Five Tips on Improving Your Interpersonal Skills

The simple truth is that no matter how much of a genius you are, no matter how good you are at your job and no matter how much revenue you bring into the company, if you have no interpersonal skills, you are of no value to anyone. You have to be able to get along with your coworkers, your boss and those you come in contact with in your day-to-day life in the office; it’s non-negotiable. Here are a few simple tips to help you improve your interpersonal skills.

Actively Listen

People know when you’re not really listening to them. They know when you’re just smiling politely at them while thinking about your own response or that meeting you have an in an hour, and it’s a turn off. Practice listening actively. This is much easier when you make a note of what people are saying and then repeat their words to them in a paraphrase.

Smile

When you look approachable, you look more personable. Smiling helps people feel welcomed and relaxed around you. It also makes you appear friendlier and more open, and it’s great for forming good relationships with those around you.

Resolve Conflict

If you have an issue with something or someone, don’t let it fester and do NOT speak about it to others. The worst thing you can do for your interpersonal skills is look like an angry, bitter person without the ability to resolve your own conflict. Approach the person with whom you are in conflict and speak kindly and firmly to the person in an effort to resolve the conflict. The sooner you do this, the sooner you’ll all be happier in the office.

Use Clear Communication

It’s much easier to foster healthy working relationships when you communicate your needs and desires. If you want your employees to do something a specific way, tell them. Don’t assume they’ll do it your way after reading your mind and then treat them like imbeciles because they weren’t able to read your mind. Communicate; it’s much easier in the long run.

Keep Complaints to Yourself

No one likes a complainer. It’s difficult to develop good relationships in the office when you’re known as the complainer; the person everyone tries to get away from. Keep a smile on your face and keep your complaints to yourself. Or save them for your spouse when you get home.

(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)