10 Key Tips for Developing Interpersonal Skills

Developing good interpersonal skills socially and at work begins with looking outwards; being very generous with praise and having a genuine desire to listen and encourage at every opportunity. Too many people are only interested in hearing their own voices, or putting their colleagues down. This could explain why many organisations are short on innovation but long on windbags who, having the authority and a captive audience to match, drone on relentlessly because they believe their utterances to be paramount.


Like a former colleague who used to boast that, as director, he was the only person who talked at his meetings because he tended to have the best ideas. He did not like suggestions and emphasised that he always had to tell his staff what to do, because 'they never have anything to contribute'. It was no surprise that he went bust a few months later, his business having become sorely short of new input, tolerance and general goodwill.


If you have any doubts about your skills in dealing with others, you could improve the situation by following some simple suggestions.


1. Never be afraid to make the first move, but try to be positive, not negative. Try to compliment, where possible


2. Aim to be clear, brief and courteous on the telephone.


3. Try to address someone by their exact name. Remembering a person's name is a sincere sign of interest, is highly flattering, and never forgotten.


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