Administrator Case

Interpersonal Skills for Leaders - Sheryl Ellis

There are many skills needed to be an effective leader and of these one of the most important skills to possess as a leader are interpersonal skills. Interpersonal skills are but not limited to:

* Verbal communication skills are related to what and how we say something

* Non-verbal communication skills are related to what or how we communicate without words this type of communication includes body language such as the way one may cross their arms in front of themselves

* Listening skills are related to how we interpret and act on what we hear whether it is verbal or nonverbal

* Negotiation skills are related to how we work with others to reach an agreeable solution

* Problem solving skills are related to how we work with others to identify and solve problems

* Decision making skills are related to how we develop options to make decisions

Interpersonal skills begin to develop during childhood even without us knowing it. Most of our interpersonal skills are such a part of us we do not even realize that each day we may be using several of the interpersonal skills listed above. According to some research studies, the number on reason why managers and executives find themselves with a stalled or underperforming career is a lack of interpersonal skills (West).

Interpersonal skills can be worked on and improved and even learn new interpersonal skills. I feel like I need to work on my skills everyday especially my listening skills. Leaders need these interpersonal skills to guide their team in the right direction. A good leader knows when motivation is needed or when one of the team just needs to feel like they are being heard.