Helping Another Person Obtain Higher Self Esteem

We have all met someone who is shy and may suffer from depression.  Let’s look at a very important skill that may help such a person.  All a person ever wants is acceptance and to feel like a productive part of a team.

I once was in a room filled with adults.  One couple came in with a young teenage son.  I went over to the young man and complimented some aspect of his appearance.  We chatted awhile about his school participation and classes.  I did not know it at the time, but the young man had been suicidal.  He told his parents how thrilled he was that someone noticed how hard he had worked on his appearance.  And that someone talked specifically to him and made him feel like a part of the group.  What did I do that made such a difference?

First, I looked him straight in the eye and introduced myself and offered a handshake.  This made him know I made a special effort to meet him.  Next, I paid him a compliment that broke the ice.  Most teenagers are very aware of their appearance, and the compliment helped put his guard down.  Most people have no problem talking about themselves when asked.  So I asked a question about his school as he was school age.  The fact that I was engaging in a conversation only with him gave him a special feeling.  But, most of all, I kept quiet a lot and let the young man talk.  I only nodded in agreement from time to time.

I was practicing active listening skills, enabling someone to feel like a part of an event or group.  Looking someone directly in the eye and showing an interest in what they have to say may make a world of difference to that person.    Active listening skills are something to master that may be helpful to any business entity owner, no matter which kind of entity they choose of all the different types of companies.