By:
Alyssa Carbonaro
Many of
us communicate and interact with other people almost every day, whether we do
it on an individual basis or in a group setting. For these interactions we use
interpersonal skills, which are life skills that help us interact and
communicate with others.
Interpersonal
skills, when developed, help a person become more successful in their
professional career as well as in their personal life. Being perceived as
optimistic, calm, confident and charismatic are qualities linked to those will
high interpersonal skills, both in personal and social situations. They lead to
better relationships, as well as understanding others.
Strong
interpersonal skills differentiate a good employee from a great one. More and
more employers are becoming aware of the advantages of hiring and retaining
employees with strong interpersonal skills.
Interpersonal
skills are life skills that we are born with and continue to develop throughout
our lives, sometimes unconsciously. They may become so natural that we just
take them for granted. It is often difficult to improve other life skills
without developing our interpersonal ones. With a little time and effort your
interaction and communication with others can help to improve and develop your
interpersonal skills. Here are 7 tools that can help you improve these skills.
***
1. Verbal Communication
Quite
simply, this is how we speak to others. It includes what we say, as well as how
we say it. Make sure to be clear and concise in what you are communicating. If
you have any concerns, do not hesitate to ask for feedback from the person you
are communicating with.
2. Non-Verbal Communication
As you
probably guessed, this is the opposite of verbal communication. We can
communicate without words. This can be done through the use of body language
and gestures, and if engaging, can be very effective in helping others pick up
our cues.
3. Listening Skills
This is
how we interrupt both verbal communication and non-verbal cues. Learning how to
listen is an important part in developing our interpersonal skills. We need to
make sure we take the time to listen and understand what others are saying.
4. Problem Solving & Negotiation
We will
always run into problems, one way or another. Effective problem solving
involves working with others to identify and define the problem, then work on
solving it. Instead of arguing with others until we win, negotiation involves
deciding on a mutually agreed outcome. With mutual respect you can create
trustful and lasting relationships.
5. Assertiveness
Being
assertive involves communicating our ideas, values, opinions, beliefs, needs
and wants in a free manner. The goal is not to be passive or aggressive. You
want to express your feelings and beliefs in ways that others can understand
and respect. Being assertive is an important element in successful negotiation.
6. Self Management
Not all
interpersonal skills focus on extroverted qualities. Being able to understand
and control your own emotions is a
key in self management. Some situations may not go the way you expected, so
being able to control your emotions, especially in those situations, is a
helpful tool in managing your emotions.
7. Social Awareness
It is
also important to be aware of and tune into others’ emotions. When working with
others, we need to be aware and understand their emotions. This will help us
communicate and interact effectively with others.
***
There are a few more ways to improve and
develop our interpersonal skills. First off; relax. Sometimes when we get nervous we speak more quickly and
therefore may be less clear. This creates barriers in both communication and
listening. Try to relax and stay calm by making eye contact and smiling. It
will show your confidence! Asking questions and seeking clarification
can show an interest to the people you talk to. Also try to remain positive and
cheerful. If you maintain a positive
attitude, others are much more likely to be drawn to you. Lastly, don’t
forget to reflect and improve; learn from both your mistakes
and your successes.
Take the time to consider these
interpersonal skills and how you use them. Remember, the stronger your
interpersonal skills, the stronger your work, social and personal life can be! J
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