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Developing Interpersonal Skills

 After reading this segment, you will be able to:

Work harmoniously with others Evaluate and accept responsibilities Identify methods you use to respond to conflict Work in teams more efficiently

Introduction

You may be accustomed to doing things on your own, but sometimes “two heads are better than one.” Considering the ideas of co-workers, even if they are different from yours, leads to creative and effective approaches to solving problems and getting work done.

Employers appreciate employees who get along with people at all levels; therefore, they seek employees who have good interpersonal skills, such as communication, problem solving, and teamwork abilities. Interpersonal skills enable you to work with others harmoniously and efficiently.

Working well with others involves understanding and appreciating individual differences. It also means using those differences to your best advantage.

Follow these links to find out more about various interpersonal skills:

Developing Assertive Approaches

Accepting Responsibilities

Resolving Conflicts

Working in Teams

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Ecstasy Consultants

Ten Ways to Improve Your Interpersonal Skills

Don’t discount the importance of interpersonal skills in the workplace. How you are perceived by your manager and coworkers plays a large role in things as minor as your day-to-day happiness at the

No matter how hard you work or how many brilliant ideas you may have, if you can’t connect with the people who work around you, your professional life will suffer. The good news is that there are several concrete things that you can do to improve your social skills and become closer to your colleagues. All of these tools will ultimately help you succeed in today’s working world.

Try these 10 helpful tips for improving your interpersonal skills:

1. Smile. Few people want to be around someone who is always down in the dumps. Do your best to be friendly and upbeat with your coworkers. Maintain a positive, cheerful attitude about work and about life. Smile often. The positive energy you radiate will draw others to you.

2. Be appreciative. Find one positive thing about everyone you work with and let them hear it. Be generous with praise and kind words of encouragement. Say thank you when someone helps you. Make colleagues feel welcome when they call or stop by your office. If you let others know that they are appreciated, they’ll want to give you their best.

3. Pay attention to others. Observe what’s going on in other people’s lives. Acknowledge their happy milestones, and express concern and sympathy for difficult situations such as an illness or death. Make eye contact and address people by their first names. Ask others for their opinions.

4. Practice active listening. To actively listen is to demonstrate that you intend to hear and understand another’s point of view. It means restating, in your own words, what the other person has said. In this way, you know that you understood their meaning and they know that your responses are more than lip service. Your coworkers will appreciate knowing that you really do listen to what they have to say.

5. Bring people together. Create an environment that encourages others to work together. Treat everyone equally, and don't play favorites. Avoid talking about others behind their backs. Follow up on other people's suggestions or requests. When you make a statement or announcement, check to see that you have been understood. If folks see you as someone solid and fair, they will grow to trust you.

6. Resolve conflicts. Take a step beyond simply bringing people together, and become someone who resolves conflicts when they arise. Learn how to be an effective mediator. If coworkers bicker over personal or professional disagreements, arrange to sit down with both parties and

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help sort out their differences. By taking on such a leadership role, you will garner respect and admiration from those around you.

7. Communicate clearly. Pay close attention to both what you say and how you say it. A clear and effective communicator avoids misunderstandings with coworkers, collegues, and associates. Verbal eloquence projects an image of intelligence and maturity, no matter what your age. If you tend to blurt out anything that comes to mind, people won’t put much weight on your words or opinions.

8. Humor them. Don’t be afraid to be funny or clever. Most people are drawn to a person that can make them laugh. Use your sense of humor as an effective tool to lower barriers and gain people’s affection.

9. See it from their side. Empathy means being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand how they feel. Try to view situations and responses from another person’s perspective. This can be accomplished through staying in touch with your own emotions; those who are cut off from their own feelings are often unable to empathize with others.

10. Don't complain. There is nothing worse than a chronic complainer or whiner. If you simply have to vent about something, save it for your diary. If you must verbalize your grievances, vent to your personal friends and family, and keep it short. Spare those around you, or else you’ll get a bad reputation.

