Interpersonal skills hold a pivotal place in the workplace. One should know how to conduct and behave with people, communicate in a proper way, and make a lasting impression. Working on interpersonal skills is a constant process and when you invest time and effort in it, positive results will be seen.

Enhancing your interpersonal skills will –

• Help employees develop and foster better working relationships with their colleagues and clients.
• Increases productivity of the team and the organization
• Creates an overall positive work environment

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8 must-have interpersonal skills needed at the workplace

Here is the list of 8 must-have interpersonal skills needed by every professional.

1. Self Awareness

Self-awareness means that you know your emotions and what you’re trying to convey. It falls within the realm of emotional intelligence and there are 4 main components –

• Self-awareness
• Empathy
• Emotions
• Relationship building

Being aware of your feelings can help you be cognizant of the messages you convey through verbal or non-verbal cues.

1. Being cognizant of non-verbal communication

One of the aspects of interpersonal skills that tends to get overlooked is non-verbal communication. It can make or break the message and bridge the gap between you and your colleagues, management, and clients.

Some forms of non-verbal communication that you need to take care of include – gestures, hand movements, facial expressions, body language, and eye contact.

1. Respecting others

We all know that respect goes a long way in fostering positive relationships and work culture. Showing respect in the workplace can be done in various ways like –

• Showing appreciation towards other person’s time and efforts
• No personal attacking or insulting others
• Not taking credit for other person’s work and making sure to acknowledge their contribution
• Being respectful to other’s ideas, thoughts, and ideologies
• Listening to what others have to say rather than listening only to respond

1. Showing empathy and understanding

Having empathy towards others is an important part of relationship-building at the workplace. It helps you take into account the feelings, thoughts, and needs of others. Empathy along with the right communication skills and active listening form the basis of negotiation tactics as well.

1. Being a clear communicator

 The way you communicate defines you as a person. Thus, be a clear communicator. When poor communication takes place, it affects the overall productivity of the organization. Be clear in what you have to say, don’t get affected by biases, and try to send the message you want to convey without any ambiguity.

1. Active listener

One of the most important aspects of developing your interpersonal skills is being an active listener. You should genuinely listen to what the other person is saying and show interest in the conversation.

When you listen actively, you get to know different perspectives and points of views and it automatically helps you grow and evolve.

1. Appropriate behavior

Showing appropriate behavior is an unsaid rule at the workplace. Depending upon your organization’s culture, what’s appropriate can vary. But there are certain guidelines that are always applicable –

• Being punctual
• Being friendly and polite
• Showing courtesy
• Taking personal responsibility and being accountable
• Dressing appropriately
• Having a positive attitude

1. Being open to feedback

Feedback is an integral part of the communication cycle. However, no one likes to be criticized. There is a way of giving constructive feedback and one should understand the difference between it and criticism. If you’re open and receptive to feedback it will help you grow.

If you put all these interpersonal skills in place, it’ll be helpful for you to succeed and make better work relations. Know more about the advantage of corporate training and enhancing your interpersonal skills - https://vitalsmartsindia.com/advantages-of-corporate-training-and-enhancing-your-interpersonal-skills/