1. Treat everyone equally – as if each person is important to you. If you are part of a group of friends, no individual should feel less liked, valued or wanted than anyone else. Show respect for each person’s opinions and ideas. Don’t think of anyone as unpopular.
2. Be interested in others, and what matters to them (even if their interests seem boring to you). Being listened to affirms that you’re a valuable person; and often we’re just looking for a listening ear.
3. Be friendly, warm, outgoing and talk to everyone. It’s easy to ignore or overlook those who are shy, or those who feel awkward and don’t know what to say.
4. Be kind to everyone. At times this can be hard as people can be difficult or unkind to you. But it says more about them than it does about you.
5. Use people’s names when you’re talking to them. It conveys that they are ‘someone’, and builds a stronger bond.
6. Compliment people. Try to notice something good in everyone you meet. But make sure you’re sincere when you give a compliment.
7. Share the joke with everyone. Don’t make inside jokes. It’s exclusive and unkind. Everyone should feel they are part of the group.
8. Do your best to have fun, and have a laugh with everyone. That helps to reduce tension and to break the barriers down.
Coaching Skills International 