with your team. Helping your colleagues achieve their goals will earn you their support and respect. When you help to give solutions to your team members, they will also reciprocate the support when you are in need.
Network - Do you consistently and intentionally develop your network? A network is not something you can develop overnight. The more people you connect with, the wider your network for information, ideas and potential opportunities. Do many people know about your quality work and great work attitude? Does anyone know about your work achievements? Be authentic but do not brag. Networking is the opportunity to apply the people skills that you have developed.
A good way to improve your people skills is to get to know yourself first. How do you currently interact with people? Do you observe any patterns? Do you have a positive attitude or are you always able to find something negative to say about any situation? Are you well-liked or do your co-workers have a tendency to stay away from you? Where do you have room for improvement? What are the qualities that people like about you? Keep them up.
Your strong people skills will differentiate you from you peer financial analysts. You’ll be among the first candidates to be considered when a position opens if you are a positive team player and who can understand the wants and needs of others. Your chances will increase the more people know about these valuable qualities of yours. You can be sure the tactless unfriendly individual player will be among the first on the hit list when the time comes for cutbacks.
