Famous last words, “I have great people skills.” How many times have you interviewed someone and you ask them to name something they are really good at and they say, “I have great people skills.”

I often ask that question of people I meet and then I’m amazed to learn they can barely spell “people skills,” much less execute them.

Leaders understand that having great people skills requires them to grow those skills daily by building relationships of trust, respect and productive interactions.

Steven Covey stated it best when he said, “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” Having people skills means building relationships.

You may think you are a great people person, but if you can’t be trusted then you’re a long way from having people skills.

Having great people skills involves the ability to communicate effectively with people in a friendly, positive and uplifting way.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “You do not lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.” That’s all I’m gonna say, Tommy Gibbs