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Top 10 interpersonal skills in 2024

In 2024, having strong interpersonal skills isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but essential. The world of work is shifting, with hybrid models, automation, and global teams becoming the norm. The ability to connect, collaborate, and lead others is what separates good professionals from great ones. So, let’s dive into the top 10 interpersonal skills that will set you apart in the ever-evolving professional landscape, supported by research, relatable examples, and actionable tips.

1. Effective Communication

Clear communication has always been important, but with hybrid work becoming the new normal, it’s more vital than ever. Miscommunication can lead to wasted time, friction among team members, and missed opportunities.

Why Effective Communication Skill Matters More Now Than Ever

Remote work has made face-to-face interaction less frequent. So, most communication now happens through email, Slack, and video calls. A 2023 survey by Grammarly found that poor communication in businesses leads to an average of $12,506 per employee in lost productivity each year. Imagine how much more productive a company could be if everyone communicated clearly and efficiently.
Slack, the team messaging platform, understands the importance of effective communication in a distributed workforce. The company promotes best practices like being concise, using direct communication over ambiguous terms, and encouraging over-communication in virtual teams. This practice has helped Slack maintain smooth internal operations despite having a global, remote workforce.

Tip: When sending written messages, focus on brevity and clarity. If a message can be interpreted in multiple ways, rephrase it to ensure it’s foolproof.

2. Active Listening

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation, thinking about what you’re going to say next instead of fully listening to the other person? Active listening means paying attention to not just the words but also the speaker’s tone, body language, and emotions.

Why Active Listening Matters

A study by Cornell University in 2022 revealed that teams with strong active listening practices had 29% higher collaboration effectiveness than those that didn’t. Listening actively builds trust and avoids misunderstandings, especially in remote environments where it’s harder to read non-verbal cues.
Microsoft emphasizes active listening through its Leadership Principles, where employees at all levels are encouraged to listen more than they speak. Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, credits the company’s cultural transformation to better listening skills, which has helped Microsoft improve its internal collaboration and external partnerships.

Tip: Next time you’re in a meeting, make it a point to paraphrase what someone else said before offering your own opinion. This will confirm your understanding and ensure everyone feels heard.

3. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions while also being aware of others’ emotions. In 2024, as workplaces become more team-oriented and diverse, EI is essential for navigating relationships and leading effectively.

Why Emotional Intelligence Is Essential for Success

According to a TalentSmart EQ study, 90% of top performers in organizations score high on emotional intelligence, compared to only 20% of lower performers. High EI allows you to handle stress, communicate clearly, and resolve conflicts smoothly.

PepsiCo is well-known for its leadership programs that focus heavily on emotional intelligence. CEO Indra Nooyi often credited the company’s success to its EI-driven culture. Her practice of hand-writing personal notes to employees on their good work is a classic example of leading with emotional intelligence, showing empathy, and boosting morale.

Tip: Cultivate self-awareness by regularly checking in with your emotions throughout the day. Ask yourself how you’re feeling and why. It will help you control emotional reactions in high-stress situations.

Emotional Intelligence Training

Focusing on mindfulness, empathy and developing emotional intelligence minimise the risk of missing opportunities to strengthen your critical emotional skills.

4. Empathy

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a game changer in building relationships and fostering teamwork. In 2024, empathy is essential as organizations grow more global and culturally diverse.

Empathy in Cross-Cultural Teams

In a 2022 Businessolver study, 93% of employees said they’re more likely to stay with an empathetic employer. Empathy fosters trust, improves collaboration, and makes teams more cohesive, especially when employees come from different cultural backgrounds.

Airbnb’s co-founder and CEO, Brian Chesky, credits empathy as one of the most important values driving the company’s culture. After having to lay off 25% of its workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb ensured severance packages were generous and transparent. The company also created an alumni talent directory to help laid-off employees find new jobs. This empathetic approach preserved its brand and earned widespread respect from both current and former employees.

Tip: In meetings, take a few minutes to check in with team members on a personal level. This small gesture can significantly boost team morale and show that you care about their well-being.

5. Conflict Resolution

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, especially in diverse teams with varying opinions and working styles. But the ability to resolve conflicts constructively is what sets high-performing teams apart from dysfunctional ones.

The Power of Constructive Conflict

According to a CPP Global study, U.S. employees spend nearly 2.8 hours per week dealing with conflict, costing companies around $359 billion annually. However, when conflicts are handled properly, they can lead to greater innovation, stronger relationships, and better decision-making.

Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, has a culture of “radical transparency” where employees are encouraged to openly discuss disagreements and resolve conflicts constructively. This culture, championed by founder Ray Dalio, has helped Bridgewater foster a highly innovative environment by embracing constructive conflict as a key part of its success.

Tip: Next time you find yourself in a disagreement, focus on asking questions to understand the other person’s perspective. You might discover that what seemed like a conflict is actually a miscommunication.

6. Adaptability

If there’s one constant in 2024, it’s change. New technologies, shifting markets, and evolving customer demands mean that adaptability is more critical than ever. Those who can quickly adjust their thinking, processes, or behavior will thrive.

Why Adaptability Is in High Demand

LinkedIn’s 2023 Global Talent Trends report ranked adaptability as one of the top skills employers look for, especially as companies face rapidly changing work conditions. Employers need workers who can pivot quickly in response to unexpected challenges or opportunities.

