22 Top Interpersonal Skills Examples

A recent Gallup report shows that disengaged employees cost the global economy about $8.8 trillion. This amount is roughly 9% of global GDP. Such a figure highlights the need for strong interpersonal skills at work.

Why you should learn interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills, like communication, empathy, and teamwork are the rocketfuel for engagement and collaboration. They help people build strong relationships and resolve conflicts. They also support positive contributions to teams.

1. Communication

Did you know that 57% of global employers rate communication as the top skill they want in new hires? Communication means clearly sharing your thoughts, ideas, and feelings. You can do that through words, writing, and body language.

Use Case: You’re giving a project update to your team. Clear communication helps everyone understand what’s been done and what’s next.

Pros:

• Builds trust

• Helps people work together smoothly

• Cuts down confusion

Cons:

• Talking too much can overwhelm people

• Unclear messages lead to mistakes

Watch Out For:

• Make sure your words fit your audience

• Match your tone and body language with your message

Profyle Tip: A Profyle Digital Business Card makes follow-up easy and keeps your message clear. It shares all your contact info in one place—so there’s no guesswork on how to reach you.

2. Active Listening

Active listening ranks as the third most important communication skill, according to 36% of recruiters.

It means really focusing on the person speaking. You take in their words, think about what they’re saying, and respond in a thoughtful way.

Use Case: You’re in a client meeting. You ask good questions, nod while they speak, and repeat back what they said to make sure you’ve got it right.

Pros:

• Helps avoid misunderstandings

• Builds trust and respect

• Makes people feel heard

Cons:

• Takes a lot of focus

• Can be tough in loud or busy spaces

Watch Out For:

• Stay off your phone or computer

• Don’t interrupt or plan your reply while they’re still talking

Profyle Tip: With Profyle Cards, you can take notes during conversations. Then follow up with tailored messages that show your attentiveness.

Want to connect better in every conversation? Create your free Profyle Card here: https://enterprise.profylecard.com/register

3. Empathy

92% of employees think empathy matters at work. Even more, 72% of company leaders say it drives business success.

Empathy means understanding how someone else feels—even if you’re not in their shoes.

Use Case: A teammate looks stressed. You say, “Looks like you’ve got a lot on your plate. Want help with anything?”

Pros:

• Builds stronger teams

• Makes you a better leader

• Improves customer service

Cons:

• Can drain your energy if you’re not careful

• You might get too emotionally involved

Watch Out For:

• Don’t assume you know what someone’s feeling

• Keep a balance between care and clarity

Profyle Tip: Use your Profyle Card to share a bit of your personality. When people know who you are, empathy grows more naturally in every conversation.

4. Teamwork

Managers rank interpersonal skills like teamwork as 4.37 out of 5 in importance—just below actual job skills.

Teamwork means working well with others to reach a goal. It’s about helping, sharing ideas, and doing your part.

Use Case: You’re in a group project. You do your bit, support others, and help tie the work together into something great.

Pros:

• Combines different strengths

• Speeds up tasks

• Makes work more fun

Cons:

• Can lead to clashing views

• Some people might do more work than others

Watch Out For:

• Keep communication clear

• Respect everyone’s ideas

Profyle Tip: Send your Profyle Card to your team so they always have your contact details and any helpful links or files you want to share.

Want to work better with others—and have them remember you? Start with a free Profyle Card: https://enterprise.profylecard.com/register

5. Conflict Resolution

Strong conflict resolution doesn’t just stop problems—it helps teams grow. It’s about solving disagreements in a fair and respectful way.

Use Case: Two coworkers don’t agree on how to handle a task. You listen to both sides and help them meet in the middle.

Pros:

• Keeps work vibes positive

• Stops drama from dragging on

• Builds better problem-solving habits

Cons:

• Can take time and patience

• Not everyone stays calm under pressure

Watch Out For:

• Stay neutral

• Let everyone talk without interrupting

Profyle Tip: Use Profyle to share links, updates, and notes. This keeps everyone informed and helps stop small issues from becoming big ones.

