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As a business owner, it is NOT good if you are the one 'out of the loop' with your employees. And if you are, this reflects directly on your communication and interpersonal skills and you should address this ASAP.
Not only will better communication and interpersonal skills improve employee relations, it will also drastically improve relations with clients and practically anybody else around you.
How to Develop Your Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Don't sit around waiting for employees or colleagues to invite you, invite them! Go out for lunch or ask them if they want to have some coffee. If this is too big a step for you, then 'accidentally' go to lunch where you know some of your staff or colleagues are and 'bump into them'.
Good communication skills call for the delicate balance of talking and listening. So when trying to 'blend in', don't just jump in a conversation with your own stories (even if they are related to the topic). Wait for a reasonable amount of time and then ask a few questions. The other people in the group will then start asking you questions too and the conversation will take off from there.
RELAX. The more nervous you are, the more likely it is that you will say the wrong things. Remember that picking up and setting down your glass, fidgeting and poor body posture keep people away from you rather than making them come towards you. And by the way... SMILE.
As tempting as it may seem, do not latch on to somebody you feel you had a good conversation with. Nothing is more annoying than to be followed around and you don't want to be the one tagged as the 'follower'.
If all else fails, there is help you can get from self-help guides. There are plenty of e-books, CDs, and online seminars all geared towards enabling you to come out of your shell so do give them a try!
Action Steps to Better Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Ask yourself why you are shy. Is it because you feel inferior to others? If so, why? Have you ever tried reaching out to other people? Knowing the reason(s) why you are self-conscious can contribute greatly to developing better communication and interpersonal skills.
- The best ways to combat nervousness is to be prepared. As such, if you do not like going to parties because you are in unfamiliar territory, then bring the party to your home, starting with a small number of guests.
Important Points to Better Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Relax. The people in the room will not bite you.
- Good communication skills start with good listening skills.
- Seek professional help or self-help guides to help you develop your interpersonal skills faster.
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