What are the best predictors of "social success" (friends, relationships, job, etc.)?
One might say that the among SAT scores, high school GPA, recommendations and essay, one’s SAT score is the best predictor of academic success in college. Well what if we pivoted this question to the social realm. I’m interested in hearing what people would consider predictors of “social success”—those traits, experiences, behaviors, activities, etc. which makes certain people good with people and relationships in general in social, romantic and work contexts. It seems to me that certain people are simply very good with people, and thus in life in general, whereas certain other people are not—but it is not always evident exactly why this is, as well as how those who are not as successful socially can improve their social skills. An interesting corollary question might be, what are the predictors of social failure?
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17 Answers
Talents that are socially recognized as being desirable, i.e. musical ability, athletic ability.
Self confidence. That difficult-to-qualify charisma.
Empathy. Ability to relate to others.
Good communication skills.
“To succeed in the world it is not enough to be stupid, you must also be well-mannered.” — Voltaire
I think if someone has enough self-confidence or ease to have more interest in what is going on with other people than their own internal affairs for much of the time, they are likely to be socially successful.
Being attentive and a good listener are qualities common to people I respect socially and professionally. Add on a great sense of humor and sense of style and IMO you almost always will have a recipe for success in all that you do.
you dont care about it and do what you love
Trust between yourself & your loved ones.
Actually the Wechsler is considered one of the more important predictors of academic success, not the SAT.
Who your friends are. They reflect who you gravitate towards and who you accept to be close to you. Your standing with them reflects to others how you maintain what you establish.
At what age and what sex?
Children? Income and education of the parents.
Young Adulthood? I’m going with looks and body shape as being very high on the list.
Adult? Perceived income potential.
Old age? A car and night time driver’s license.
Once you’ve become a teacher or administrator in an Independent school, the predicting factor seems to be height. Headmasters are taller than average (and usually lean).
Oh, & my girlfriend says “kickass music taste”.
meeting one’s expectations
My former husband was a Headmaster before his thirtieth birthday. He was a master at interpreting the will of the community, he was a futurist, he was articulate and most importantly, he listened better than anyone I’ve known. At faculty meetings, everyone talked, talked, talked. When each person had had his say and finally wound down, all heads turned to the Head.
He then gave an opinion and everyone agreed. That is what he had planned to happen. He functioned the same way at meetings with his board of trustees.
In the field, he was considered the Henry James of Headmasters, if you get my drift.
However, he was a negligent parent and an indifferent lover and friend.
@worriedguy What would you say the approximate age brackets for those life phases?
Lacking hermit / recluse tendencies is a good start.
Confidence is probably a big one.
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