We all know that one person who knows how to charm a room. You know, they walk in and immediately strike up a conversation with anyone in view.
And they make it look as easy as breathing. Odds are, they’re equipped with some good interpersonal skills, or people skills, if you will. And you can be too.
These interpersonal skills can make for positive working relationships. But how, exactly? Keep reading to find out.
See Related: Funny Quotes And Ideas To Motivate The Office
What are interpersonal skills?
Good interpersonal skills are rooted in some pretty basic concepts. But when combined can make for some amazing strides in your work relationships.
Mutual respect
Respect between staff members is crucial for any workplace to function. Because issues and conflicts are bound to come up.
But conflict resolution relies on good relationships. And developing a sense of mutual respect amongst employees and hiring managers is a critical factor to improving the workplace atmosphere.
Empathy
Too often, business is equated with non-emotion. But there are plenty of emotions that can come up in the workplace.
Having a deep sense of empathy for your fellow employees is one of those crucial interpersonal skills. And it can help you develop strong and positive relationships that last beyond the workplace.
Flexibility
Deadlines may change, causing tasks to be reorganized. But good interpersonal communication skills understand and respect that.
In fact, they give you the essential skill of flexibility that’s needed in any workplace. Being able to land on your feet after experiencing a whirlwind of change can improve your stamina and creativity.
Effective communication
When you combine all of these elements together, you get effective communication skills, AKA interpersonal skills. Because being an effective communicator is really what it’s all about.
When you’re able to communicate effectively in the workplace, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. And it can set a trend for others in the office to follow suit.
Why strong interpersonal skills are important for the modern workplace
By now, you’ve seen a couple of interpersonal skills examples. But let’s take a further look at why you might want to improve interpersonal skills in the workplace.
#1. Improves communication skills
Verbal communication, written communication, non-verbal communication. All of these types of communications are at play in the workplace.
Whether it’s an in-person meeting, email, or even your body language. Understanding how your verbal and nonverbal communication comes across is essential for career success.
Because the last thing you want is to be known for your poor communication. Plus, good communication skills allow a workplace to function at its optimum capacity.
So you’re not just improving your interpersonal skills for the sake of your personal relationships. But for the sake of building relationships in the workplace too.
#2. Builds upon healthy relationships in the workplace
Interpersonal relationships in the workplace can help you out in a bind. Let’s say a few elements of a project have been changed around.
And you need to make these changes happen within a timely manner. Well, having solid interpersonal relationships with colleagues is particularly helpful in stressful moments like these.
Because the interpersonal skills at play are helping colleagues solve the issues at hand. There may be any number of obstacles such as language barriers, lack of technical skills, or more.
But having the soft skills to traverse these obstacles is crucial for your impending success. Not to mention that such interpersonal relationships may lead to some great opportunities down the line.
(Even if that opportunity is volunteering to help out a comedy magician. You never know when the boss will want to bring in some entertainment to the office!)
#3. Demonstrates your emotional intelligence
Every successful leader has to be equipped with people skills. After all, if you have a hiring manager who’s not a particularly good communicator, then you’re not as likely to trust them.
But when you demonstrate your social skills, people automatically find you more relatable. Suddenly, folks are coming to you with obstacles they may face in the workplace.
Because they know that you have the emotional intelligence needed to listen to their issues. And handle them with grace.
Being approachable is a deeply understated value in the business world. But it’s that particular skill that will grant you more opportunities for leadership experience.
#4. Helps with conflict management
Nothing else calls for the importance of interpersonal skills like conflict management. Because conflict is, unfortunately, inevitable.
But that doesn’t mean all parties involved can’t resolve their issues. With interpersonal skills, you can hear out the perspectives of either side.
And come to a consensus that works for each party. This may involve creating formal agreements or establishing one’s independent work from the other.
But at the core of it is strong communication. And interpersonal skills that allow you to sift through strong emotions while coming to a clear understanding.
#5. Boosts soft skills in the workplace
Soft skills in the workplace are often pointed out as the opposite of technical skills. Think of it as the difference between logic and emotion.
