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Interpersonal Skills for Leaders

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Interpersonal Skills for Leaders
Leadership involves influencing people, so it follows that many effective leadership attitudes, behaviors and practices deal with interpersonal relationships. Team-based organizations need leaders who are knowledgeable in the team process and can help with the interpersonal demands of teams.
“Communicating effectively as a leader is not only required, it is expected for leading others. However, many leaders miss the mark on connecting with their followers because of lack of interest in other's ideas and opinions, out dated management styles, and the inability to work with others. Great leaders consistently strive to strengthen their interpersonal communication competencies by building and maintaining open, supportive, and collaborative relationships with others in the organization (Required, 2011).”
According to answers.com (2011), interpersonal skills can be defined as the skills used by a person to properly interact with others. In the business domain, the term generally refers to an employee's ability to get along with others while getting the job done. Interpersonal skills include everything from communication and listening skills to attitude and demeanor. Good interpersonal skills are a prerequisite for many positions in an organization.
The following interpersonal skills were listed by Williams (2010) as important interpersonal skills exhibited by leaders: * Active listening- listen 70 percent of the time and talk 30 percent of the time. He also suggests asking clarifying questions and paying attention to body language. * Pay attention- Pay attention to your frame of mind, your body language and the other person. Be present, focused on the moment and operate from a place of respect. * Hold judgment- Active listening requires an open mind. As a listener and a

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