Five qualities that you must have to work with the public

There are many jobs that involve public interaction and require people-facing skills. These roles occur in various settings, such as customer service, healthcare, education, law enforcement, and social services. One of the key benefits of working in jobs that require public interaction is personal fulfillment. Employees in these roles often feel a great sense of purpose and satisfaction in helping others, as well as enjoyment from these interactions.

For example, healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses can positively impact patients’ lives by providing medical care and support. Similarly, teachers and professors can help students learn and grow, and social workers and human services professionals can help vulnerable populations.

Working in jobs that involve interaction with the public requires strong interpersonal skills and an ability to relate to people from all walks of life and backgrounds. To do this, you must be willing to listen and relate in a non-judgmental manner. That is why these skills are crucial in people-facing roles. 

Many public-sector jobs, such as those in healthcare and social work, absolutely demand the ability to talk comfortably with strangers and form trusting connections with their patients or clients. The benefits of roles such as these are increased career satisfaction as well as multiple material benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. This provides employees with financial stability, security, and an excellent work-life balance.

More people are now looking to pursue careers such as social work because of these benefits and jobs in this field are expected to grow at 9% this decade in the US. As the demand for social work has increased, different universities have started offering social work programs. Programs such as Spring Arbor’s online BSW program can even be completed online and as quickly as 20 months. So, anyone looking to put their interpersonal skills to use in their career is well advised to consider careers such as these. 

So, you must be thinking, what are the most important qualities one should have to work the public sector? Continue reading to find out! 

Strong communication skills

Effective communication is a crucial aspect of working with the public. When communicating with customers, clients, patients, or anyone else, it is essential for employees to convey information clearly and concisely. 

This involves not only articulating ideas and concepts effectively but also listening actively to the concerns and questions of the person they are interacting with. Active listening involves paying attention to the other person’s point, making eye contact, and acknowledging their input.

Employees who work with the public must be able to ask questions and clarify information to ensure they understand the needs and concerns of the person they are interacting with. This can help to build trust and can help to ensure that the person is heard and understood.

Additionally, employees who work with the public must be able to provide information in a way that is easy to understand. This may involve using clear and straightforward language, avoiding jargon or technical terms, and breaking down complex ideas into smaller, more manageable parts. 

Employees must be able to tailor their communication style to the needs and preferences of the person they are interacting with, whether that involves speaking slowly and clearly, providing written materials, or using visual aids.

Patience 

Working with the public can be challenging, and employees who work in public-facing roles may encounter difficult situations and interactions with customers or clients. 

Employees must remain patient and calm in these situations, even when faced with frustration or conflict. Patience is the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity or delay. It involves maintaining a positive attitude and not allowing negative emotions to take over.

When working with the public, employees may encounter customers who are unhappy, difficult, or upset, and employees need to remain patient and professional in these situations.

Remaining calm in difficult situations is also essential. This involves not reacting emotionally or getting defensive when faced with a challenging situation. Instead, employees must be able to respond calmly and measuredly, using their problem-solving and communication skills to defuse tense situations and find a solution to the problem at hand.

Besides maintaining patience and calmness in difficult situations, employees working with the public may also need strong conflict-resolution skills. This involves identifying the source of the conflict, listening actively to the concerns of the other person, and working collaboratively to find a solution that is acceptable to both parties.

Empathy 

Empathy is an essential quality for employees who work with the public. It involves the ability to understand and share the feelings of others and to put oneself in their shoes to understand their needs, concerns, and perspectives.

When working with the public, employees must be able to empathize with their customers, patients, or clients to provide effective service. This may involve actively listening to their concerns, taking the time to understand their perspective, and demonstrating a willingness to help them find a solution to their problem.

Empathy also helps employees to build trust with the people they serve. When customers feel that they are being heard and understood, they are more likely to trust the employee and to feel confident that their needs are being addressed. This can help to foster a positive relationship between the employee and the customer, which can lead to increased loyalty, satisfaction, and repeat business.

Adaptability 

When working with the public, employees can encounter unexpected challenges and situations that require them to think and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Therefore, employees need to respond to these situations effectively to provide the best possible service to their customers, clients, or patients.

Adaptability refers to adjusting to changing circumstances, an essential quality for employees who work with the public. This may involve responding to unexpected changes in the environment, such as sudden changes in weather or technology, or responding to unexpected customer needs or requests.

Adaptability is essential because it can help employees to build resilience and cope with stress. When faced with unexpected challenges, employees who can adapt can remain calm and focused. As a result, people who can adapt well are more likely to find ways to overcome challenges.

Problem solving skills 

Problem-solving skills are crucial in people-facing roles as they enable individuals to tackle complex issues and find solutions that meet the needs of their clients. When working with the public, you will inevitably encounter a range of challenging situations that require quick thinking and the ability to find creative solutions. 

Effective problem-solving skills allow you to address these issues in a timely and efficient manner, reducing stress for both yourself and your clients. Furthermore, being able to solve problems effectively allows you to carry out your job more efficiently and provides a better experience for those you are working with. Whether it’s finding ways to meet the specific needs of a client or resolving a conflict between two parties, problem-solving skills are an essential tool for success in any people-facing role.

Positive attitude 

A positive attitude is essential for employees who work with the public. When dealing with customers, patients, or clients, friendly, approachable, and upbeat employees can make a positive impression and help create a productive environment.

A positive attitude can be contagious and help create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, which can help put customers at ease and build trust. Customers are more likely to feel satisfied with their experience when they interact with positive and friendly employees, and they are more likely to return in the future.

Furthermore, a positive attitude can also contribute to a healthy and productive work environment. Employees who are positive and supportive of one another are more likely to work well together and be more engaged. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and improved performance.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, having a positive attitude, adaptability, empathy, patience, and strong communication skills is crucial for people-facing careers, as these qualities help individuals establish meaningful connections with others, understand their needs, and build trust. These skills allow individuals to navigate challenges and effectively communicate with clients or customers, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes. A positive attitude and adaptability enable individuals to approach challenges with an open mind and find innovative solutions to complex situations. Empathy and patience help individuals build strong relationships and understand the unique needs of others, while strong communication skills enable individuals to effectively convey information and promote collaboration. Overall, these social skills are essential in building professional relationships and providing high-quality support to those in need.