People Skills For Analytical Thinkers - Gilbert Eijkelenboom

Photo from Linkedin Book Introduction

As part of #bookaweekchallenge I couldn't resist reading one person from the list of books on my (yet to read) bookshelves. Book titled "People Skills For Analytical Thinkers" by Gilbert Eijkelenboom. This book is a best seller and in my Linkedin network, I have been seeing this book being read by many Linkedin family members. Not just that, the book has such astounding reviews and that catches the eye of any audience. Now into the business, In the data science and analytics field, communication is one of the fortes that we need to be skilled with. Business communication is hard let alone normal communication. As an introverted girl and a professional in a field where your work needs to be communicated effectively, I decided to purchase this book and try to better my social skills. Oh boy! I was not wrong. I am highly impressed by what the author brings on to the table. The book is divided into 4 parts and each part has several chapters and it gives us a smooth transition from one chapter to another. The book has conclusions summarized at the end of each part to make sure the readers are following and prepped to dive into the next parts.

Part 1: Be Self-Aware:

Part 1 consists of Chapters 1 to 6. This part illustrates the readers first understand your own algorithm (meaning behavioral patterns). By understanding our own pattern we can, in turn, find how strong our emotional intelligence is and how it affects making effective decisions. The author clearly explains the significance of emotional intelligence. Part 1 includes some exercises for us to work on that guide us to find our inner strengths. The part ends with tips to help us track our own behavioral patterns.

Part 2: Optimize:

Part 2 consists of Chapters 6 to 10. The chapters are relatively short compared to other parts but it is the most important part as it enlightens us with ways to optimize our own behavior. This part includes exercises to analyze our inner weaknesses and strengths. Analyzing these behaviors gives us a plethora of ways to optimize our behavior. The part explains the recipe of change to be followed for both weakness and strengths. The part concludes with an explanation of how we can create our own optimal environment that works best for us.

Part 3: Interact:

Part 3 consists of Chapters 11 to 15. This part starts with an explanation of what is the driving force behind other people's behavior. The author not only explains the key formula behind other people's behavior but also shares real-life examples to make it more understanding. Further on, the author explains how we can leverage social communication with others by understanding their behavior patterns and leads to a win-win situation.

Part 4: Influence:

Part 4 consists of Chapters 16 to 20. Personally, I loved this part. Even though the previous parts were essential in understanding ourselves and other's behavior, this part explains how we can build our communication to influence. The author lists ways to be open towards our communication with other people with some examples to help us understand better. He concludes the part by listing the 3 key steps to be followed in any general social as well as corporate environment.

REVIEW

Soft Skills are no more underrated. It is one of the mandatory skills for being a good analyst or data science professional. Over the course of our professional journey, we will be in a situation to communicate/deliver results to the business clients/stakeholders and that's when our soft skill plays a vital role in our project success.

I can't emphasize enough the importance of the contents the book provides. The book is itself a lifesaver to those who want to develop effective communication. This book should not be read once and shelved but needs to be carried along as a communication bible for analytical thinkers. My review is 5/5.

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