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Inter - Personal Skills

The ability to have authentic relationships with people that result in win-win outcomes. People with interpersonal skills are appropriately assertive and have the potential of being able to communicate with people on the right wavelength. When working with people, either singly or in groups and teams, they consistently secure high levels of agreement and commitment.

Inter-personal skills are a crucially important capability in a world where people are caught up in new technologies, suffering from information overload and lack of human warmth and emotional intelligence.

Assertiveness

Safeguard your rights in a way that doesn't violate other people's rights Express yourself in ways that are clear and unambiguous

Be open and honest about your motives and intentions.

Communication

Encourage open communication within your organization Speak more effectively

Pay attention to body language to improve your verbal and listening skills

Employ 'active listening' skills to aid understanding of the message being conveyed

Write in a concise, informative, clear and relevant manner.

Face-to-Face Skills

Convey clearly what you want to achieve and how Generate the reactions you want from other people

Help you to respond to people's behavior appropriately

Keep the interaction moving towards a successful conclusion.

Influencing

Elicit information, understanding and trust from the influence with questioning techniques

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Reason with the person you seek to influence in order to help them see the logic and benefits of your proposals

Use clear verbal behavior to ensure that your proposals are easy to understand and attractive to the person you are trying to influence

Use positive body language to reassure people, as well as observe other people's body language for clues as to how they feel and what they are thinking.

Negotiating

Involving the other party and their interests in the decision-making process

Planning how you will conduct your negotiations, e.g. logistics for the meeting, preparing proposals and counter-proposals

Remaining focused on what you want to achieve from the negotiations, rather than on bargaining positions or people's behavior

Standing your ground when faced with difficult opponents and intimidatory tactics.

Team working

Become an enthusiastic, committed team member Behave in ways that enhance the performance of the teams to which

you belong

Participate fully in team discussions

Play your part in creating a supportive team spirit.

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Assertiveness in the Workplace

Answer the statements using the following rating system:

1 Never...

4 Usually

2 Rarely...

5 Always

3 Sometimes

..

...

1. can say no to high-pressure sales people __________

2. I can return defective merchandise to the store __________3. I can speak out if someone butts in front of me in line __________4. I can listen to someone point out a mistake I made without becoming

defensive or upset __________5. I can speak in front of a group without undue anxiety __________6. I can complain about an unreasonable workload __________7. I can maintain my point of view in the face of a disagreement from an

aggressive, opinionated person __________8. I am able to negotiate salary increases, changes in job title or function

__________9. I am able to ask questions and request further information without fear

of sounding stupid or incompetent __________10. Can object when I feel I am being treated unfairly __________11. I can stand up for my rights when someone in authority is rude or

unreasonable __________12. I can insist that my landlord (mechanic, repairman, etc) make

repairs, adjustments or replacements, which are his/her responsibility __________

13. I can request the return of borrowed money or items without being apologetic __________

14. When I need help or a favour from a friend, I can ask directly for what I want rather than using indirect means like hinting __________

15. I can make the first move towards beginning a friendship with someone I am getting to know __________

16. I can refuse to do something I don't feel like doing, without feeling guilty __________

17. I am able to openly express love and affection __________18. I can ask my roommate/spouse to take on a fairer share of the

household chores __________19. I can say no to the demands of close friends and relatives that I do

things their way __________20. When someone does something that bothers me I am able to

express my feelings __________

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21. I can accept a compliment graciously without discounting it in my own mind __________

22. I can accept my own mistakes and imperfections __________23. I can make my own decisions and feel good about them __________24. I am (or would be) a good model of assertiveness for my own child

__________

TOTAL SCORE

Total your scores to assess how assertive you are in each area:

95 - 120

...Assertive

75 - 95 ...Moderately Assertive

50 - 75 ...Inconsistently Assertive

under 50

...Need Practice

Assertive Versus Unassertive and Aggressive Behavior

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Many people are concerned that if they assert themselves others will think of their behavior as aggressive. But there is a difference between being assertive and aggressive.

