Mastering Social Skills: A Guide to Interpersonal Skills

The ever-increasing importance of interpersonal skills is underscored by research from the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). In 2011, their findings revealed a significant investment in "soft skills" training, with a staggering 27.6% of a $171.5 billion budget dedicated to employee learning and development focused on this area. This emphasis reflects the reality of our increasingly connected world, where strong interpersonal skills are the cornerstone of successful interactions and relationships in all aspects of life, from your career to your social circle.
 
What are Interpersonal Skills?  “Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation and Stanford Research in 1918 found that “85% of job success comes from having well‐developed soft and people skills, and only 15% of job success comes from technical skills and knowledge (hard skills).”  Interpersonal skills encompass the abilities we use to interact and communicate effectively with others.  These skills go beyond simply conveying information - they're about building genuine connections, fostering trust, and navigating social situations with confidence.  Here are some critical points of interpersonal skills:

• Communication: This includes both verbal and nonverbal communication, such as active listening, clear speaking, and positive body language.
• Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others is crucial for building rapport and resolving conflict.
• Rapport-building: Collaboration, cooperation, and the ability to work effectively towards a common goal are essential for success in family, friends and acquaintance settings.
• Problem-solving: Interpersonal skills equip you to approach challenges constructively, find solutions that consider everyone's needs, and navigate disagreements productively.

​Why are interpersonal skills critical?  Strong interpersonal skills benefit you in numerous ways, such as in your career, effective communication, and relationship building.  The by-product of this is increased confidence; this is when navigating social situations becomes second nature. You'll feel more comfortable interacting with new people and tackling challenging conversations. You can invest in sharpening your interpersonal skills.  The good news is that interpersonal skills can be learned and honed through practice and attending etiquette schools. Here are some tips for developing your interpersonal skills.

• Be an Active Listener: Pay close attention to what others are saying, both verbally and ask clarifying questions and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in their perspective.
• Practice Empathy: Try to see things from other people's points of view.  Consider their feelings, needs, opinions and experiences when communicating and making decisions.
• Develop Positive Communication Skills: Work on clear and concise communication, both written and verbal. Pay attention to your body language and tone of voice.
• Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Don't shy away from social situations.  The more you interact with others, the more comfortable you'll become.

 
By investing in your interpersonal skills, you're investing in your future success and happiness. You'll build stronger relationships, navigate challenges more effectively, and unlock your full potential in all areas of life.  Although we live in an increasingly digital world, interpersonal skills are more important than ever.  These human connections are what bring richness and meaning to our lives, both personally and professionally.