Interpersonal Skills

June 18, 2025
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What are Interpersonal Skills?

Interpersonal skills refer to the abilities individuals use to interact effectively with others. These skills include communication, empathy, teamwork, active listening, and conflict resolution. In project management, they are essential for building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and leading teams. These abilities influence how project managers engage stakeholders, resolve disputes, and motivate team members. Unlike technical skills, they focus on human interaction and emotional intelligence. Strong interpersonal skills can enhance trust, reduce misunderstandings, and contribute to a productive project environment.

Key Points

  • Interpersonal skills help project managers communicate clearly and listen actively.
  • These abilities are crucial for managing stakeholder expectations and resolving team conflicts.
  • They support leadership by encouraging collaboration, respect, and mutual understanding.
  • Emotional intelligence, encompassing self-awareness and empathy, forms the foundation of strong interpersonal interactions.
  • Effective use of these skills fosters a positive team atmosphere and enhances productivity.

Related Terms

  • The concept of emotional intelligence underpins many interpersonal skills, helping managers understand and manage their own emotions while responding appropriately to others.
  • Communication skills form a core part of interpersonal ability, encompassing verbal, non-verbal, and written interactions.
  • Conflict resolution involves employing interpersonal techniques to resolve disagreements and find mutually agreeable solutions.
  • Successful teamwork relies on strong interpersonal dynamics to ensure members cooperate effectively and respectfully.
  • Leadership in project settings often depends on interpersonal competence to inspire, guide, and align team efforts.

Interpersonal Skills: Example

A project manager leads a cross-functional team with members from different departments. However, during a project meeting, a disagreement arises over task responsibilities. The manager listens to each person’s concerns, paraphrases their points to show understanding, and facilitates a respectful discussion. Ultimately, by demonstrating empathy and clear communication, the manager helps the team reach a consensus and moves the project forward without delay.

Interpersonal Skills: Best Practices

  • Practice active listening by giving full attention and responding thoughtfully.
  • Show empathy by acknowledging others’ feelings and perspectives.
  • Communicate clearly and assertively without being aggressive.
  • Encourage open dialogue to build trust and address issues early.
  • Provide and request feedback constructively to support growth and improvement.

Additional Resources

Interpersonal Skills - The Growth Mindset in Project Management: Building a Culture of Learning, Agility, and Collaboration in Every Project     Interpersonal Skills - Interpersonal Skills for Portfolio, Program, and Project Managers

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