How excellent communication and interpersonal skills can boost workplace productivity
Whether you are an executive or looking to start a career in construction, Communication and interpersonal skills are invaluable. In fact, according to studies, these soft skills boost productivity and foster talent retention.
Whether you are an executive or looking to start a career in construction, Communication and interpersonal skills are invaluable. In fact, according to studies, these soft skills boost productivity and foster talent retention. As a result, hiring managers consider them a priority when recruiting employees.
Below we will look at some of these skills and how they can help you and your company boost productivity.
What are interpersonal skills?
These are the skills you need when interacting with other people. It does not matter your job in the construction industry; you will have to deal with other people. Strong interpersonal skills are vital for team-building as an executive, and investing in training employees would be worthwhile for your company. Interpersonal skills include:
- Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Conflict management
- Teamwork
- Empathy
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
If you are interacting with other people, you communicate both verbally and non-verbally, and according to Ray Birdwhistell, an anthropologist, 65% of Communication is nonverbal.
Verbal Communication goes beyond talking. It also includes actively listening, conveying messages clearly, and posing questions in a manner that elicits details necessary for problem-solving.
Non-verbal Communication includes:
- Gestures
- Facial expressions
- Tone of voice
- Eye contact
- Body language
- Posture
Poor posture is associated with unprofessionalism, and looking at your phone while talking to a colleague or a customer is rude.
Conflict Management
Conflicts will arise in the workplace, and if you are a good leader or a team player, you will need the proper Communication and interpersonal skills to diffuse such situations. In addition, training your employees in conflict management will equip them to work effectively with others and focus on productivity. Conflict management skills include:
- Giving and taking constructive criticism
- Counseling
- Mediation
- Problem-solving
Teamwork
The above skills will make building effective and productive teams easier for you as a construction executive or employee. However, your team members might need additional training on what it takes to be part of a team.
Cooperation is a big part of teamwork, and so is group facilitation. In addition, as a team player, you must deal with diverse personalities and listen to and consider other team members’ viewpoints.
Empathy
Empathy goes a long way in helping you work well with other people. It is even more important if your job involves solving customers’ problems because you must understand their needs and be compassionate.
As an interpersonal skill, empathy is excellent for team-building and creating a positive work environment where it is enjoyable to work for employees. Because of good workplace culture, your company will improve employee retention and enhance productivity.
We hope that you found the information above helpful. Communication and Interpersonal skills are soft skills that everyone in the construction industry should possess, and companies should offer more training for them.
Kaufman Search & Consulting works with leading Contractors and top-level talent throughout the country, building teams for tomorrow’s projects one perfect fit at a time. We use extensive know-how and solid relationships with key decision makers at our client companies to elevate your executive career in construction.
