Many financial analysts have solid financial background and qualifications. How can you differentiate yourself from your peers in the competitive financial industry? Strong people skills can be the distinguishing factor, assuming you and your peers offer similar level of value to the organization. Here are five characteristics that will help your colleagues to better know you, like you and trust you:
Positive attitude. Would you prefer to work with someone who is enthusiastic than one who whines often? Likewise, your colleagues would feel the same way too. Do you embrace new responsibilities or do you grumble about having too much work? Do you see challenges as opportunities or threats? Do you take initiatives or act helpless when some negative events happen? Be sure that you are part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Emotional maturity. The intense work of a financial analyst is stressful. Take responsibilities for your own feelings and don’t let it get out of control in the workplace. Be honest. Are you quick tempered? Do you often act on impulses? Find healthy ways to express your emotions and vent out your frustrations. Exercise, rest and relaxation are just a few simple ways you can release tension. Taking your frustrations out at work certainly won’t take you very far in your career.
Empathy. Remember that your fellow co-workers are also under work pressure and some may even have their personal struggles to handle. Be understanding of their seemingly unfriendly behavior. Develop the ability to identify the wants, needs and perspective of others even when they are not verbalized. Being a good listener helps. Empathy is a basic quality of an excellent leader and is the foundation for developing strong people relationships.
Team player. Be generous and share your knowledge with your team. Although you will be evaluated based on your individual performance, you belong to a team. It may be counter-intuitive to help your co-workers when some are competing with you for the next promotion. Helping your colleagues achieve their goals will earn you their support and respect. When you help to give solutions to your team members, they will also reciprocate the support when you are in need.
Network. The more people you connect with, the wider your network for information, ideas and potential opportunities. Do you have any regular networking meetings? Do many people know about your quality work and great work attitude? Does anyone know about your work achievements? Be authentic and do not brag. Networking is the opportunity to apply the people skills that you have developed.
A good way to improve your people skills is to know yourself first. How do you currently interact with people? Do you observe any patterns? Do you have a positive attitude or do you always focus on the negative? Are you well-liked or do your co-workers tend to stay away from you? What are the qualities that people like about you? Where do you have room for improvement? Your strong people skills will increase your chances of you getting the next promotion over your financial analyst counterpart or keeping your job safe during cutbacks.
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