Assertive people state their opinions, while still being respectful of others. Aggressive people attack or ignore others' opinions in favor of their own. Passive people don't state their opinions at all.

The chart below gives some examples of the differences between passive, aggressive, and assertive behavior.

Differences Between Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Behavior. Passive Behavior (The Passive Person) -- Aggressive Behavior (The Aggressive Person) -- Assertive Behavior (The Assertive Person).

Passive Behavior: Is afraid to speak upAggressive Behavior: Interrupts and 'talks over' others Assertive Behavior: Speaks openly

Passive Behavior: Speaks softlyAggressive Behavior: Speaks loudlyAssertive Behavior: Uses a conversational tone

Passive Behavior: Avoids looking at peopleAggressive Behavior: Glares and stares at othersAssertive Behavior: Makes good eye contact

Passive Behavior: Shows little or no expressionAggressive Behavior: Intimidates others with expressionsAssertive Behavior: Shows expressions that match the message

Passive Behavior: Slouches and withdrawsAggressive Behavior: Stands rigidly, crosses arms, invades others' personal space Assertive Behavior: Relaxes and adopts an open posture and expressions

Passive Behavior: Isolates self from groups Aggressive Behavior: Controls groups Assertive Behavior: Participates in groups

Passive Behavior: Agrees with others, despite feelings Aggressive Behavior: Only considers own feelings, and/or demands of others Assertive Behavior: Speaks to the point

Passive Behavior: Values self less than others Aggressive Behavior: Values self more than others Assertive Behavior: Values self equal to others

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Passive Behavior: Hurts self to avoid hurting others Aggressive Behavior: Hurts others to avoid being hurt Assertive Behavior: Tries to hurt no one (including self)

Passive Behavior: Does not reach goals and may not know goals Aggressive Behavior: Reaches goals but hurts others in the process Assertive Behavior: Usually reaches goals without alienating others

Passive Behavior: You're okay, I'm not Aggressive Behavior: I'm okay, you're notAssertive Behavior: I'm okay, you're okay

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Tips for Behaving More AssertivelyIf you want to be more assertive, but aren't sure how, here are some tips to get you started. But remember, the best way to become more assertive is through practice. Visit the Role Playing and Sample Situations section of this course for some test cases and try practicing with friends, family, or counselors.

Speak up when you have an idea or opinion.

This is one of the biggest steps toward being more assertive and can be easier than you think. It may be as simple as raising your hand in class when you know the answer to a question, suggesting a change to your boss or coworkers, or offering an opinion at a party (even if it's just your opinion of a new movie or book.)

Stand up for your opinions and stick to them.

It can be a little harder to express opinions and stick to them when you know that others may disagree, but try to avoid being influenced by others' opinions just out of the desire to fit in. You may change your mind when someone presents a rational argument that makes you see things in a new light, but you shouldn't feel a need to change your mind just because you're afraid of what others may think. Like as not, you'll gain more respect for standing up for yourself than you will for not taking a stand.

Make requests and ask for favors.

Most people find it hard to ask for help when they need it, but people don't always offer without being asked. As long as your requests are reasonable (for example, "Would you mind holding the door while I carry my suitcase to the car?" as opposed to "Would you mind carrying my suitcase to the car while I hang out and watch TV?") most people are willing to help out. If your requests are reasonable (meaning, would you agree or respond kindly if someone asked the same of you?), don't feel bad about asking.

Refuse requests if they are unreasonable.

It's perfectly appropriate to turn down requests if they are unreasonable or if you

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don't have the time or resources. For example, if someone asks you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable or you think is wrong, it's fine to simply say no ("I'm sorry but I don't feel right doing that" or "I'm sorry but I can't help you with that.") It's also fine to turn down someone if you feel overwhelmed. If you are concerned that you aren't being fair to others, ask if their favors are fair to you (would you ask the same of them? would you expect them to say yes every time?) You can always offer to help in the future or help in another way ("I'm sorry but I don't have time to help you with that today, but I could help you tomorrow" or "I won't write your report for you, but I'd be happy to talk to you about it and read it over when you're done.") As long as you don't turn down every request that comes your way, you shouldn't feel guilty.

