Interpersonal Relationships

What are Interpersonal Skills?

Interpersonal skills include a wide variety of skills, such as; using effective communication, listening, questioning and understanding body language. They also include the skills and attributes associated with emotional intelligence, or being able to understand and manage your own and others’ emotions.

What are some of the signs of poor interpersonal skills?

• Unable to work as a team

• Lack of mutual respect of others views and opinions, and no sense of trust

• Lack of honesty and transparency

• No sense of commitment, trust or care in important relationships

• Criticism, sarcasm and/or making fun of others

• Lack of listening skills and understanding body language

• Inability to use emotional intelligence

• Not being aware of another persons’ presence, and missing verbal and non-verbal messages

• Inability to understand and manage your own or others’ emotions

What is meant by Interpersonal Skills?

Interpersonal skills are the skills we use every day when we communicate and interact with other people, both individually and in groups. Strong interpersonal skills, such as negotiating, problem-solving and knowledge-sharing, are the main requirements in order to work well with each other and to achieve important objectives.

Interpersonal Skills and Effective Communication Skills

Here are some interpersonal skills which contribute towards effectiveness:

What are some of the Barriers to Good Communication Skills?

Communication is rarely perfect and can fail for a number of reasons. Understanding more about the various barriers to good communication means that you can be aware of and can reduce the likelihood of ineffective interpersonal communication and misunderstandings.

Problems with communication can arise for a number of reasons, such as:

• Physical barriers, for example, being unable to see or hear the speaker properly, or language difficulties;
• Emotional barriers, such as not wanting to hear what is being said, or engage with that topic; and
• Expectations and prejudices that affect what people see and hear.

There are some circumstances which communication is more difficult and can make conversations more difficult:

• Various emotions can get in the way of communicating, including anger and aggression, or stress. Few of us are able to communicate effectively when we are struggling to manage our emotions, and sometimes the best thing that can be done is to postpone the conversation until everyone is calmer
• Difficult conversations are often about the need for change. Many of us find change hard to manage, especially if it is associated with an implied criticism of existing ways of working.
• Anyone has the ability to improve their interpersonal skills and there are a range of proven strategies and techniques which can effectively improve interpersonal skills.

Unhealthy, outdated behaviour patterns can be replaced with newer, better, updated ones, so you can experience more fulfilling, happier and healthier relationships.