The business world needs different personality types and management styles. However, there are leaders who stand out not just because of their achievements but because of how they relate with their colleagues. Having good interpersonal skills is indeed a gift but it is something that everyone can work on.
Practice listening
The sad reality in most businesses and workplaces is that listening to others is considered a task, especially when everyone is busy or trying to beat a deadline. Despite this tendency, listening can be considered the lifeblood of businesses, as this is where discourse and good ideas flow. To exercise listening skills, a person can begin by sincerely hearing out what a co-worker or a boss is saying before offering his or her own suggestions. Or perhaps it would be a good start to stop thinking of something else when listening to another person.
Speaking with clarity
This is very important in the workplace, especially for those in key positions. When there are people under an individual’s responsibility or supervision, he or she has to be sure that the instructions are clearly conveyed to employees. When it comes to work talk, sarcasm or joking could be taken the wrong way. To avoid offending others, be direct with instructions, praise, and even corrections. However, remember to speak with tact. Sincerity and clarity are not just about saying things as it is. There must be a balance that must not throw people off.
Diplomacy
Aside from tact, business leaders and employees must never forget that the dog-eat-dog industry can still benefit from diplomacy. The industry can be competitive and cruel but diplomacy will help a person get the upper hand. The peacemakers will easily gain favor compared to those who are antagonistic, as people trust them to calmly state what they want without stepping on anyone’s toes. When the workplace is becoming a warzone, remember that the diplomats are the ones who get to say their piece. There are more tips to improve a person’s interpersonal skills but these three are good points to begin with. Practicing these qualities will make a person stand out in the workplace.
Since 2001, Brian and Jenn Dougherty have been helping clients become the best in their respective careers through the training services offered by their company, Dougherty Marketing, in North Carolina. To know more business insights, visit the company’s official website.
Practice listening
The sad reality in most businesses and workplaces is that listening to others is considered a task, especially when everyone is busy or trying to beat a deadline. Despite this tendency, listening can be considered the lifeblood of businesses, as this is where discourse and good ideas flow. To exercise listening skills, a person can begin by sincerely hearing out what a co-worker or a boss is saying before offering his or her own suggestions. Or perhaps it would be a good start to stop thinking of something else when listening to another person.
Image source: Speak-first.com
Speaking with clarity
This is very important in the workplace, especially for those in key positions. When there are people under an individual’s responsibility or supervision, he or she has to be sure that the instructions are clearly conveyed to employees. When it comes to work talk, sarcasm or joking could be taken the wrong way. To avoid offending others, be direct with instructions, praise, and even corrections. However, remember to speak with tact. Sincerity and clarity are not just about saying things as it is. There must be a balance that must not throw people off.
Diplomacy
Aside from tact, business leaders and employees must never forget that the dog-eat-dog industry can still benefit from diplomacy. The industry can be competitive and cruel but diplomacy will help a person get the upper hand. The peacemakers will easily gain favor compared to those who are antagonistic, as people trust them to calmly state what they want without stepping on anyone’s toes. When the workplace is becoming a warzone, remember that the diplomats are the ones who get to say their piece. There are more tips to improve a person’s interpersonal skills but these three are good points to begin with. Practicing these qualities will make a person stand out in the workplace.
Image source: Enkivillage.com
Since 2001, Brian and Jenn Dougherty have been helping clients become the best in their respective careers through the training services offered by their company, Dougherty Marketing, in North Carolina. To know more business insights, visit the company’s official website.
