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PeopleSmart Skill 1

Understanding People

19

You can see a lot, just by listening.

—YOGI BERRA

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The existentialist philosopher, Jean Paul Sartre, observed that hell is other people! We agree in one sense. If understanding others were an easy proposition, people wouldn’t have so many idiomatic expressions to express its difficulty:20

  • “I just can’t get inside his head.” “I don’t get where she’s coming from.” “I don’t know what makes him tick.” “I just don’t have her number.” “She’s a tough nut to crack.” “I can’t relate to him at all.” “She’s a mystery ...

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