Interpersonal skills are social skills needed to interact with people. Examples are communication, problem-solving, active listening, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Also known as people’s skills, soft skills, or social skills, interpersonal skills are the foundation of the success of any relationship.
While it comes naturally to some people, it can be learned and developed by everybody. It is a combination of a person’s personality traits and behaviours.
In this article, we are going to talk about:
- Interpersonal skills in the workplace
- 30 interpersonal skills: examples and meanings
- Importance of interpersonal skills
- How to improve interpersonal skills
Interpersonal Skills in the Workplace
Many job descriptions require frequent human interaction. These could be between your colleagues, boss, customers or clients.
Strong interpersonal skills such as knowledge sharing, problem-solving and decision making are needed to carry out jobs effectively. Other vital interpersonal skills required are
- Responsibility
- Empathy
- Reliability
- Verbal and written communication
Having solid interpersonal skills leads to efficiency and job productivity. In contrast, poor interpersonal skills can deter a company’s growth as people want to relate to personalities they like.
30 Interpersonal Skills: Examples and Meaning
1. Communication
This is the act of talking to people. It is how we relate with other people in our personal or professional relationships.
Communication can be verbal or non-verbal. We must be precise with our words and choice of language to make sure our message is understood.
2. Positive Attitude
Energies can be infectious. A positive attitude is needed to have a harmonious working environment.
Even when faced with difficulties, it is essential to stay positive; it can boost morale and encourage people around you.
3. Empathy
In the workplace, this means to understand people have different needs and feelings. You can show empathy by being kind and sensitive to others.
4. Reliability
A reliable person is a trustworthy person. It is good to deliver your work when it is expected of you. Reliability demonstrates your commitment to your work which in turn brings you stability.
5. Negotiation
Negotiation is a vital skill in most job roles. To negotiate effectively, you must be an active listener to understand the need of others.
6. Teamwork
Employers often require individuals who are able and willing to work with others effectively. As a good team player, you should know when to stand back and also know when to be supportive.
7. Leadership
This is the ability to take charge or ownership to reach common goals. Leadership is a vital interpersonal skill that involves effective decision-making regardless of your job position.
8. Conflict Resolution
The ability to manage or resolve conflicts in the workplace. To be good at conflict resolutions, you need to be a good communicator and an active listener, listen to both sides without being biased and understand the situation entirely.
9. Active listening
While you may need to express your ideas, you also need to listen to others thoughtfully.
This will make the other person feel valued. It will help if you are focused, make inquiries, and are curious to hear actively.
10. Flexibility
Adapting to new changes around you is a vital skill everyone should have.
11. Assertiveness
Assertive communication is ideal for many workplace communications. It is having a solid sense of your value and being outspoken about it calmly but powerfully.
12. Patience
It is easy to get infuriated at little things, but can you react without losing your cool? Patience is a vital skill everyone should learn.
13. Respect
Good manners go a long way. Learn to be respectful with words and actions. Also, learn to respect personal space.
14. Open to Feedback
To be better at your personal or work relationships, you need to be open to feedback. Be willing to accept corrections as it enables you to grow and perform better.
15. Self-confidence
This is the ability to believe in yourself. No one will think you’re good at your job if you act like you don’t believe in yourself.
Self-confidence improves the way people perceive and relate to you. It also gives you the courage to pursue your goals.
16. Time Management
Knowing how to allocate time effectively to achieve work tasks is a vital skill everyone should have
17. Administrative Skills
Administrative skills increases productivity. it is essential for good office management. they include
18. Organizational skills
This skill is desired by all kinds of employers. It is the ability to stay focused on different tasks effectively and efficiently.
19. Customer Service Skills
Excellent customer service skills are beneficial to a company’s growth. The ability to communicate with others, resolve complaints, demonstrate patience and understanding and ensure customers satisfaction are excellent customer service skills.
20. Marketing Skills
Good marketing skills determine how you sell products and influence people to patronize you.
21. Creative Thinking
This helps you analyze and consider work ideas differently. Creative thinking is helpful when solving problems in the workplace.
22. Decision Making
This is the ability to choose the best option when faced with two or more alternatives. Decision making is essential to manage the workplace effectively.
23. Coping With Pressure
Some work can be challenging and demands a high level of pressure tolerance. Being able to meet strict deadlines can give you an edge over others.
24. Strong Work Ethic
This is the ability to stay professional, having principles that guide your work style and ethics.
25. Motivation
This is how you push yourself to achieve more and perform better in the workplace. Self-motivation is a vital skill needed in every workplace.
26. Diplomacy
You demonstrate diplomacy when you determine the appropriate time to communicate, are mindful of body language, and carefully choose your words. Diplomacy enhances your ability to manage internal and external relationships.
27. Mentoring
Mentoring skill is the ability to lead by example and guide others through their own decisions. This is important in every organization.
28. Sense of Humour
This is an essential and beneficial skill needed in every relationship. it is how you stay friendly and civil in every conversation.
29. Sensitivity
The ability of an individual to assess one’s capability, traits, and state of mind from non-verbal cues. When you are sensitive to others, it makes the atmosphere more friendly and comfortable.
30. Responsibility
A sense of responsibility is valued in every work organization and personal relations. It is taking action to achieve tasks and goals.
Importance of interpersonal skills
- Interpersonal skills are essential parts of functioning within the society
- Solid interpersonal skills indicate longevity in the workplace
- It maintains a relationship. Interpersonal skills are suitable for growing your personal and professional relationships.
- It establishes your reputation. How you relate with people, clients, and customers can influence how they perceive you or your company.
- Strong interpersonal skills help you gain confidence.
How to improve interpersonal skills
Build Relationships
Seek out opportunities to build new relationships. You can join groups of people with similar interests and networks.
Be Intentional
Take time to reflect and think of ways you can improve your interactions. Are you hurtful or kind with your words? Being intentional of the words and ways you interact improves your interpersonal skills.
Learn From Others
I am sure there are people you admire their interpersonal skills around you. You can learn from them. Observe the way their positive qualities and emulate.
Ask For Constructive Criticism
A third-party evaluation of your interpersonal skills won’t hurt. They can point out areas where you are doing well and areas you still need improvements.
Attend Online Classes
There are several online workshops or classes to help people improve their interpersonal skills. Most of them are free,
Seek out mentorship
You can take advice and counselling from someone you admire and respect on interpersonal skills. This is an effective way to learn.
Conclusion
We have established that having solid interpersonal skills are essential for every human interaction in work organizations, employees tend to prefer people with better interpersonal skills.
Working and improving on your skills leads to better human interactions and understanding.
This article was written to broaden your knowledge on 30 interpersonal skills, their synonyms and meanings, and we hope this piece gave you the knowledge you require.
We implore you to help someone else that is curious about this information by sharing it on relevant forums and across your social media platforms.
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