Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are the skills used by a person to interact with others properly. In the business domain, the term generally refers to an employee’s ability to get along with others while getting the job done. The ability to communicate within an organization depends heavily upon people’s interpersonal skills.

The set of abilities enabling a person to interact positively and work effectively with others. Development of the interpersonal skills of employees is a key goal of training and development initiatives for many companies, and is considered a constructive manner in which to handle office disputes and other personnel issues. These skills include the areas of communication, listening, delegation of tasks and leadership.

Interpersonal skill comprises of an array of aspects, including listening skills, communication skills and attitude. In the business world, the term may mean the ability of an employee to get along with his or her colleagues at the workplace. Currently, proper interpersonal skills are vital in many job positions as well as organizations.

1 Effective Communication

To convey your message effectively, you need good communication skills, including spoken, written and nonverbal communication skills. To communicate effectively, you need to listen thoughtfully and actively before giving your opinion. Good communication skills are necessary in any profession; they help to combat conflicts at the work place, facilitate productivity and allow one to convey accurate and understandable message to colleagues and clients.

2 Positive Attitude

Positive attitude is another component of good interpersonal skills. Displaying a positive attitude implies that you appreciate your work and the company. Portraying a positive attitude includes doing such things as smiling while interacting and communicating with your colleagues and customers, greeting people cheerfully at the work place, expressing appreciation for other people’s efforts and undertaking challenging with optimism.

3 Inclusiveness

Rather than doing things your own way, it is important to welcome the views of others in the workplace. To demonstrate your team spirit, willingness to cooperate and open-mindedness, you need to ask for the opinion and input of your colleagues at the workplace. To foster inclusiveness in the company, you should also push for a socially inclusive environment in the workplace.

4 Problem Solving

Conflicts are a common occurrence in the workplace. Rather than how fast you solve the conflicts at the work place, you should focus on the best way to resolve conflicts. To resolve a conflict, you first need to understand the cause. You should then evaluate all the possible solutions to the conflict and set up objectives and strategies for solving the issue. Finally, implement the plan and monitor its success.

5 Assertiveness

Assertiveness is another important component of good interpersonal skills. Assertiveness entails defending what you believe in, standing up for your ideas and confidently instructing others on what should be done. If not properly practiced, assertiveness can be confused with aggressiveness. However, this is a very important aspect, with regards to effective interpersonal skills. When used tactfully, this skill can earn you respect from other people.

6 Manners

Having good manners can bring out other interpersonal skills in you. Different communities across the world tend to judge people by their manners. With many businesses going global, the need for proper manners at work is becoming more important. Proper etiquette is essential in business-to-business interactions in both small and big companies across the world.

7 Social Awareness

In a bid to succeed in your projects, you may find yourself ignoring other people’s concerns. Being aware of the emotions of the other people at the place of work is an important interpersonal skill. Additionally, this skill can make it easier for you to identify opportunities. For example, a person undergoing professional challenges tends to become desperate for aid. However, such person will not tell you that they are desperate. Having social awareness skills will ensure that you identify such cases with ease.

8 Self-Management

Self management is a very valuable trait in the work environment. Many things will offend you in your line of duty, but this skill will enable you to conceal anger and hide frustration. Learning this skill is vital as it will enable you to control your emotions and remain calm in adverse conditions for optimal production.

9 Accountability and Responsibility

In addition to portraying maturity, these two interpersonal skills ensure that you do exactly what you said you would do. Therefore, these two traits will ensure that you are a trusted and responsible person. Accountability can also be very helpful in conflict resolution. For instance, admitting your mistakes and their consequences means that you are accountable and will solve many conflicts you might have with your colleagues.

10 Team Player

Being a team player is essential for a position which requires performing optimally in a culturally diverse work environment. Additionally, it implies that you are able to work in harmony with people from varied nationalities. This skill is particularly important if you are looking for a leadership or a highly technical position in an organization or company.