Interpersonal skills are the skills that we employ in our day-to-day communication and interaction with others, both individually and in groups. Interpersonal skills generally center on communication such as listening, questioning and body language, but also include more complex skills such as problem solving.
Examples of Interpersonal skills:
Communication
Communication skills are possibly the most crucial interpersonal skills. They are a combination of verbal and non-verbal skills. Verbal Communication is what we say and how we say it, whereas non-verbal communication is that which is communicated without the use of words such as body language and tone of voice. A key aspect of being a good communicator is being a good listener.
Problem-solving
Problem solving is the art of working with others to identify issues and decide on the most apt course of action in a given situation. It demands skills such as analysis, critical thinking and logical reasoning.
Flexibility
Things do not always go as planned, whether at home or at work. In such situations, a person should be able to re-assess the ground reality and take strategic measures, as necessary. Personal flexibility tends to increase the comfort levels around the person concerned and contribute to a better and healthier work environment.
Collaboration
Team-work is the capacity to work with others in groups and teams within formal and informal environments. Team-work involves managing expectations and sharing ownership of both successes and failures, with negotiation skills being a crucial part of the collaborative process.
Improving inter-personal skills:
Identify key areas
Knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses is the first step in developing inter-personal skills. SWOT (strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats) analysis and other self-assessment tests could go a long way in unlocking the mysteries of the self. Garnering feedback from others would also help in unveiling blind spots.
Strengthen Listening
Listening is much more than mere hearing. While hearing is an anatomical function of the ear, listening is about paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal communication with the use of techniques such as reasoning and questioning.
Develop Introspection
Self-reflection is a crucial dimension to the birth and nurturing of inter-personal skills. It is useful to reflect on one’s past interactions so as to learn from mistakes and move ahead. The logical next step would consist in emulating people who possess inter-personal skills and seek the required guidance.
Nurture Active Engagement
Active engagement can assume various forms. The body language and non-verbal communication should express interest, enthusiasm and active engagement in the other person and/or situation. One can practice active listening with family and friends, and repeat what has been hitherto said, so as to ensure pro-active listening and effective action. Adopting a friendly attitude vis-à-vis colleagues, assuming leadership in small settings and projecting an image of confidence and approachability are other means of ensuring active engagement.
To conclude, interpersonal skills such as communication and positivity, collaboration and flexibility complement and enhance each other; and exert tremendous power on the individual and society as a whole.