Accept both compliments and feedback.

Accepting compliments seems easy, but people often make little of them because they are embarrassed ("Oh it was nothing" or "It's not a big deal".) But don't make less of your accomplishments. It's fine to simply say "thank you" when people give you compliments -- just don't chime in and begin complimenting yourself or you'll lose their admiration pretty quickly! ("You're right, I AM great!") Similarly, be prepared to accept feedback from others that may not always be positive. While no one needs to accept unwarranted or insulting advice, if someone gives you helpful advice in the right context, try to accept it graciously and act upon it. Accepting feedback (and learning from it) will often earn you respect and future compliments.

Question rules or traditions that don't make sense or don't seem fair.

Just because something 'has always been that way' doesn't mean it's fair. If you feel a tradition or rule is unfair to you or others, don't be afraid to speak up and question why that rule exists. Rather than break a rule or law, find out the reasoning behind it. If you still think it's wrong, talk to friends or coworkers, work with counselors and legislators, and see if there is a way to change it. While some rules are less flexible and should be respected (for example, a family's decision not to allow cigarette smoking in their house or the state laws about drunk driving), others may be open to debate (for example, why a public place doesn't have wheelchair access or your school computers aren't compatible with assistive technology.)

Insist that your rights be respected.

While you want to choose your battles carefully (the right to equal pay in the workplace is probably more important than your right to wear your Hawaiian T-shirt to work on Fridays), you do have basic rights that you should feel

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comfortable standing up for. Some of these rights may be guaranteed you under law, such as your medical, employment, and educational rights. Other rights may involve basic courtesy - such as the right to be treated fairly, equally, and politely by friends, coworkers, and family.

Accepting Responsibilities

 Accepting responsibilities that go along with your career can help you to advance in your profession. The responsibilities you will be facing at work consist of

responsibilities that come with the job, responsibilities that you voluntarily assume, and responsibilities that arise from a situation.

Usual Work Responsibilities

Your everyday work responsibilities should be clearly described to you upon being hired. These responsibilities will vary from career to career; however, overall they consist of tasks that get work completed and objectives met for the employer.

Your entry-level position may cover a wide range of duties, so if you are asked to perform a duty that is not in your job description, check with a mentor or friend. It is better to say refuse to do the work than to repeatedly perform poorly or to complete a task that is someone else’s responsibility.

If you are not sure how a duty should be performed, always ask for clarification.

If you make an error, take ownership for the error; it is a sign of growth and maturity.

If someone corrects your error, you should show appreciation and not feel threatened.

Additional Responsibilities

Accepting additional responsibilities can be done voluntarily or involuntarily. In most realistic work situations, you will be asked to accept responsibilities that are not included in your job description. Handling these requests in a positive and assertive manner can lead to career success.

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By taking on additional responsibilities, you can

learn new skills, improve your chances for advancement, make a positive contribution to the department and company, assist a co-worker, and help meet deadlines.

New skills and additional responsibilities can always be added to your résumé, thus making you more employable.

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Resolving Conflicts

Conflict occurs in situations in which there is opposition. Opposition occurs when a solution cannot be found in a disagreement. Conflict resolution involves identifying areas of agreement and areas of compromise so that a solution to the disagreement or conflict occurs.

Many causes of conflict arise due to miscommunication. In these situations, your assertiveness skills are of special need. For example, active listening will help you to hear the real message. Sometimes you hear the wrong message due to one or more of the following factors:

Cultural differences Differences of opinion Unclear roles or expectations Emotional responses to an

issue or person Unequal status Misunderstanding of the

language

Becoming aware of these barriers to effective listening can allow you to work towards focussing on the message and the intention, rather than on distracters.

