Introduction
Interpersonal skills are the talents that we use every day when communicating and engaging with other people, both personally and in groups. These include a wide range of competencies, but particularly includes communication skills such as listening and communicating effectively. They also include the ability to manage and control your emotions.
It is no exaggeration to say interpersonal skills are the cornerstone of life-long success. The people with strong interpersonal skills tend to be able to work well, formally and informally, with other individuals, even within the team. They connect successfully with others, may it be their family, friends, colleagues, clients, or customers. Both at home and at work, they tend to have good relations.
Importance
Interpersonal skills impact organizational cultures as they affect job performance, which in turn helps to determine the outcome of a successful business. Companies should understand that interpersonal skills cannot merely be acquired in a classroom. Instead, they are characteristics that an individual will naturally possess.
Benefits
Interpersonal communication is about exchanging information among people. It is not only limited to verbal communication but also involves body language, facial expressions, visual messages, and other experiences facilitated in any way via technology. The benefits of interpersonal communication are enormous.
Interpersonal contact can serve a great deal of benefits. This helps us to create an impact on other people's behaviour, perceptions, and views. It facilitates higher productivity, efficient collaboration, and can help us build and sustain a social bond.
Features of Interpersonal Skills
Some features of interpersonal skills include
- Active listening
- Teamwork
- Responsibility
- Dependability
- Leadership
- Motivation
- Flexibility
- Patience
How to Improve
One can improve his/her interpersonal skills by following the below steps:
- Cultivate a positive outlook
- Control your emotions
- Acknowledge others' expertise
- Show a real interest in your colleagues
- Find one good trait in every co-worker
- Practice active listening
- Be assertive
- Practice empathy
- Maintain your relationship
