So, what are interpersonal skills, and why are they important as a leader? When I think about the times that I have had individuals come up to me and ask me about their leaders, or talk to me about their relationships with their leaders it’s amazing how they focus on the personal side, and the soft skills side. And it’s interesting because not every leader is conscious about the value of honing those soft skills.
It’s amazing because they are so critically important. What is it really mean? It means that you have the ability to connect with people. You have the ability to listen to people. You’re showing a genuine interest in others when they come to you and talk about what is going on in their life. It means that you’re making time for people and you’re really cognizant of who they are as an individual.
So, in the myriad of things that you’ve got going on and everything that a leader has on their plate it is so important to realize that that person that is in front of you in that moment, that is wanting your attention, they are wanting your attention for a reason because of your influence, because of the fact that they look up to you. So, for you to be able to have a conversation to really listen to their concerns, to as I said, know what’s going on with them in their life is far more important in the grand scheme of things than a task they might be working on.
Let’s never underestimate your ability to have a conversation, to be a great listener, and to hone your soft skills as a leader every day that you’re in that position.
This article is a transcript from Michelle Ray’s Leadership Secrets at YouTube YouTube.
Michelle Ray (Twitter) is one of the best international leadership keynote speakers in Vancouver. She helps you discover your potential through presentations, coaching and consulting. With over 20 years of experience Michelle has worked with hundreds of companies around the world. She is taking bookings for speaking engagements and can be contacted at MichelleRay.com