6. Leadership

Apollo Technical’s study shows that 77% of organizations see a lack of leadership. Still, 83% think it’s important to develop leaders at every level. Apollo Technical LLC

Leadership means guiding and inspiring others towards a common goal.

Use Case: You’re leading a team project. You set clear objectives, delegate tasks, and motivate your team to achieve success.

Pros:

• Builds trust and respect

• Encourages innovation

• Enhances team performance

Cons:

• Can be stressful

• Requires constant self-improvement

Watch Out For:

• Avoid micromanaging

• Be open to feedback

Profyle Tip: Use Profyle to highlight your leadership journey. Share your achievements and endorsements to show how you lead effectively.

7. Negotiation

Companies lacking a negotiation process see their net income drop by 63.3%. Negotiation is the process of reaching an agreement through discussion and compromise.

Use Case: You’re discussing contract terms with a client. You find a middle ground that satisfies both parties.

Pros:

• Builds strong relationships

• Leads to mutually beneficial outcomes

• Enhances problem-solving skills

Cons:

• Time-consuming

• Potential for conflict

Watch Out For:

• Don’t let emotions drive decisions

• Be prepared with facts and alternatives

Profyle Tip: Use your Profyle Card to share important documents and proposals. This keeps negotiations clear and transparent.

Ready to lead and negotiate with confidence? Create your free Profyle Card here: https://enterprise.profylecard.com/register

8. Patience

Patience involves staying calm and composed, even in challenging situations.

Use Case: A project is delayed due to unforeseen issues. You remain calm, reassess timelines, and support your team through the process.

Pros:

• Reduces stress

• Improves decision-making

• Strengthens relationships

Cons:

• May be perceived as passivity

• Can delay immediate results

Watch Out For:

• Balance patience with assertiveness

• Set clear expectations

Profyle Tip: Use Profyle to share updates and timelines. This shows your calm style in managing projects.

9. Adaptability

Adaptability is the ability to adjust to new conditions and challenges.

Use Case: Your company adopts new technology. You quickly learn and integrate it into your workflow.

Pros:

• Enhances problem-solving

• Encourages continuous learning

• Increases resilience

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming

• May lead to inconsistency

Watch Out For:

• Maintain core values

• Seek support when needed

Profyle Tip: Update your Profyle Card. Show off your new skills and experiences. This highlights your adaptability to potential collaborators.

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10. Dependability

Dependability means being reliable and trustworthy in your commitments.

Use Case: You finish a critical task on time and with high quality, gaining your team’s trust.

Pros:

• Builds credibility

• Enhances team morale

• Increases opportunities

Cons:

• Risk of burnout

• May be taken for granted

Watch Out For:

• Set boundaries

• Communicate workload

Profyle Tip: Share testimonials and completed projects on your Profyle Card to show your reliability.

11. Positive Attitude

An impressive 87% of employers value a positive work attitude more than qualifications. A positive attitude is about being optimistic and enthusiastic. This helps create a team-friendly work environment.

Use Case: When a tight deadline looms, you stay positive. You inspire your team and seek solutions, not just problems.

Pros:

• Boosts team morale

• Enhances problem-solving

• Improves overall satisfaction

Cons:

• May overlook risks

• Can seem naive without realism

Watch Out For:

• Be sure optimism doesn’t cloud critical thinking

• Balance positivity with practicality

Profyle Tip: Your Profyle Card shows your positive attitude with custom messages and endorsements.

12. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) affects 58% of job performance, and 90% of top performers have high EQ. You show emotional intellgience by recognising and managing your emotions and those of others.

Use Case: In a tense meeting, you notice rising emotions. You steer the discussion toward a positive direction by recognizing everyone’s opinions.

Pros:

• Enhances leadership skills

• Improves conflict resolution

• Strengthens relationships

Cons:

• Requires constant self-awareness

• Can be emotionally draining

Watch Out For:

• Avoid using emotions for personal gain

• Ensure empathy doesn’t compromise objectivity

Profyle Tip: Add testimonials and experiences to your Profyle Card. This shows your emotional intelligence.

13. Persuasion

Messages with well-crafted stories are 35% more persuasive than average communications. Inc.com

Persuasion is the skill of convincing others to embrace your viewpoint.

