Social Psych for Geeks?

I was intrigued recently when I came across an article from Reuters titled, “Computer geeks learn to flirt”.  Here’s the key takeaway:

The course, which starts next Monday, is part of the social skills section of the IT course and is designed to ease entry into the world of work. Students also learn body language, public-speaking, stress management and presentation skills.

“We want to prepare our students with the social skills needed to succeed both in their private life and their work life,” said Hans-Joachim Allgaier, a spokesman for the institute at Potsdam University where the course is being offered.

This brings back memories of a college professor/mentor of mine who opened my eyes to social psychology… reading the unspoken word, tone of voice, the flow of energy, dealing with confrontations and the like.

I think it’s a great idea to teach this curriculum to the more introverted people in the IT field but I also asked myself, like I did when I was studying this in college, why don’t we teach this stuff in high school?… especially given all of the new modes of communication via technology and etiquette associated with each?

As I get older and older each year, I realize that interpersonal skills are critical to success in your work and your relationships… and there’s no reason not to learn this stuff in high school… or even earlier.