There’s a secret sauce that separates okay networkers from those with truly exceptional social skills.
It’s not about having the wittiest one-liners or the most polished elevator pitch—it runs much deeper than that.
These ace communicators seem to have an instinctive knack for reading a room, building rapport, and inspiring trust.
They do certain things so effortlessly that it seems like second nature to them.
In this article, we’re going to delve into these behaviors and reveal the seven things people with great social skills often do instinctively.
The best part? These are skills anyone can learn and apply, whether you’re networking at a business conference, building your startup team, or simply navigating your day-to-day interactions.
1) They’re active listeners
In the world of business and personal interactions, listening is an underrated superpower.
People with exceptional social skills are often masters of active listening.
They don’t just hear the words people are saying, they truly understand the meaning behind those words—and they do this instinctively, almost without thinking.
Active listening is about giving your full attention to the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully.
It’s not just about waiting for your turn to talk; it’s about making the person you’re conversing with feel heard and valued.
This skill builds trust and fosters more meaningful connections, whether you’re negotiating a business deal, building a team, or simply engaging in small talk.
However, active listening isn’t something you can fake because people can sense when you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say.
2) They adapt to different communication styles
One thing I’ve noticed about people with exceptional social skills is their uncanny ability to adapt to different communication styles.
I remember an instance where I was part of a team working on a new project.
We were a diverse group, each with our own unique way of expressing ideas and solving problems.
Some were direct and to the point, while others preferred a more diplomatic, roundabout approach.
There was this one team member who had this amazing knack for navigating these different communication styles.
When talking with the more direct individuals, she was succinct and got straight to the point, but when dealing with those who preferred a softer approach, she would adjust her tone and delivery.
Watching her adapt her communication style based on who she was talking to was a real eye-opener for me.
It wasn’t about changing who she was, but about respecting other people’s communication preferences.
That’s something that people with great social skills do instinctively—they adapt and adjust their communication style to best connect with the person they are interacting with.
3) They show empathy
Empathy is at the heart of all strong social connections.
People with great social skills have this in abundance, and it’s what enables them to understand and share the feelings of others.
But here’s something you might not know—empathy is not just a human trait.
Studies have shown that even rats can exhibit empathy; when one rat sees another in distress, it will often go out of its way to help.
Much like our furry friends, socially skilled people inherently understand the importance of empathy in building and maintaining relationships.
They don’t just listen and respond, they put themselves in the other person’s shoes and respond with understanding and compassion.
Whether you’re networking, managing a team, or communicating with clients, demonstrating empathy can go a long way in fostering respect and establishing meaningful connections.
4) They’re experts at non-verbal communication
People with great social skills are often experts at reading and using non-verbal cues.
They understand that a warm smile, sincere eye contact or a firm handshake can speak volumes; they also instinctively know when to lean in to show interest or when to take a step back to give someone space.
But it’s not just about their own body language as they’re also adept at interpreting the non-verbal signs of others.
This ability allows them to gauge the other person’s comfort level and respond appropriately.
Mastering non-verbal communication can significantly enhance your interactions, making you not just a good communicator, but a great one.
5) They know how to handle conflict
Conflict is often seen as a negative, but it doesn’t have to be.
In fact, when navigated correctly, conflict can lead to better understanding, deeper relationships, and improved solutions.
I recall a time when I had a major disagreement with a colleague over the direction of a project: Tensions ran high and it felt like our working relationship was at risk but, instead of letting the situation escalate, we decided to tackle the issue head-on.
We sat down, outlined our differing viewpoints, and really tried to understand where the other was coming from.
It wasn’t easy, but by focusing on resolving the conflict rather than winning the argument, we managed to find common ground.
People with great social skills instinctively know how to handle conflict in a constructive way.
They don’t shy away from tough conversations and disagreements; instead, they see them as opportunities for growth and understanding.
6) They’re genuine
In a world full of curated images and polished personas, authenticity stands out.
People with great social skills are inherently genuine.
They are true to themselves and aren’t afraid to show their real personality; they don’t put on a mask or try to be someone they’re not.
This authenticity resonates with people as it builds trust, fosters deeper connections, and makes interactions more meaningful.
Being genuine doesn’t mean oversharing or being unprofessionally casual.
It simply means being true to who you are and allowing others to see that.
Whether you’re at a networking event, leading a team meeting, or connecting with clients, remember that authenticity is one of your greatest assets.
7) They respect others
At the core of every positive social interaction, there is a fundamental element of respect.
People with great social skills instinctively value and respect the people they interact with.
They understand that every person has their own unique experiences, perspectives, and ideas, and they honor these differences.
Respect is shown in many ways—through active listening, empathetic responses, and genuine interest in others.
It’s about making the other person feel valued and important.
When you treat people with respect, you not only build stronger relationships but also create a positive atmosphere that fosters collaboration and mutual understanding.
It’s the cornerstone of effective social interaction and a trait that every socially skilled person possesses.
Final thoughts: It’s all about connection
The magic of human interaction lies in our shared experiences and connections.
At the heart of great social skills is the ability to foster these connections instinctively.
Whether it’s through active listening, empathy, or respect, every interaction is an opportunity to create a genuine connection.
Consider this quote from Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
In essence, this is what social skills are truly about; it’s about creating a positive impact on those we interact with, leaving them feeling valued and respected.
As you navigate your own social interactions, remember that great social skills aren’t just about mastering certain behaviors.
They’re about genuinely connecting with others and fostering relationships based on understanding and respect.
When you can do that instinctively, you’re creating meaningful connections that can last a lifetime!
Feeling stuck in self-doubt?
Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.
