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Many people do not realize that in our daily lives, we use our interpersonal skills when simply interacting and building relationships with family, friends, and acquaintances. But how effective we are when speaking and how active we are when listening depend on our interpersonal skills.
Interpersonal skills are more than just for socializing with other people. Interpersonal skills are very important when it comes to our career success.
From applying for a new job to communicating with our co-workers and clients, conducting conferences, and advancing our careers, we need valuable interpersonal skills.
So, whether you are looking for a new job or eyeing a promotion, make sure you have these interpersonal skills that employers value. Be prepared when you go to interviews because employers always ask interpersonal skills interview question to evaluate their applicants.
But first, what are interpersonal skills, and why are they so important?
Also known as people skills, social skills, life skills, or soft skills, interpersonal skills are needed to effectively interact and communicate with individuals and groups.
When it comes to business, interpersonal skills play a vital role in an employee’s ability to work effectively with others in the workplace. Regardless of the field you choose, most experts believe that a person who possesses strong interpersonal skills tends to be more successful—and this is actually true.
If you don’t have these skills, it would be hard for you to build a good rapport with your employer, co-workers, and clients. As a result, you will have more conflict and miscommunication among your co-workers, even with your employer.
Interpersonal skills are not learned or developed through textbooks but rather through first-hand experience. Others are born with it and are sometimes called “good with people.” If the skills don’t come to you naturally, don’t worry! You can develop these skills through practice!
#1: Leadership skills
A person with leadership skills can motivate, encourage and direct people to reach their common goals. Good leadership skills make co-workers feel heard and understood and as a result, increase efficiency and productivity in the workplace.
Having leadership skills will help you accomplish more than just the tasks in your job description; it will help you climb the organizational ladder. That is why leadership skills are one of—if not the most—sought-after skills by every employer when hiring or promoting.
#2: Communication skills
Good communication skills are always in the top rank in the list of “must possess” skills among job applicants. They are required in every workplace—whether you are answering phone calls, writing memos, emailing clients, or conducting presentations.
The first step to building relationships is through communication. However, it is more than just the spoken or written words. Nonverbal communication is also important. This includes facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and eye contact.
#3: Listening skills
These skills are also important in any workplace and go hand-in-hand with communication. Good listening skills help us stay focused on the person we are talking with.
By actively listening, we learn things from them, and they will feel heard and valued—thus, building better working relationships.
To be an effective listener, avoid interrupting the person speaking until they have expressed themselves.
#4: Emotional intelligence
It is the ability to discern, recognize, and manage one’s emotions and others. Empathy allows you to understand how others feel, which is especially important in any workplace.
By putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, you will know how it feels to be in their situation and how you want others to treat you. This is why an empathic person bonds easily with others. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a person with empathy?
#5: Conflict Management
No matter how amazing your job is, there will always be conflicts. But how you manage the conflict in the workplace is vital. This is also what employers value. Being able to handle the conflict calmly and professionally will make you a valuable employee.
#6: Teamwork
In any working environment, one must be a team player. Co-workers will expect you to do your job so that they can also do theirs effectively and efficiently. Your teamwork skills develop side by side with the other important skills mentioned, such as active listening, communication, and empathy.
#7: Positive Attitude
Employers don’t want to hire or promote employees who show a negative attitude towards work or their co-workers. Having a positive attitude doesn’t mean you are in denial of the negative or difficult situation, but rather hopeful, so you will try to make the most out of it.
#8: Respect for others
Courteous regard for others is an important life skill, especially in the workplace, regardless of one’s personal feelings. Having mutual respect among co-workers supports good relationships.
To respect your co-worker requires a strong belief that they, too, have the right to be heard and the right to have the same opportunities as you and everyone else.
#9: Patience
This skill doesn’t come easy. In this modern world, we do things fast, making patience hard to learn and practice. Patience is a virtue and a valuable skill one must possess in order to succeed in their career because success doesn’t happen overnight.
#10: Negotiation skills
Other skills that also work hand in hand with communication are negotiation skills. In every workplace, whenever we try to compromise or look for better solutions to problems among co-workers and clients, we always use our negotiating skills to come to an understanding or agreement.
Also, these skills come in handy when it comes to asking for a raise, a flexible schedule, or a promotion.
Conclusion
Employers evaluate applicants by asking them interview questions based on interpersonal skills, as these skills are very crucial to the success of an organization. These valuable skills will also help you reach your goal and be successful in your career.
You may also like: The Benefits of Upskilling Your Employees
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