A prime example of adaptability is Netflix. Originally a DVD rental service, Netflix saw the rise of digital media and pivoted to streaming. By recognizing changing consumer preferences and swiftly adapting its business model, Netflix became the leader in the entertainment industry, consistently staying ahead of competitors.

Tip: When faced with change, ask yourself: How can this help me grow or enhance my skills? A growth mindset is key to embracing adaptability.

7. Teamwork and Collaboration

Teamwork has always been essential, but in 2024, it’s evolving with hybrid work arrangements. Collaborating across time zones and cultures requires a unique set of interpersonal skills to ensure smooth operations.

The Importance of Collaboration

According to a study by Stanford University, companies that encourage collaborative working environments are 5 times more likely to be high-performing. Teamwork fosters innovation and faster problem-solving, which are essential in today’s fast-paced work environment.
GitLab, a fully remote software development platform, is one of the best examples of successful remote collaboration. GitLab’s employees are spread across 65 countries, yet the company manages to foster strong teamwork through structured communication and documentation. Their Handbook, a 2,000-page resource, is a living document that helps everyone stay aligned and engaged, regardless of location.

Tip: In hybrid environments, over-communicate to keep everyone in the loop. Sharing small updates frequently can prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is working towards the same goal.

8. Leadership and Influence

In 2024, leadership isn’t about having a fancy title; it’s about the ability to influence and inspire others, regardless of your role. Organizations are looking for leaders who can step up and take initiative, regardless of their position.

The Rise of Distributed Leadership

According to Deloitte’s 2023 Human Capital Trends Report, companies that cultivate leadership at all levels outperform their peers by 20% in business outcomes. Leadership in this sense is not about authority but about being a positive influence, inspiring others, and driving projects forward.

At Salesforce, leadership isn’t reserved for managers. Employees are encouraged to lead projects, mentor peers, and take initiative. This culture of distributed leadership has contributed to Salesforce’s success as a top innovator in the tech industry. It allows every employee to feel empowered and engaged, regardless of their official role.

Tip: Take ownership of a project or mentor a colleague. Demonstrating leadership by initiative is one of the fastest ways to grow professionally, even if you’re not in a management role.

9. Problem-Solving

In today’s complex work environments, no single person has all the answers. The ability to work together to solve problems creatively and efficiently is a critical skill in 2024.

Why Collaborative Problem-Solving Is Key

A study by MIT Sloan found that teams that engage in collaborative problem-solving are 2.5 times more likely to find innovative solutions. This is because different perspectives often lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the problem, resulting in better solutions.

Toyota’s Kaizen philosophy encourages continuous improvement and collaborative problem-solving. Teams are empowered to identify inefficiencies and brainstorm solutions, leading to incremental improvements that collectively result in significant operational gains. This approach has been key to Toyota’s global success in maintaining high-quality production while continuously evolving.

Tip: In problem-solving discussions, focus on asking open-ended questions. This encourages others to think creatively and contribute their perspectives.

10. Cultural Awareness

Workplaces in 2024 are more diverse than ever. Teams span multiple countries, time zones, and cultural backgrounds, making cultural awareness a crucial interpersonal skill for fostering inclusivity and avoiding misunderstandings.

Why Cultural Awareness Matters

According to McKinsey, companies in the top quartile for ethnic and cultural diversity outperform those in the bottom quartile by 36% in profitability. Understanding and appreciating cultural differences leads to more innovative teams and better decision-making.

Unilever, a global consumer goods company, places a strong emphasis on cultural competence training. They implement programs to help employees understand the cultural nuances of their colleagues and customers across 190 countries. This focus on cultural awareness has enabled Unilever to create products that resonate globally while maintaining a strong, diverse team culture.

Tip: Take the time to learn about your colleagues’ cultural backgrounds. A simple “What holiday do you celebrate around this time of year?” can open the door to deeper cultural understanding and stronger relationships.

How to Improve Interpersonal Skills?

Improving interpersonal skills is very crucial as they can improve your work environment and personal life. So, if you want to develop these interpersonal skills, you need to have consistency and a genuine desire to connect with others.

Here are the top 10 ways to improve your interpersonal skills:

  • Set your goals
  • Improve active listening skills
  • Observe successful interactions
  • Communicate with confidence
  • Be thoughtful and keep your interactions with others as focused as possible.
  • Reflect on the growth and development of your interpersonal skills
  • Ask for feedback on your interpersonal skills
  • Be compassionate
  • Be mindful and in charge of your own emotions.
  • Build and nurture interpersonal relationships.

Conclusion

In 2024, the future of work will demand more than just technical skills. The ability to communicate clearly, lead with empathy, resolve conflicts, and work effectively in diverse teams will set you apart and open up new opportunities for growth and leadership. These interpersonal skills are not just important for professional success. They are essential for navigating the complexities of modern work environments and building stronger, more productive relationships. One effective way to enhance these skills is through continuous learning.

Janets offers a range of courses designed to help you develop the interpersonal skills that are increasingly in demand. By enrolling in courses through Janets, you can gain practical insights and actionable techniques to boost your professional abilities. To explore their offerings, visit https://www.janets.org.uk/all-courses/ and take the first step toward enhancing your interpersonal skills today!

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October 28, 2024

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