Seven Interpersonal Skills

The following report will define seven interpersonal skills, give an example of how each skill is useful in business and provide a list of websites for the development of each skill at the end of the report.

Listening: this skill focuses on the ability to hear attentively and process information correctly. It is the ability to accurately receive and interpret messages in the communication process. (Interpersonal Skills in the Workplace, 2016). Adler, Rosenfeld & Proctor (2001) tell us that “Adults spend an average of 70% of their time engaged in some sort of communication, of this an average of 45% is spent listening compared to 30% speaking, 16% reading and 9% writing.” In business, this is a key to all communication since communication will

Mortensen (2004) claims that we can gain influence over and inspire others to take action while getting what you want. In addition, he states that one’s sales and marketing skills will benefit from the power of persuasion.

Interviewing “in an employment context are typically called job interviews, which describe a formal consultation for the purpose of evaluating the qualifications of the interviewee for a specific position. Interviews are seen as a useful tool in assessing qualifications.” (Interview, 2016).

Coaching “is a form of development in which a person called a coach supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal.” (Coaching, 2016). Coaches can help workers to move towards achieving their goals in the workplace by providing support, feedback and advice. “Research studies suggest that executive coaching has a positive impact on workplace performance.” (Coaching, 2016) by helping junior employees to perform to higher standards, have more satisfaction both at work and on a personal level.

Websites with information on how to improve each

and Proctor, R. (2001). Interplay: the process of interpersonal communicating (8th edn), Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt. Retrieved from http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/listening-skills.html#ixzz4Fa2WRnTW

Assertiveness (2016). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assertiveness

Being Assertive is Good for Business, (2016). Retrieved from http://southafrica.smetoolkit.org/sa/en/content/en/4973/Being-assertive-is-good-for-business

Coaching (2016). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coaching

Communication Skills – Start Here (2016). Retrieved from https://www.mindtools.com/page8.html

Healthy Lifestyle: Stress management, (2016). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/assertive/art-20044644

Interview (2016). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interview

Listening skills (2016). Retrieved from