Why do we need interpersonal relationship skills? There are certain things we all need to survive this life. Of course, the core basics such as food and shelter are a given.
But over time and as civilization has developed, these necessities of life have grown from simple things. Now, there are so many more duties and responsibilities we are required to fulfill. For example, it is necessary to support ourselves, to hold a job that pays our bills, and to do well in our social circles. To succeed in these aspects of our life, we need to develop our interpersonal relationship skills.
What are interpersonal relationship skills?
Basically, interpersonal relationship skills mean to have good communication and people skills. They are the skills we use on a daily basis to interact with other people.
These include a vast range of different skills but usually fall into one of these categories: listening, responding, body language and emotional intelligence. People who have strong interpersonal relationship skills are usually more successful in all aspects of their lives, including both personal and professional.
The good news is, we all naturally possess some level of interpersonal relationship skills. Some people are naturally talented in these skills. They seem to always know what to say and do to get along with others. Since childhood, we’ve been learning and practicing these skills subconsciously.
As children, we pick up a lot from the adults around us and then imitate them through our communication with our friends and classmates. Of course, as we get older it is essential that we up our game and learn to communicate effectively in a wider range of different scenarios.
These skills become so natural to us that we can take them for granted and never really think about how we are communicating with other people. If we have developed good habits, then we need to maintain them and build on them.
However, it is equally likely that we could have picked up some bad or lazy habits on the way. A sign of bad habits is that perhaps some of our relationships are suffering and not going very well. This itself illustrates why we need good interpersonal skills; we want to share harmonious and beneficial relationships with those around us.
Although there is no definite way such as taking a course or studying a program, it is not difficult to develop our interpersonal relationship skills. With a little attention, time and concentrated effort, it is very easy to improve our skills and awareness.
Perhaps the situation that tests our interpersonal relationship skills the most is our life in the workplace.
In fact, getting the job position itself is a test! Employers will mostly base their hiring decision on the level of interpersonal skills a candidate shows. A candidate can have all the technical qualifications, but if they lack in communicative skills, they won’t be hired! For employers, the more sociable a candidate is, the better they will fit in and thrive as a member of the workplace team.
For an employee to be highly interpersonal does not limit the benefits to just the company. In fact, there are more benefits to the employee than the company. A person with a higher interpersonal skillset will have a much better chance of future promotions.
It will make your time with others more enjoyable and rewarding too. You will almost effortlessly get along with your co-workers and be considered very likable and understanding.
As important as these skills are to succeed in the workplace, that’s not all there is to life. What else is there that interpersonal relationship skills can do to help you succeed in life?
Interpersonal skills are abilities that spill into every aspect of our lives. There isn’t a single experience that these skills won’t be of use. Interpersonal skills are actually life skills. They help us communicate with others and relate to them.
When we develop these skills, they help us replace impatience and arguments with tolerance and understanding. Have you ever noticed that the majority of trouble we run into in our relationship with others is because of misunderstandings or miscommunication?
So, what are the most beneficial interpersonal relationship skills?
Here is a list of the top 3 skills we should all focus on to get a good head start to be successful.
1. Self-confidence
You may be surprised to see this not just on the list, and at number one position! Building your self-confidence is like a double whammy – not only does it do wonders for your own life, but it subconsciously encourages others around you to bring out the best in them.
There is definitely an element of fake it til’ you make it. Even if you don’t feel entirely confident in yourself, as long as you tell yourself that you are, you will eventually make it!
2. Practicing kindness and compassion
It’s a fact – people naturally gravitate towards kindness. It’s a trait that is sorely needed in our society today, and there can never be enough of it. Practicing compassion will easily make you well liked and win you many fans. But that’s not all.
When you practice compassion despite the hardships you face in your life, it almost helps to take your mind off your own stresses and worries and gives you a sense of accomplishment. This skill will automatically improve any problems you may be having in any relationship because it will help you to understand the other person’s side of the story.
3. Having a positive attitude
This is another trait that brings multiple benefits. It will help to always see the best in a situation. By focusing on the positives, it makes it easier to find solutions and solve problems. Others will want to be around you and get to know you because let’s face it – nobody likes moody or constantly complaining people.
Have you had any experiences that helped develop your interpersonal relationship skills? Share your thoughts below.
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By Mariya M.