Use Case: When proposing a new project strategy, you present compelling data aligned with the team’s goals to gain their support.

Pros:

• Facilitates change

• Strengthens leadership influence

• Improves negotiation outcomes

Cons:

• Can be seen as manipulative

• May cause resistance if overused

Watch Out For:

• Be transparent in your intentions

• Respect differing opinions

Profyle Tip: Share success stories with your Profyle Card. This helps boost your persuasive communication.

14. Tactfulness

Tactfulness means delivering messages sensitively, especially during tough conversations. Tactfulness can lead to better job opportunities as it’s a valued skill in leadership.

Use Case: When giving feedback, focus on specific actions. Suggest improvements, but avoid criticizing character.

Pros:

• Preserves relationships

• Reduces conflicts

• Enhances team cohesion

Cons:

• May dilute the message if overly cautious

• Can be tough in high-stress situations

Watch Out For:

• Balance honesty with sensitivity

• Avoid ambiguity that may lead to misunderstandings

Profyle Tip: Highlight your tact by adding endorsements on your Profyle Card that showcase your diplomatic style.

15. Cultural Awareness

Cultural awareness is understanding and appreciating differences, which helps in diverse environments.

Use Case: When you work with an international team, learn their cultural norms. This helps ensure respectful collaboration.

Pros:

• Enhances global collaboration

• Reduces misunderstandings

• Promotes inclusivity

Cons:

• Requires ongoing learning

• Potential for misinterpretation

Watch Out For:

• Avoid assumptions based on stereotypes

• Be open to feedback and improvement

Profyle Tip: Show your cultural skills on your Profyle Card. List any languages you speak and share your international experiences.

16. Networking

A LinkedIn survey found that 85% of jobs are filled through networking.

Networking means building professional relationships to share information and opportunities.

Use Case: At an industry conference, you connect with peers and share your Profyle Card to stay in touch.

Pros:

• Opens doors to new opportunities

• Provides diverse perspectives

• Enhances career growth

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming

• May feel transactional if not genuine

Watch Out For:

• Focus on building authentic relationships

• Avoid reaching out only when needed

Profyle Tip: Share your story with your Profyle Card. It helps contacts remember you better.

17. Nonverbal Communication

Research shows that up to 93% of communication effectiveness comes from nonverbal cues.

Nonverbal communication uses facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact. These elements send messages without words.

Use Case: During a presentation, maintaining eye contact and using open gestures helps engage your audience.

Pros:

• Enhances clarity

• Builds trust

• Conveys confidence

Cons:

• Cross-cultural misinterpretation

• Unconscious habits may send unintended messages

Watch Out For:

• Be aware of cultural differences

• Ensure consistency between verbal and nonverbal messages

Profyle Tip: Include a professional photo and video intro on your Profyle Card to convey positive nonverbal cues.

18. Problem-Solving

A McKinsey report ranks problem-solving as a top skill for the future workforce.

Problem-solving means identifying issues and implementing solutions.

Use Case: When facing a project delay, you analyze the cause and create a plan to get back on track.

Pros:

• Enhances efficiency

• Shows initiative

• Builds resilience

Cons:

• May require significant time

• Solutions may not always work

Watch Out For:

• Avoid jumping to conclusions

• Consider many perspectives

Profyle Tip: Share case studies on your Profyle Card to showcase your problem-solving skills.

19. Decision-Making

A study by the University of Massachusetts found that people make up to 35,000 decisions daily.

Decision-making is choosing by identifying options and selecting a course of action.

Use Case: When choosing between job offers, you weigh the pros and cons to make an informed choice.

Pros:

• Drives progress

• Shows leadership

• Enhances accountability

Cons:

• Risk of poor outcomes

• Decision fatigue

Watch Out For:

• Avoid analysis paralysis

• Be aware of biases

Profyle Tip: Show your decision-making successes on your Profyle Card. This highlights your strategic thinking.

20. Tolerance

In diverse workplaces, tolerance is vital for fostering inclusion. Investopedia

Tolerance means accepting and respecting differences in opinions, cultures, and beliefs.

Use Case: Working with a multicultural team, you embrace diverse perspectives to enrich the project.