There are five methods to handle conflict:

Running away Being obliging to the other party Defeating the other party Winning a little/ losing a little Co-operating

Which method do you typically follow? Use the following chart to list situations in which you use these methods.

Flee Oblige Defeat Win/Lose Co-operate

         

Resolving conflict is an art of communication, as are listening and trying to come to a happy solution for everyone. Talk about what is bothering you, listen to the other party’s explanation, and come to a solution that satisfies

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both you and the other person. This usually works. Co-operation reduces anger, stress, and frustration.

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Working in Teams  

The amount of work to be accomplished in today’s work environments has increased about as fast as the technological advances have permitted. Since the work to be done is often complex, requiring the expertise of several individuals, teams are formed to meet deadlines, project requirements, and budgets.

Employers greatly value individuals who can work effectively in teams because they can

contribute efficiently to the organization’s goals, complete complex projects rapidly, and respect other team members’ thoughts and opinions.

Listen to what people have to say, and help them in any way you can. Communicate ideas at staff meetings even if you have not fully thought the ideas through. You may be surprised that with the ideas and creativity of your co-workers, your idea can be brought to fruition. Consequently, you may be asked to lead a team project; don’t hesitate to take charge when appropriate.

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Bring Out the Leader in Each EmployeeIf you're a business owner with a team of employees, you are a business leader. Good leaders understand the link between happy and fulfilled employees and satisfied customers and clients. Your employees can be a goldmine of good ideas and creative energy, as well as your strongest resource, provided

Here are some ways you can bring out the leader in each of your employees:

Be an Encourager. Employees often have fresh ideas or suggestions, but may not voice those ideas because they don't feel their manager is interested in hearing what they have to say. Encourage your employees, regardless of their status within your business, to contribute their ideas. Even if you decide an employee's idea won't work, thank them for their suggestion and encourage them to continue suggesting new ideas.

Get Everyone Involved. Leaders who aggressively solicit ideas from their staff usually find that doing so improves morale, which in turn creates positive change within the business. Strive to foster a climate of openness within your business. Attempt to engage your employees in the innovation process, and reward them for their input with verbal thanks and positive encouragement along the way.

Get to Know Each Employee Personally. It's impossible to motivate employees without first getting to know them. Make a point of having a one-on-one meeting with each member of your staff. Once you start to

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gauge the strengths of each member of your team, you can help them develop leadership capacities that suit those strengths, as well as strategies to improve upon any possible weaknesses.

Reward Great Ideas. It's important to acknowledge and reward employees whose good ideas help lead to positive changes. You may consider establishing an award or giving a gift of recognition. Then, get out of the employee's way and let him or her lead the development opportunity (with your support).

Find Their Motivation. Learn to recognize what motivates each employee, and encourage those things in each of them. This will coax your employees to become leaders instead of followers. With a little perseverance, your team will begin to work collaboratively to lead the business to success.

Develop a Sense of Urgency. To make leaders out of your employees, each must believe that they have an urgent and worthwhile purpose within the organization. Establishing a sense of urgency and direction will help them know what your expectations are, and prompt them to take on a more meaningful role in the company today.

Keep Your Employees Informed. Praise your employees for what they're doing right, and inform them about what they could be doing better. Challenge each of them to be the best they can be. Keeping your staff informed will foster respect and help them better meet your combined goals.

Provide Positive Feedback. Reinforcement encourages employees to develop their skills to their maximum potential. Use your leadership tools — coaching, counseling, and mentoring — to help motivate them. And walk the walk as much as you talk the talk. Failing to lead by example can foster resentment and lead to low morale. Be sure to check out Do As I Do: How to Lead by Example for some helpful pointers.

Allocate Decision-Making Power. Empower your employees by giving them the ability (within reason) to make key decisions relating to their jobs and duties. The more faith and trust you place in them, the more likely they will be driven to succeed and to impress you.

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