The way we interact with other people is often referred to as our interpersonal skills. In other words, they are the skills each of us use to work together in a positive and meaningful way.
Many of these skills are inherently learned throughout our upbringing, however, the degree of which we master these skills vary. As with any technical or trade skill, interpersonal skills can be ascertained through practice. The following report will highlight the top seven interpersonal skills, how they are prevalent in a business environment, and a resource on how to develop your skills. Listening
The first and probably most important skill is listening. Listening is not simply hearing the words someone is saying, but rather fully …show more content…
In a business environment, effective communication leads to cooperation and can drive innovation. Carter McNamara, author of an article titled “How to Really Listen to Others”, provides eleven of the common guidelines necessary to learn how to effectively listen. Her article can be found at http://managementhelp.org/communicationsskills/listening-skills.htm. Assertiveness
Being assertive is the ability to clearly understand and communicate your needs in an honest and respectful way. How can we expect our peers to know what we need from them, if we do not clearly communicate? Assertiveness is not about being selfish, it is about helping others understand our viewpoints or opinions, in order to break down communication barriers and reduce conflict. You are likely to build stronger interpersonal relationships at work, if you are able to be assertive through calm and respective conversations. Being assertive, without being aggressive takes patience and practice. The Department of Health and Human Services in
Australia offers ten tips for being assertive on their website at
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/tentips/10-tips-for-being-assertive. …show more content…
Negotiation is a very complex skill that takes time to develop.
In his article “Improving your Negotiating Skills: Tips learned in the Trenches”, David Wachtel details five tips to keep in mind when developing your skills. His article can be viewed at http://www.negotiations.com/articles/negotiating-skills/. Feedback
Another skill that a successful leader must possess is the ability to provide feedback.
Feedback is the part of the communication loop that provides a person with information on their performance. This is vital in the development and growth of an employee, as this helps them focus on areas they can improve on. Feedback may often be viewed in a negative light, but this shouldn’t be the case. For example, if an employee is excelling in a particular area, the feedback they receive may provide them with the confidence to further develop those skills. Susan
Healthfield wrote an excellent article on how to provide feedback titled “Provide Feedback That
Has an Impact”. Her article can be found at https://www.thebalance.com/provide-feedback-thathas- an-impact-1916642. Persuasion
Often times in business, we must use the power of persuasion to influence others