management

What difference do good interpersonal skills make on the job? At Personnel Decisions International, a global human resources consulting firm headquartered in New York, these skills clearly differentiate those employees who are more motivated and more committed to their individual and team goals.
According to R. J. Heckman, consultant, the give-and-take relationships that interpersonal skills support create many benefits, both for individuals and for the firm. With everyone working to enhance understanding and mutual respect, the needs and feelings of others are acknowledged. Differences between employees can then be seen, not as stumbling blocks, but as necessary elements for building strong teams. That reduces conflict and allows employees to focus on the positive aspects of any conflicts that do arise.
The healthy environment needed for creativity is also dependent on interpersonal skills. As Heckman puts it, "Building relationships, managing conflict, valuing diversity, and leveraging networks foster personal and professional growth."
How exactly are interpersonal skills such as these developed in employees? At Personnel Decisions various strategies are used, among them both formal and informal feedback on performance and coaching, mentoring, on-the-job activities, and making skill improvement a personal goal. Although developing skill takes effort, in the case of interpersonal skills, the benefits are many