In 2016, Forbes wrote an article based on a study by University of Washington identifying 12 qualities of genuine people.
Genuine people have better emotional intelligence. Period.
I am grateful that I am surrounded by some genuine people.
Here are the qualities of genuine people, according to the study.
1. Genuine people don’t try to make people like them. Genuine people are who they are.
2. They don’t pass judgment. Genuine people are open-minded, which makes them approachable and interesting to others.
3. They forge their own paths. Genuine people don’t derive their sense of pleasure and satisfaction from the opinions of others. This frees them up to follow their own internal compasses.
4. They are generous. We’ve all worked with people who constantly hold something back, whether it’s knowledge or resources.
5. They treat everyone with respect. Whether interacting with their biggest clients or servers taking their drink orders, genuine people are unfailingly polite and respectful.
6. They aren’t motivated by material things. Genuine people don’t need shiny, fancy stuff in order to feel good
7. They are trustworthy. People gravitate toward those who are genuine because they know they can trust them.
8. They are thick-skinned. Genuine people have a strong enough sense of self that they don’t go around seeing offense that isn’t there.
9. They put away their phones. Nothing turns someone off to you like a mid-conversation text message or even a quick glance at your phone.
10. They aren’t driven by ego. Genuine people don’t make decisions based on their egos because they don’t need the admiration of others in order to feel good about themselves
11. They aren’t hypocrites. Genuine people practice what they preach.
12. They don’t brag. We’ve all worked with people who can’t stop talking about themselves and their accomplishments