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Interpersonal skills are an often undervalued, but highly necessary, component in our ability to succeed. These skills aren’t always given the same credence as “hard skills” as they’re more challenging to list on a resume, or not as straightforward to teach in a classroom. If you struggle to build your confidence and communication skills, never fear! There are plenty of ways to add a bit of practice to your daily life.
As technology advances, we find ourselves able to skip out on interpersonal interaction on a regular basis. Day-to-day tasks that once involved talking to another human being no longer require it! Although this automation makes our lives more convenient, it certainly limits our opportunities to practice our communication with one another.
A simple way to keep up your interpersonal (and telephone!) skills regularly: delete the delivery apps! Next time you choose to order takeout, call up the restaurant yourself and chat with the employee. Not only will this provide you with an opportunity to practice your interpersonal skills, but it could also provide a small business with a financial break as many food delivery apps take a significant percentage of their profits (even if you’re picking it up yourself). Want to level up? Try going to one of those restaurants alone without your phone. Chances are, you’ll end up chatting with a server, bartender, or fellow patron!
Another way we can build interpersonal skills is to learn something new in a group of fresh learners. Try to find a class in your area that is tailored specifically for beginners. It could be an exercise class, or pottery, or even writing! If everyone in the room is starting from square one, it’s easier to connect and receive feedback without risk of judgement or failure. As your confidence builds, you might even find yourself able to give constructive feedback as well. If it’s a class with deadlines and a set meeting time every week, it can also help you build skills in time management and focus.
If you’re overwhelmed at first by the idea of jumping into the outside world, there are small ways to build interpersonal skills alone. As we all spend time consuming different forms of media, be it streaming TV shows or listening to podcasts, it’s easy to become a passive listener. Try putting your phone down the next time you’re consuming something and ask yourself questions as you listen, read, or watch:
• What is the message this is trying to send?
• Whose voices are present? Whose voices are absent?
• Do I agree, or do I have another take?
By asking yourself more questions, you can actively engage with others and build your own perspective, even if you’re alone! Not to mention you’ll have plenty to talk about the next time you find yourself chatting with coworkers.
As you can see, there are small changes you can make to your everyday life that can fill in the gaps. It can feel overwhelming at first, but just remember—we are all first timers at something sometimes. How do you develop your interpersonal skills in your day-to-day life?