Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills (IPS) are employed whenever people interact with each other, and they play a vital role in our daily routines and social interactions. They are essential, for example, in our ability to [Page 745]communicate, solve problems, and build/maintain relationships with others. The need for strong IPS is regularly cited, and these exhortations extend to virtually every vocation. Yet these skills are commonly taken for granted—often not of particular notice, except in situations when they are seen as exceptionally good, bad, or simply surprising. However, in the service-oriented, bottom line–focused, information-rich organizational milieu of today, the need for strong IPS is unmistakable. Given their importance and impact on personal (e.g., physical, emotional, and psychological well-being) and professional outcomes (e.g., customer satisfaction, career progression), the study ...