How to improve interpersonal skills in the workplace
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Learn what interpersonal skills are and how they benefit your relationships. Plus, 9 tips to improve interpersonal skills and communication in the workplace.
The ability to effectively communicate and connect with others is more important than ever, especially in the workplace. Interpersonal skills are essential tools for building strong, productive relationships. Whether you're collaborating on a project, resolving conflicts, or simply engaging in day-to-day conversations, these skills lay the foundation for a positive and efficient work environment.
What exactly are interpersonal skills?
Interpersonal skills encompass what we use to interact, communicate, and work effectively with others. These skills are not only about talking but also about listening, understanding, and connecting with people. By developing these skills, you can build healthier, more positive relationships in both your personal and professional life.
Communication: Good communication is a key component of strong interpersonal skills. It means you can express your thoughts and ideas clearly and understand what others are saying. Communication can involve your tone of voice, body language, and even the way you write an email.
Empathy: Empathy means understanding someone else’s feelings and perspectives. This skill is crucial in building trust and strong relationships.
Negotiations and conflict resolution: When disagreements happen, conflict resolution helps find a peaceful solution where everyone can agree. It can involve understanding different viewpoints, negotiation, and compromise to reach an agreement where everyone feels heard and respected.
Positive attitude: A positive attitude means facing challenges with optimism and encouraging others to do the same.
Team-oriented vision: Understanding, valuing, and supporting each team member's contribution to the organization is vital for success.
Collaborative attitude: Working together to achieve a common goal involves sharing ideas, being open to others' suggestions, and working together.
Motivation: Motivation is the drive that keeps you going. It can also inspire others to achieve their best.
Persuasion: Persuasion is the act of convincing others about an idea or plan in a way that’s respectful and considerate of others' opinions.
The different types of interpersonal skills in the workplace
All workplaces contain a mix of personalities, roles, and responsibilities where the importance of interpersonal skills can’t be overstated. To navigate this environment successfully, certain types of interpersonal skills become particularly valuable. These skills can help build strong teams and collaboration, resolve conflicts, and create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and understood.
Interpersonal skills can be learned and improved over time, which can benefit your professional relationships and contribute to personal growth and job satisfaction.
1. Coaching skills
Coaching skills are about helping others to grow and succeed. It involves offering guidance, sharing knowledge, and providing constructive feedback. When you coach a colleague, you're not telling them what to do, you're helping them discover their strengths and how to use them effectively.
2. Communication skills
These skills are the lifeblood of a healthy workplace. Effective communication is about conveying your ideas clearly, listening to others, and ensuring that everyone’s goals are aligned. It's also about being able to read non-verbal cues and understanding the best ways to communicate with different individuals.
3. Emotional intelligence
Being aware of your own emotions and those of your colleagues can allow you to navigate workplace dynamics sensitively and professionally. High emotional intelligence can help you manage stress, address conflicts calmly, and create a positive work environment.
9 simple ways to improve interpersonal skills at work and beyond
Enhancing your interpersonal skills can transform your work environment and personal life by making both a more enjoyable place to be. The key to developing these skills is consistency and a genuine desire to connect with others.
1. Try to maintain a positive outlook
Start by focusing on the good in situations and people. This approach promotes a positive work environment and encourages others. For example, when faced with a challenge, try to view it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
💙 Improving interpersonal skills takes time. Remind yourself of the progress you’re making by keeping a positive attitude and learn how to Track the Positive interactions you’re experiencing.
2. Control your emotional reactions
Practice pausing before you react to stressful situations. This helps in responding more thoughtfully and maintaining peace. A simple way to start is by taking deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed, giving yourself a moment to collect your thoughts before you speak.
💙 Take three minutes to check in with yourself and Breathe Into Relaxation before responding to a difficult situation.
3. Value other people's expertise
Acknowledge and appreciate the skills and experience your colleagues have. This can be as simple as thanking a coworker for their input in a meeting or asking for their advice on a project.
4. Show genuine interest in coworkers
Ask about their ideas, thoughts, and feelings. Start a conversation during a coffee break or chat about their weekend plans.
💙 Practice Holding Space for your coworkers to show that you care about their thoughts and interests.
5. Spotlight positive traits in others
Regularly recognize and compliment the strengths and achievements of your colleagues. A compliment on a well-executed presentation or a job well done can go a long way.
6. Practice active listening
Listen to understand, not just to reply. This means focusing entirely on the speaker to acknowledge their words and respond thoughtfully. During conversations, try to summarize what the other person said to ensure you understand their point of view.
💙 Listen Up and practice your mindful listening skills in order to communicate better.
7. Communicate with confidence
Express your ideas and needs clearly and respectfully. Begin by voicing your opinions in meetings or offering suggestions for improvements in your work area.
💙 Develop your communication by focusing on Kind Communication and placing an emphasis on empathy, listening, and vulnerability in conversation.
8. Exercise empathy
Try to understand things from your colleagues' perspectives. This could mean considering how they might feel about changes at work, or recognizing the challenges they might be facing.
💙 Spend a few moments practicing Empathy to help you connect with your colleagues in a more meaningful way.
9. Build and nurture interpersonal relationships
Invest time in getting to know your colleagues. This can be achieved through regular, casual conversations or through team-building activities.
How to improve interpersonal skills FAQs
What activities improve interpersonal skills?
Activities that encourage interaction, communication, and teamwork are great for boosting interpersonal skills.
Team-building exercises like group problem-solving tasks or outdoor activities can help improve cooperation and communication.
Role-playing scenarios can allow you to practice responding to different social situations in a controlled environment.
Workshops or training sessions focused on communication skills can provide valuable techniques and insights.
Simple daily interactions, like striking up conversations with new people, can sharpen your interpersonal abilities.
How can I improve my intrapersonal skills?
Intrapersonal skills involve understanding and managing your own emotions and thoughts. To improve these skills, start by practicing self-reflection.
Spend some time each day thinking about your feelings, why you react to certain situations in specific ways, and how you can handle emotions more effectively.
Mindfulness practices, like meditation, can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings.
Keep a journal to help you track your emotional responses and patterns over time.
Developing these skills can help you understand yourself better, leading to improved interpersonal interactions.
What are the 5 ways to develop good interpersonal relationships?
The following methods create a foundation of trust and understanding, which are key in building strong interpersonal relationships.
Effective communication: Clearly express your thoughts and actively listen to others.
Active listening: Pay attention and show interest in what others are saying.
Empathy: Try to understand and share the feelings of others.
Respect: Treat others with consideration and understand their viewpoints.
Consistent and positive interactions: Regularly engage with others in a positive and friendly manner.
How can I improve my interpersonal skills?
Start by becoming more aware of how you interact with others and how they respond to you.
Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or friends about your communication style.
Engage in active listening, where you focus entirely on the speaker, understand their message, and respond thoughtfully.
Practice empathy by considering others' perspectives and feelings.
Participate in group activities or workshops that focus on communication and teamwork.
How to build interpersonal relationships?
Building interpersonal relationships involves several key steps:
Communicate openly and regularly with others.
Show genuine interest in their lives and experiences.
Be reliable and follow through on commitments and promises.
Offer support and assistance when needed.
Celebrate others’ successes and be there during challenging times.
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