Ways to read and win over people

by Athanase Papandropoulos

People perform according to the way you handle and guide them, according to the effort you make to boost their morale.

People strive for compliments, for recognition of their contribution to the daily work.

In order to read people and to create a pleasant atmosphere in your environment, you should use the following nine principles:

1. Listen in an exemplary manner

When you want to talk ... listen first. When you listen without interrupting, you could make others speak freely and say more.

An English old saying teaches us that: "When you want to speak ... listen first".

2. Talk less

When you talk less, the possibilities to make mistakes are limited. The answers should be short and the phrases simple and substantial. Use key words that can be retained. Communicate in an understandable way, and do not forget that when the tongue runs at high speed, the mind works slowly.

3. Attend exploratorily

Not just listening to what the interlocutors are saying, but monitoring the way they speak. If you attend and observe exploratorily, you discover some basic characteristics of others’ character and you can react accordingly.

Movement is body language. The eyes speak:

-attitude

-doubts

-preferences

-reactions and

-objections.

The eyes show the positivity or negativity in everything you offer to others: product, service or idea.

4. Ask questions

The difficulty is not to answer, but to ask the right questions. By asking the right questions you get the right answers, you gather valuable information and you learn secrets of the human behavior.

5. Be discreet

Discretion is the best way to win people’s favor. Do not express the opinion you have about others, because you risk losing the game and the appreciation of your fellowmen. You should always evaluate your subordinates by their presence.

6. Never advertise yourself

Give others the opportunity to learn your achievements from others. Think carefully before answering. If you have to give an answer, firstly you should stop, think, have all the information on the specific topic and then give the appropriate answer.

If you have doubts about your answer, use the "magic words" while speaking: maybe, approximately, I’m sorry I don’t know.

7. Negotiate properly

Always follow the rules of proper negotiation. You can’t take without giving and you can’t make concessions without asking for repayment.

8. Make suggestions, not remarks

Your observations should always be made in the form of suggestions. Prepare people properly to receive your messages. Highlight their proper actions first, and then make your suggestions to help them.

9. Smile

In addition to the common mind, sense of humor is an important asset. A smile brings people closer. It’s the music of life. A smile is a strong, convincing and constructive power.