Hiring the people skills by Patricia Ryan, MS

Why do some instructors inspire their participants to one more walk, a bit of laughter and a must-attend Tuesday class? Why can one staff member start a walking club and lure previously inactive residents to join in the fun, while another just can’t seem to get a club started?

The answer is probably found in people skills. Also called soft skills, people skills are the harder-to-measure qualities that enable a person to work well with older adults. You probably recognize people skills in your most effective staff members. These individuals enjoy working with older adults. They are pleasant and personable, easy to talk to, and comfortable around people.