7 People Skills You Need to be Successful in the Workplace

While it’s important to have experience and advanced technical skills related to your position, it’s also crucial for a person to be able to effectively listen, communicate, and interact well with others on both a personal and professional level. Soft skills, also known as people skills, help employees contribute to a healthy work environment and the overall achievement of a company.

Here are 7 people skills you need to have to ensure your success in the workplace.

1. Showing a real interest in others – People appreciate knowing others are sincerely interested in them. You can do this easily by remembering names, dates, and important events, and by asking thoughtful questions and listening to the answers, then giving appropriate feedback when necessary.
2. Having patience – This is especially important when working in a job that deals with customer interactions and relationship management, whether face-to-face or by telephone. A person who’s patient with others and does their best to calm stressful situations before they get out of control is a definite asset to a company and will be remembered by supervisors for potential promotions.
3. Offering empathy – Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes as you try to relate to what they’re going through is a key people skill that allows you to build relationships with others. It’s important not to write someone off, but rather show compassion when they are facing particular challenges.
4. Being able to actively listen – There is a difference between hearing someone speak and actively listening to what they have to say. If you’re someone who begins to form a response in your mind or starts talking before a person is finished with what they’re saying, you’ll want to practice listening without interrupting. While it does take time, you will begin to see that people will start reacting to you in a more positive manner.
5. Keeping an open mind – Having an open mind not only helps you to learn and grow, but also allows you to receive a certain level of trust and respect from others who feel you are approachable and easy to work with.
6. Paying attention to body language – We are always communicating with someone even though we may not be speaking aloud to them. Be aware of your expressions, gestures, voice, and appearance at all times to avoid miscommunication with someone else.
7. Possessing leadership skills – Even when you’re not in a management role, being able to motivate a team and assist those around you without being asked will ensure your success and display that you are a team player.

Employees who have strong people skills are able to communicate more efficiently with everyone in the workplace including managers, co-workers, and clients. This is important for developing and maintaining relationships with others as well as helping you to succeed in both your personal and professional endeavors.

If you’re looking for ways to grow within an organization, applying for the life-changing LifeWorks training program can help you gain the specific strengths and abilities needed to be successful in work and life. As a part of LifeWorks, you will be connected to the people and resources that can help you discover where you thrive, as well as which steps you should take towards a career that’s made for you. To get started, apply online or call The Jobs Partnership at 407-641-0755.