Interpersonal skills describe the traits and attributes you use to interact with others. These skills are essential in any environment, especially the workplace, as they allow you to communicate effectively with your coworkers. Candidates who demonstrate effective interpersonal skills are highly desirable during the hiring process. According to Indeed, interpersonal skills include:

– Listening attentively 

– Working in a team environment

– Being responsible and reliable

– Exhibiting leadership qualities

– Motivating other

– Practicing empathy.  

These valuable interpersonal skills -listening, empathy, teamwork, leadership, and positive attitude – will help create more positive work environments and build stronger teams to maintain productivity.  

Now let’s take a look at different types of careers that require stronger interpersonal skills than others. 

Educators – teaching requires interpersonal skills to work cohesively with fellow educators, administrators, and students.

Administrative Assistants – interpersonal skills are a significant part of this role due to the regular interaction with colleagues and clients. 

Healthcare Professionals – doctors, nurses, and medical professionals essentially require interpersonal skills while focusing and providing care to patients and clients. 

Marketing Specialists – marketing managers should be able to complete the technical aspects of their job successfully while working collaboratively with clients and other teams.

Customer Service Professionals – these professionals spend most of their time interacting with clients. Therefore, strong communication skills are essential to possess.  

Now the question is, is it possible to improve your interpersonal skills since they are part of human skills? Absolutely. Here are the tips for you.

1. Network. 

If your nature of work doesn’t require interpersonal skills, try joining a networking group or volunteering. 

2. Take classes.

What about joining workshops, classes or exploring free resources for you to learn how to sharpen up your skills?

3. Find a mentor or a coach.

Seek out someone you trust, respect, and admire to teach you how to develop and improve your interpersonal skills and succeed in your career. While at it, get constructive feedback about your skills and how you can improve.  

4. Observe others’ skills.

Watching and analyzing other people’s interpersonal skills may also help you learn and improve your own.  

As you work on improving your skills, it may be beneficial for you to set goals for yourself because it can help give you structure and make developing these skills more efficient.

Credit: Indeed.ca