PeopleSmart: Developing Your Interpersonal Intelligence

I recent days, I have systematically read and processed the work of Dr. Mel Silberman, in his book, PeopleSmart, subtitled Developing Your Interpersonal Intelligence. Dr. Silberman is a clinical psychologist who has worked with people in their personal and professional development for over 30 years.My primary focus was given to the areas of "active listening" and "succinct and direct answers." For this reason, I have yet to venture beyond chapter 2 as this would move the discussion outside of my particular area of concern.The book consists of 8 skills that if mastered are characteristic of those who are PeopleSmart.My interest is in PeopleSmart Skills 1 (PSS1): Understanding People, and PeopleSmart Skills 2 (PSS2): Expressing Yourself Clearly.PSS1 discussed the importance of active listening, empathizing with others and their viewpoint. Among other things, Body language was also discussed in understanding and interpreting lifestyle differences for communication in order to establish better working relationships.PSS2 focused on the significance of communication - getting the message across. The ability to get to the point with brevity, when required, yet providing the necessary details so that confusion doesn't reign was important. The ability to use terminology that "sticks" was also highlighted.In all the counsel offered, fundamental to this was the idea of - LEARN IT - TRY IT - LIVE IT. This was the practical application recommended by Silberman in the ongoing effort of developing interpersonal skills.I completed a survey of my PeopleSmart Skills which confirmed that I had additional room for overall improvement, much less the previously identified areas of concentration.Of particular interest, Silberman remarked, "...trying to understand others is the cornerstone to interpersonal intelligence. When you don't understand other people, you can't influence, collaborate, or resolve conflicts with them."An interesting point was made to postpone important conversations UNLESS able to give the individual the uninterrupted attention or time required. This is a judgment call that should be carefully considered, given the individual and circumstance.The idea of practicing being FULLY PRESENT when speaking or listening to others ...The goal of Communication: get message across - talk straight - include the listener. The author notes that good communicators don't think out loud. I suppose I don't necessarily "think out loud," but I do add my own commentary on what I think is occurring.Looking forward, my goal is to withhold my own feelings or commentary unless asked, and when asked. In my field of work (pastorate) - this may be more difficult than imagined.

The author outlines 8 useful and neccessary skills to become People Smart:1)Understanding People. Author provides a succinct explaination and usefulness of MBTI indicators such as ENTP.2)Expressing yourself clearly. I didn't find this chapter too useful. As long as you speak clearly and choose your words carefully, you are at least a decent speaker.3)Asserting your needs. Useful only to for those who can't assert themselves).4)Exchanging feedback5)Influencing Others. This is the best chapter by far. Influencing others involve making a connection and figuring out what their needs are (security, acceptance, ego, self actualization) and then making a persuasion in align with their needs.6)Resolving Conflict. This is only if you argue with people all the time.7)Being a team player.8)Shifting Gears.

A good book but 40% if its content are basically common sense.

This is an awesome book that illustrates simply the skill sets needed to increase your interpersonal intelligence. I have recommended this book to over 60 people. Its a must read for leaders at all levels. The book is not full of over the top psychological lingo, that many other books on this subject are. It Simple and Practical. Understanding people is not complicated, when you understand yourself and how you are, who you are. People Smart will increase your knowledge of Self. Get It!!!!

While I enjoyed Dr. Silberman's well organized thesis on developing your PQ (PeopleSmart Quotient), I found his format overly dry and at times lacking in depth. Although well layed out and punctuated by examples, this summary approach was often dry in its presentation and left me wanting more personable material to support the author's explanations. While I would still recommend this book, the potential reader must realize it is organized more like a crash course on relationships rather than an in depth study of them.

I enjoy reading books that can help in understanding the self-help nature of relating with people. I had problems with interpersonal communications but did not know how to apply it. You develop a better understanding if knowledge of the language is communicated. Understand the differences between genders makes conversations a little more meaningful. From there, judgment lets you decide how to approach people.That helps when problems in communication takes place.

Some information is a liitlebit obvious. well organized. The exercices are very practical and useful.

This book is very practical, and written in a workbook format. It even comes with a 8 week program. It's a great overview of interpersonal skills.

not very helpful, lot of common sense and very unrealistic dialogues as examples

very easy read. Probably didn't learn that much that I didn't already know but it was a nice summary.

awesome

Good book to read.

Tout y est, le contenu est très utile et permet de relier tous les éléments de l'intelligence sociale, avec des exercices.Par contre, attention, la police de caractères est ENORME, ça surprend un peu on dirait un livre zoomé.Donc 3 étoiles seulement à cause de ce problème d'édition.