So much of an investigator’s success depends upon the skill and ability to collect information, the ability to interact effectively with fellow human beings is invaluable. Any investigator that cannot relate to clients, witnesses etc will not be a proficient operator. If an investigator alienates witnesses, they will not feel inclined to give information. If an investigator rides ‘rough-shod’ over the feelings of others, makes people feel ill at ease, offended, or defensive, their ability to gather information will be significantly impaired. In short, private investigators must have personal characteristics that attract and motivate others.

Without sufficient human relationship skills, investigators and security specialists will never be successful investigators. If an investigator wishes to be successful he or she must be able to achieve the following.

1. Project positive attitudes towards others
2. Be clearly and genuinely interested in others
3. Foster good human relations
4. Be empathic and express concern for others
5. Adapt to different personalities and circumstances
6. Communicate effectively with others
7. Be a believable personality
8. Influence and motivate other people
9. Manage conversations and effectively draw out information
10. Understand the emotional strengths and weaknesses of others
11. Have the ability to control his or her emotions
12. Create friends rather than enemies

The reasons that people instinctively like or dislike others; trust or fear them: are attracted to or repelled by others is a subject which is too complex to make a definitive study. However, effective investigators must be aware that their total effort to communicate effectively is affected by the impression they give to others, whether in the form of body odours (good or bad), facial expressions, body language, voice tone and phrasing.

Common sense will dictate that information gathering and fact assimilation will always be easier for those investigators that can skilfully interact with others.

Related posts:

1. Private Investigators – What Does it Take to be a Good PI?
2. Top tips for choosing a Private Investigator!
3. Information Sources and Intelligence Gathering
4. Does a UK Private Investigator Have to be Licensed?
5. DNA Profiling and the Private Investigator