As professionals move up in their companies, they begin to be judged on how well they manage relationships with other people. One of the most common characteristics of failing leaders are problems with interpersonal relationships.
Small but grave mistakes – which behaviors exhibit weak interpersonal skills? An article on the Center for Creative Leadership website pointed out the following ones.
Too personal questions
Don’t use questions about family as an icebreaker – do so only if you really are familiar with the family members you ask about. Some people don’t feel like chatting with you about their personal lives.
Also, if you schedule a weekly lunch with each of your direct reports, talking about their families may not be a good step to take. Of course, you might just want to know them better. However, you may be just forcing familiarity.
Bad conversational skills
Refrain from interrupting or talking over the other person. Try to take the feelings and perspectives of others into account. Never interrupt them in a middle of a sentence, and also listen without judging. When it comes to talking with your direct reports, be careful about displaying power.
Turn away from your e-mail or your papers when you want to listen with your full attention. Be there for them, listen carefully and actively. Allow what you hear to influence what you say next.
Credibility and inappropriate remarks
Your friends may appreciate your sarcastic humor, but it can hurt you in the workplace. Also, be careful about sharing private information. When someone tells you something they want to remain confidential, keep it private.
-jk-