Someone may be impressively logical. But their logic doesn’t necessarily allow them to handle interpersonal dilemmas or conflicts.
Instead, they need to employ their interpersonal skills in those moments of duress. Soft skills can foster that interpersonal communication needed to reach a consensus.
And can prove to be an important skill the entire office benefits from. After all, very few jobs involve one person working alone without any colleagues. So these people skills are just as important as technical knowledge.
Bonus: How To Become A Magician
#6. Fosters a positive attitude among the office
Let’s say you didn’t have the greatest weekend. The last thing you want is to walk into the office on Monday morning and be greeted by a lack of interpersonal skills.
Instead, it might be a welcome surprise that the manager hired a comedian to lead morning announcements. Because this manager knows that the office is in need of a little cheer.
It’s these kinds of interpersonal communication skills that tell employees they’re being cared for. And it really does make a difference in the air of positivity around the office.
Of course, bringing in some corporate entertainment is a nonverbal form of interpersonal communication. But it communicates your intentions nonetheless.
#7. Increases creative problem solving
Important interpersonal skills are particularly effective at boosting creative problem-solving. Because when everyone is engaged in open communication, more new ideas are welcomed into the arena.
Think of an office where people are afraid to speak up and share their ideas. Not much tends to get done.
But when interpersonal communication skills are high, there’s nothing stopping that office from tackling an issue. Just think of interpersonal communication as your strongest asset. Because it is.
#8. Encourages active listening skills
Interpersonal communication is nothing without active listening. Because communication is a two-way street.
Knowing when to step back and listen is not only important for making sure your colleagues feel heard and seen. But it’s important for you to take on new perspectives.
Listening can actually help you improve your interpersonal skills. Because when you’re a good listener, you’re a better communicator too.
#9. Boosts customer satisfaction
Meaningful connections among colleagues is one thing. But have you ever considered the importance of interpersonal skills in relation to your customers?
Communication is and always will be key with customers. And if you have staff with body language that says, “Don’t talk to us,” then customers are less likely to approach.
But a welcoming staff can usher new customers in easily. And ensure their loyalty for years to come.
#10. Allows for continuous feedback
There are always things to improve upon. And being able to offer and accept feedback is a big part of making those necessary changes.
Sometimes, getting feedback can feel scary. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
With strong interpersonal skills, receiving feedback doesn’t have to feel like criticism. Instead, it can feel like an opportunity to grow.
#11. Encourages the development of leadership skills
Creating new leaders in your company is key for ensuring the legacy of your organization. So it only makes sense to train employees to have the right interpersonal skills to succeed.
Besides, when employees have strong people skills, they’re trusted by both their colleagues and customers. So they make for natural leaders.
In this way, improving interpersonal skills in the office is a way of creating new leadership. And making sure that the future of your company is in the right hands.
#12. Balances professional boundaries and personal growth
Some people may think that interpersonal skills simply mean being able to gab and gossip in the break room. But they’re actually much more professional than that.
Knowing how to speak to a fellow employee vs. a manager is a crucial skill to develop. And it helps employees establish a sense of professionalism in the workplace.
Not to mention that working on one’s communication can help out their personal life too. So it really is a win-win situation.
#13. Increases employee productivity
A positive rapport in the workplace can lead to increased productivity. Because communication feels as easy as breathing.
When employees communicate effectively, they are able to identify areas of improvement. And work towards achieving their common goal.
This can make for a more efficient workplace. Because everyone understands what role they play within the office.
Final thoughts
Learning how to communicate effectively with those around you is a crucial skill in life. Not just in the workplace.
But in your personal life too. So take these tips forward with you as you work on improving your interpersonal skills in the workplace.
Not only will these soft skills help you connect more meaningfully with colleagues and customers. It will also help you along in your own personal development as well.
Because people skills aren’t something that should be reserved for work alone. There are people everywhere. So don’t be shy. Go ahead and make your positive impression.
Keep Reading: How Is Collaboration Different From Teamwork?
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Adam Christing is a professional comedy magician, virtual MC, and the founder of CleanComedians.com. He is a member of the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and a popular corporate entertainer, magician, and virtual speaker.