Whether you’re a salesperson, accountant, HR representative, or in IT—interpersonal skills in the workplace should be an invaluable part of your skillset. These “people skills” help us complete the part of the job that requires us to interact with other people to come up with solutions to a problem. And AMA has interpersonal skills training programs that can help you gain real-world, effective strategies to better communicate and relate to your coworkers, customers, and peers.
Regardless of your specific industry or seniority within your company, everyone can benefit from learning interpersonal skills. And we have programs for every level, from entry-level to manager.
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We define “interpersonal” as relationships and communication between two or more people. Whereas “intrapersonal skills” is how you communicate to yourself. It’s a soft skill (a skill that is desirable in every profession) and is used to communicate thoughts, ideas, and emotions. You use interpersonal skills in everyday life when you talk to your family, go to the coffee shop, or work with a team of your peers.
Interpersonal skills can also include two forms of communication—verbal and non-verbal communication. It’s all about how we relate to another person, and both facets of interpersonal skills are key in relating to others in the workplace.
Active listening
Listening with the intent to learn and empathize rather than respond is a key non-verbal interpersonal skill. It demonstrates that you are a willing, open participant in the conversation and signals mutual respect and trust to the other person.
Conflict management
In the workplace, there are bound to be instances when two or more peers do not see eye-to-eye on a given situation. Excellent interpersonal skills give you the tools to diffuse the situation so that it does not erupt in anger or hostility. Good conflict management resolves the issue in a manner that is agreeable to both parties and provides long-term stability in the workplace.
Teamwork
Even the most isolating of professions still requires a degree of teamwork. Your ability to function and contribute to a team is a valuable interpersonal skill from which companies can benefit. Teamwork is about listening and leaning on each other’s strengths and ideas to come up with a solution to a problem that the group can execute.
There are many more attributes that can be categorized under interpersonal communication skills. They include:
- Flexibility
- Dependability
- Patience
- Leadership
- Empathy
- Emotional intelligence
Unlike hard skills, such as Microsoft Excel® proficiency, soft skills like interpersonal communication are hard to quantify. There’s not a numerical measurement to grade your interpersonal effectiveness. It is something that you gradually build and then gauge the reactions of others.
Here are some methods with which to improve your interpersonal communication skills:
1. Observe and reflect upon successful interactions. If you have had a good conversation with a peer or customer, take note of what you did to help make that interaction a positive one.
2. Ask for feedback. You can ask your supervisor or coworkers how you perform in interpersonal conversations. Then, you can take the feedback and work on improving for next time.
3. Practice communication skills outside of work. Use everyday life as an opportunity to build your interpersonal skills. Ask for help the next time you are at a place of business and notice how others demonstrate interpersonal communication skills.
4. Try active listening. Instead of thinking of what to say next, listen to understand the other person in the conversation. It’s a great way to practice empathy and to absorb the message of others.
How AMA Will Help You Advance Your Career or Organization with Interpersonal Skills
You can find countless articles and quick self-help classes to improve interpersonal skills. But AMA offers in-depth, expert-led training courses that equip you with strategies to advance your interpersonal skills in the workplace and beyond. There are thousands of professionals like you who wanted to improve their interpersonal communication and took our courses.
Let’s hear from the professionals who have benefitted from our training.
Testimonials
“The class was very engaging. Having worked on the goals and intentions throughout the seminar was very helpful and gave me a guide on where to start and how to apply the tools I learned.”
- Michelle H., Office Manager, Chemical Manufacturing Industry
Communicating with Confidence, Sep 2021
“This course was one of the best I have taken as a professional. We were given real world examples with how we can use the different strategies. The breakout sessions were well timed and really helped practice what we just learned. I would recommend this course to anyone!”
- Matthew P., Scientist, Food Distribution Industry
Effectively Communicating in The Moment, Aug 2021
We have a wide variety of courses for every skill level. Whether you are an entry-level professional looking to improve your interpersonal skills or a senior-level professional in need of new interpersonal communication strategies, we have a course for you.
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New Manager or Supervisor
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Virtual Interpersonal Skills Training
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For the most immersive, hands-on learning experience, we offer in-person classes to help you sharpen your skills for that new job or promotion. Find a time that works with your schedule and experience our leading training programs.
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Much like our Live Online classes, Live Online Express allows you to work in groups with other aspirational professionals, take part in lecture breakout sessions, solicit advice from course leaders, and enjoy personalized feedback on your progress within a concentrated number of sessions.
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Best for self-starters with a packed daytime schedule, our OnDemand courses let you learn whenever works best for you, offering pre-recorded seminars formulated by successful professionals at the top of their fields.
Webinars
Enjoy a live experience, even if you’re pressed for time, with our webinars. They pack a lecture full of real-world expertise and examples into a single afternoon session. Better yet, get the option to revisit your learning at any time: Paid registrants get a single-user license to access a recorded archive of the program for up to a full year.