Written by Damilola Adeleke
Job-specific skills have always had a place on the resume, but employers increasingly emphasize the importance of interpersonal skills. And for good reason. Even the most isolated of individual contributors need to be able to interact with others. And while these skills are critical to success in our individual roles, the effects aren’t limited to our job descriptions. Strong interpersonal skills can help you excel at work, collaborate with others, and even create a healthier work environment.
There’s no doubt that our technical skills are critical when it comes to doing our jobs well. But chances are good that there’s more than one person who went to the same school, earned the same certification, or mastered the same skill set. When you’re hiring for an open role on your team, what sets job seekers apart? Is it what they know or how they conduct themselves?
You guessed it: interpersonal skills. Let’s get into what they are and how they can help various teams and individuals succeed.
What are interpersonal skills?
Interpersonal skills are the ways in which we interact with our coworkers, leaders, clients, and conduct ourselves at work. Those with strong interpersonal skills tend to be more creative, more effective collaborators, enjoy work more, and contribute to a positive work environment.
The business case for interpersonal skills
You likely spent years training to be good at what you do — but chances are good that no one in your academic career spent as much time training you to have good interpersonal skills. So why do they matter so much? Are interpersonal skills necessary in the workplace and in your career?
In some ways, interpersonal skills are what employers are really hiring for. Now, that’s not to say that job-specific skills aren’t important. Many roles require a specialized skill set or years of experience (what we think of as “hard skills”). But even when interviewers are focused on skills-based hiring, there’s only so much expertise that can be communicated during a hiring process.
On the other hand, success in job interviews relies heavily on interpersonal skills — often called “soft skills.” These can’t be quantified, but their impact can be felt in every interaction. Whether or not these traits are a key part of the role, the traditional interview process rewards those who can listen, communicate, answer questions, and even laugh at the right jokes.
Good communication and interpersonal skills also go a long way post-interview. Once you’re in your role, your interpersonal communication skills will determine whether you build relationships during onboarding and how fast you pick up on expectations. It’s a factor in whether you make friends at work and how fast you get promoted. Aside from that, it also has a direct impact on the quality of work you do — especially if your role depends on effective communication.
https://www.calm.com/blog/how-to-be-more-present
How to improve interpersonal skills
Continuous pursuit of self-improvement and confidence can benefit your personal and professional relationships, and knowing your strengths and weaknesses regarding social interactions can help you determine which skills you want to hone. Here’s how you can build on your interpersonal skills:
1. Assess your current skill set.
The first step is to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Based on the list above of interpersonal skills, think about your recent interactions with colleagues, bosses, friends, family, partners, and even strangers. Go through each skill and reflect on your past experiences for positive and negative examples. Write down the skills you feel you have mastered and those that present an opportunity to improve.
2. Create an action plan.
Choose one or two skills you would like to strengthen. Develop an actionable plan similar to the solutions below.
Confident communication
Problem: “I get nervous whenever I approach a colleague with a question.”
Plan: “I will challenge my negative thinking by imagining possible outcomes of this interaction with my colleague. Then, I will focus on the best-case scenario before approaching them to boost my confidence further.”
Collaboration
Problem: “I have been at this company for three months, and I still don’t know anyone very well.”
Plan: “At the next company happy hour, I will speak to at least one person I don’t know. I will also engage a team member in a conversation.
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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