It is known that both interpersonal skills and intrapersonal thing play an important role in the life of any individual who wants to become a good leader. Well-developed interpersonal and intrapersonal skills help to increase productivity in a diverse workplace and to use a team approach in order to achieve the major organizational goals. Moreover, both interpersonal and intrapersonal skills give an opportunity to the leader to find appropriate methods for employees’ motivation and communication. Although intrapersonal and interpersonal skills have very much in common, there are certain differences between them.
Interpersonal skills are of great importance because they allow any leader to find individual approach to any team member no matter what traits of character he or she has. Interpersonal skills include openness in communication, integrity, helpfulness, courtesy, discretion, respect, tact and empathy. Besides, interpersonal skills are focused on active listening, well-developed written and oral communication, understanding the views and positions of others in the group, emotional maturity, and cognitive flexibility. If a leader has well-developed interpersonal skills, he or she will be able to promote a healthy atmosphere of confidence and trust in the workplace, and valuable relationships between team members.
Moreover, a good leader who can effectively use his or her interpersonal skills will be able to inspire the members of the team to accomplish the major tasks of the organization.
In addition to the above mentioned information concerning the use of interpersonal skills in the workplace, it is necessary to say that interpersonal skills are effectively used by an individual not only to properly interact with others in the workplace, but also to develop other skills, such as technical skills which give an opportunity to expand knowledge and experience. Interpersonal skills include not only good communication skills and listening skills, but also deportment and manners. Good interpersonal skills of an employee are highly valued in any organization. Moreover, many positions require good interpersonal skills.(Hughes et al., 286)
Intrapersonal skills are also of great importance because these skills occur within an individual’s own mind. Well-developed intrapersonal skills of a good leader can easily initiate an appropriate reaction to this or that unforeseen situation which takes place in the organization. Moreover, intrapersonal skills can influence further interpersonal relations with the team members due to positive internal dialogue which occurs in the individual’s mind. There some significant intrapersonal techniques, such as meditation, visualization, prayer and affirmations, which are effectively used by the individuals in order to evaluate the existing situations or to sort out and adopt some business proposals. Any good leader should be aware of his personal inner dialogue in order to improve his intrapersonal skills. (Hughes et al., 132)
The difference between interpersonal and intrapersonal skills is concluded in the fact that interpersonal skills are connected with interactions between other people in the group, while intrapersonal skills are connected with individual’s mind and internal feelings. As both interpersonal and intrapersonal skills are developed in the process of communication, it is necessary to pay attention to this fact. Intrapersonal communication is mainly focused on the individual, his or her way of thinking and different approaches to the problems in the workplace. In this case feedback is impossible. However, interpersonal communication is focused on several individuals. In this case, feedback is the main component.
In order to develop interpersonal skills, it is necessary to train listening skills, to encourage positive body language, including smiling and direct eye contact, to ask right questions in the process of communication, to promote the expression of positivity and full appreciation of the situation, to understand nonverbal communication of other team members.
In order to develop intrapersonal skills, it is very important to develop self-control and positive attitude. It is clear that occasional negative thoughts of an individual can influence the results of the work and the effectiveness of communication. Negative thinking can produce negative relation to work and to other members of the team. That is why any individual should be aware of his or her intrapersonal negatives and to make appropriate corrections of behavior and speech. (Hughes et al., 328)
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it is necessary to say that both interpersonal skills and intrapersonal skills play an important role in the process of leadership. Although there are many differences between these notions, such as different approach to communication, different evaluation of situation, feedback and so on, both interpersonal skills and intrapersonal skills are highly valued in the organization when an individual is going to take a new position, which is more promising and more prestigious. That is why it is very important to develop interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. Only in case an individual has well-developed interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, he or she will be able to become an effective leader who will influence the work of other team members and improve their performance and organization’s productivity.
Works Cited
Hughes, R., Ginnett, R. and Curphy, G. Leadership: Enhancing the lessons of experience, 6th edition, 2008. Print.