Developing Interpersonal Skills -- Essential Traits For Career Success

One of my last career positions was a place of introverts. Software developers were many, and conversations were few. I had never experienced anything quite like that before. Every morning, I'd show up with a group of other developers and cyber folk and the environment never changed. Typically, everyone would show up, drop off their bags, put headphones on, and just stare at their computers. I often would focus on the silence after I sneezed, hoping that I'd experience someone eventually saying "bless you". NOPE!

The situation made me think, how many people don't have team work and interpersonal skills for success of an organization and/or to develop team cohesion? I feel like these situations and experiences I have are starting to become the norm. A lot of people will base it on personality types or make up excuses about how it's technology's fault....I'm calling BS. I am a Millennial (unfortunately -- see, there's a reputation we have), and personally I don't feel like I fit this category. I am extremely engaged in my computer and technology, but I also love saying hi to my other co-workers when I or they show up in the morning and finding out about their night or weekend.

How do we develop interpersonal skills? Well, In my experiences and in my opinion, it all comes with promoting that type of environment. If it's not promoted, people stick to the norm. In my case, the norm was a unit that never communicated or sought out to learn from each other. What if this environment was different and encouraged differently?

Looking for new positions, I get recruiters asking me what I'm looking for. One of the things I always say is a cohesive team that seeks to build each other and help each other out (along with the occasional social function). See, I value these things because they have always been encouraged in my cultures. I am still serving in the Army Reserves and I can totally see the difference in unit morale with units that have this type of culture promoted.

Engaging in team building and proper interactions DEFINITELY enhance quality of life. For one, everyone develops more. Secondly, regardless whether you're classified as an introvert or extrovert, you will always have a better time. People need human to human contact and interaction.

Looking at new opportunities, you can almost always see that strong interpersonal skills are a requirement or preference. Companies tend to value these skills because they are important and beneficial. Try placing interpersonal skills as a priority. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable and even rejecting, but it's necessary. When we put ourselves out there you can always get rejected, but that means there's always the opportunity for knowledge growth.

One of my favorite things about Steemit is the interactions we all have. Let's continue these interactions and continue to build our interpersonal skills on this site and in our lives!

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pmlifecoach (30) 7 years ago

Nice piece, Always seemed to fit the label introvert, yet I am ok in groups and even larger functions. New research has shown that there are other mixed categories in the group. They now have a label of Extrovert / Introvert. One who will retreat to a quite place to spend time alone and in reflection. This best fits me as I can engage with others without fear, after much pushing myself to be more involved. And I do enjoy extended periods of quiet time.

Much of the time people are quiet due to a base feeling that they are safe from rejection and ridicule. However once engaged everyone's performance and personal self worth benefits. Mainly because we all need and crave to some extent the chance to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.

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