Pros:

• Promotes inclusivity

• Reduces conflicts

• Enhances collaboration

Cons:

• Requires confronting biases

• Potential for misunderstandings

Watch Out For:

• Avoid tokenism

• Engage in active listening

Profyle Tip: Use your Profyle Card to share experiences. This shows your commitment to diversity.

21. Respectfulness

People who show respect are more trusted by peers. A SHRM survey found respectful treatment is the top contributor to job satisfaction for 72% of workers.

Respectfulness means treating others with dignity, regardless of differences.

Use Case: In a meeting, when someone disagrees with you, listen fully and respond thoughtfully instead of interrupting.

Pros:

• Builds strong relationships

• Fosters a safe culture

• Encourages open communication

Cons:

• Can be seen as passive

• May invite boundary overstepping

Watch Out For:

• Respect doesn’t mean agreeing always

• Be firm but fair when needed

Profyle Tip: Use your Profyle Card to connect respectfully. It shows you value others’ time.

22. Humour

Harvard Business Review research found leaders who use humor are seen as 27% more motivating and admired.

Humour is the ability to lighten conversations without crossing professional boundaries.

Use Case: At the start of a tense team meeting, you tell a clean, well-timed joke to ease the tension.

Pros:

• Builds rapport

• Reduces stress

• Makes you more approachable

Cons:

• Risk of offending someone

• Can hurt credibility if overdone

Watch Out For:

• Know your audience

• Keep humour kind and inclusive

Profyle Tip: Add a light touch of humour in your Profyle intro or tagline. It can help people warm up to you faster and remember you longer.

Want your first impression to be both professional and memorable? Create your free Profyle Card here: https://enterprise.profylecard.com/register

FAQ: Interpersonal Skills Examples

1. What are interpersonal skills?

Interpersonal skills are the everyday people skills—like talking well, listening properly, solving problems, and being polite. These help you get on with others and do well in work or school. Around 85% of your success on the job comes from these skills, not from technical know‑how.

2. Why do bosses care about people skills?

Because they matter. A recent study says 92% of hiring managers say people skills are as important or even more important than technical skills. If you can talk clearly, calm others, and solve issues, you’ll stand out—and get more trust and chances to shine.

3. Can I learn or get better at people skills?

Definitely. You don’t need to be born with them. Join group projects, ask for honest opinions, and use tools like digital business cards. These help you practise introductions, remember names, and follow up properly.

4. Which people skills help boost your career?

Here are some solid ones:

• Good listening and clear talking
• Problem‑solving
• Teamworking
• Being polite but firm
  Bosses like them because they make your day‑to‑day smoother, and help you get promoted.

5. What people skills make your job run smoother?

Everyday skills count:

• Being calm under pressure
• Listening carefully
• Making smart choices
• Learning to adapt
  These skills help you make fewer mistakes and get work done faster.

6. What helps you talk better with others?

Try this:

• Listen first, speak later
• Ask polite, open questions
• Keep eye contact
• Use easy‑to‑understand words
  Using a Profyle Card  gives you a head‑start—your details look sharp and you seem organised, even before you speak.

7. What do interviewers ask about people skills?

They like questions like:

• “Tell me about a time you solved a problem with a teammate.”
• “How do you handle someone you don’t get along with?”
• “Give an example of when you had to adapt quickly.”
  They want real stories showing you calm down issues, talk clearly, and work well with others.

8. What’s emotional intelligence—and does it matter?

Emotional intelligence means knowing how you feel, understanding others, and staying calm under pressure. It helps you deal with stress and build better relationships. Studies show people with high EI often get promoted faster and make teams work better.

9. How can Profyle Cards help with people skills?

They help you by:

• Sharing your contact info in a neat, quick way
• Looking professional right from the first hello
• Letting you update details instantly
  Plus, stats show digital cards improve follow‑ups and help people remember you more often.

10. What people skills help with better communication?

These are solid choices:

• Listen more than you talk
• Ask questions that show you’re paying attention
• Use body language that shows interest
• Speak clearly, not in fancy words
  Use a Profyle Card to back it all up—it helps you come across as organised and someone worth talking to.