How to size people up *fast*

by Blair Warren

An important skill to have in human relationships is the ability to size people up fast. 

Are they honest?  Are they reliable?  Are they responsible?  Are they go-getters?  Etc.

If there was a way to quickly and reliably figure out how other people think, there’s no telling how much time and trouble we could save.

Unfortunately, by definition, patterns of thinking must unfold over time before we can observe them.  So it can take months, years, and sometimes decades to truly understand another person.

But there is a shortcut.  It isn’t 100% accurate, but it’s close.  And best of all, it can work almost instantly.

Rather than try to learn how other people think, pay attention to how they explain. 

How do they explain giving you the wrong change at a checkout register?  How do they explain being late for your meeting?  How do they explain where they are in their life or career?

In short, how do they explain anything?  Because odds are, this is how they will explain everything. 

If you don’t believe me, try my little trick for a few days. 

Next time you meet people, pay attention to how they explain things.  Big things.  Little things.  Anything.  It doesn’t matter.  Their explanations will reveal more than you, or they, might imagine.

But why does this shortcut work so well?  Don’t ask me.  I can’t explain it.

Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 at 07:04 AM

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For more information visit www.BlairWarren.com