Everyone talks about them, companies strive to test for them, but how do you actually improve the skills that you use to interact with people and influence groups? Interpersonal management skills, often referred to as “soft skills” are not taught in MBA programs, nor are they taught in most undergraduate schools but, they are sought after by almost every employer out there.
Soft skills aren’t something you can learn quickly in an intensive class, you develop them throughout your life. However, there are a number of little things you can do to push yourself towards better interpersonal management skills.
1. Eat with others. Don’t just grab lunch at your desk or go straight home after work. Go out with your coworkers or, if you’re on a budget, bring your bag lunch down and actually interact with people as you eat. Not only does it make you mind your manners, it helps you develop how you make connections with people through small talk. For an even more in depth look at how this helps your social skills, check out this review of the book Never Eat Alone. As an additional bonus, you will do your job even better as you will inevitabley learn about connected projects and ideas through your coworkers that you can use.
2. Blog. I know, you’re thinking “How could this help develop social skills? You’re just being a nerd and typing your thoughts on the internet.” This couldn’t be further from the truth, as I pointed out in my post “Why blog as a Gen Y Young Professional?“. In fact, blogging helps you put together cogent arguments, express yourself more completely, and generally be more socially aware. TechCrunch points out a study that came to this same conclusion:
A new study has found Bloggers are better adjusted and live healthier, happier social lives.
The research, from Swinburne University of Technology found that “people felt they had better social support and friendship networks than those who did not blog” after a two month blogging period when compared to people who do not blog.”
3. Organize social gatherings or events. This takes work outside of your job but, it pays off. Getting your friends to get out of their apartments, especially after they get married, is a real test of anyones influencing skills. Sometimes it means getting to know their significant others (more social development) other times, you may need to pull together an event that includes a food, drinks, entertainment, etc (management). Whatever the event or gathering, you will strengthen relationships and develop your soft skills all while having a good time.
How do you work on your soft skills?
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