What are interpersonal skills and how do they apply in the workplace?

Interpersonal skills are attributes that fall into the category of “soft skills”. These are inborn traits, usually not the type of thing a person will learn from reading textbooks. Yet, they are the types of characteristics employers such as yourself probably actively seek. According to Coursera, 93 percent of employers consider soft skills as "essential" or "very important" factor as they go through their hiring process.

Image credit: Pixabay

Investopedia defines interpersonal skills as those "used by a person to properly interact with others," and still be able to get the job done. Skills included in this realm include communication, being able to read and/or interpret people’s emotions, sensitivity, conflict management, positive attitude and good manners.

Communication skills

Strong communication is a key component in any workplace. Today's employees typically don't work in solitary, they are highly team-oriented. Being there is such a high level of personal interaction in modern workplaces, knowing how to successfully communicate is a critical interpersonal skill. In addition to verbal communications, employers typically seek people who have strong written communication skills. This isn't surprising considering research forecasts more than 319 billion emails sent and received by businesses and consumers by 2021. 

Interpreting other's emotions

Possessing an inborn ability to understand other people's feelings is another important interpersonal skill. This doesn't mean your employees should be mind-readers, however, when colleagues or customers express themselves, staff members should be able to understand what they're feeling and react appropriately.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity goes hand-in-hand with empathy. Employees and/or managers who know how to listen and effectively sympathize when warranted is another important skill to possess.

Conflict management

Conflict is inevitable in any organizational setting, however, there are appropriate ways to deal with it. People who have strong interpersonal skills can typically diffuse a situation before it explodes. Or, in some cases, implodes. A person who has strong conflict management skills won't avoid a situation, potentially making a situation worse. Instead, they'll face the situation head-on and do it in a non-confrontational manner.

Positive attitude

A person's attitude contributes to overall organizational culture. If a workplace is plagued by negativity and/or has become toxic, it will have an overall impact on how people within the organization interact with one another. A positive attitude goes a long way towards shaping a dynamic organizational culture.

Good manners

While good manners are often assumed, not everyone has them. Those who have strong soft skills are typically polite and respectful.

In modern workplaces, interpersonal skills are valuable because organizational makeup has significantly changed over the decades and continues to do so. Today's workplaces aren't limited to a singular building or office. Many colleagues collaborate online and/or work in spaces that span across the globe. Some never even meet one another in person. That being the case, strong interpersonal skills are an important consideration for employers as they make their hiring decisions.