Interpersonal skills are a collection of positive character traits that often govern or define how individuals relate and react to other people. These skills are very important in the workplace and in society in general.
In fact, some employers look for examples of interpersonal skills during job interviews with potential employees. By understanding these skills and the benefits of them, individuals can increase their chances of gaining employment and at experiencing success in the workplace.
Why are Interpersonal Skills Important in the Workplace?
Interpersonal skills give individuals the ability to deal with situations and conflicts that may arise gracefully. They allow problems to be easily solved and disputes to be quickly diffused, because those with great interpersonal skills can easily see the best end to a problematic situation.
Research has shown that more individuals get fired for being unable to get along with other people than for any other reason; a fact which makes interpersonal skills invaluable qualities.
Having these skills present in employees allows for more productivity, better team work, and overall, more company success.
The Most Important Examples of Interpersonal Skills
Great communication is often listed as the most important interpersonal skill because when great communication is being used, mistakes and problems are often prevented.
By the same token, great listening skills are very important as well.
Some other examples of interpersonal skills include flexibility and adaptability, being a team player, showing gratitude, problem solving, attentiveness to detail, empathy and decision-making skills.
Individuals who possess these skills are almost certainly going to be more successful than those who don’t.
Examples of Interpersonal Skills in Use
Interpersonal skills in use are easy to spot, simply from the outcome of any given situation. A great example of communication skills could be shown if an employee approached a supervisor with an issue about a project. The supervisor’s response shows examples of interpersonal skills.
Example 1 – Bad Communication:
Juan: “I wanted to ask about the project and…”
Supervisor: “Juan, the rules and guidelines for the project have already been e-mailed to you. Please see that e-mail for any clarification you might need.”
Example 2 – Good Communication:
Juan: “I wanted to ask about the project and bring to your attention the fact that the statistics were originally incorrect. I fixed them, but you might want to note it in your records.”
Supervisor: “Thank you, Juan. Great eye! I’ll be sure to change those in my records.”
Because the supervisor waited to hear what Juan was going to say (promoting good communication), he or she learned something valuable that they might not have had the situation gone like example 1.
How to Display Examples of Interpersonal Skills in a Job Interview
To display interpersonal skills in a job interview, the applicant can do a number of things:
Allow the interviewer to finish speaking completely before answering the question or responding.
The applicant should lean in as the interviewer speaks so he or she will know the applicant is listening.
The applicant can also reflect on what the interviewer has said by re-wording it and saying it back. For instance, “I see that you’re looking for an employee that is dependable and who can bring a lot of innovative ideas to your advertising department,” is a great way to sum up the qualities the interviewer has stated they’re looking for.
By brushing up on Interpersonal Skills and giving great examples of interpersonal skills in a job interview, applicants can really increase their chances of obtaining the job.