How to Improve Your Interpersonal Skills for Career Advancement

If you're wondering why you haven't had the opportunity to move up in your career, perhaps you should carefully examine your interpersonal skills. How you relate to and connect with your supervisors and your colleagues will determine how quickly you progress -- or how many promotions you are passed up for. If your social skills need a little polishing, here are a few tips on how to improve your interpersonal skills for career advancement.

Improve Your Interpersonal Skills: Say "Thank You"

There is nothing wrong with a little politeness, and you'll find that it goes along way. If someone -- whether it be a colleague or an executive -- gives you a hand, thank them for their efforts. Often, our professional lives become so hectic and involved that our manners fly out the window. If you are pegged as someone who is rude and ungrateful, you can kiss career advancement goodbye.

Improve Your Interpersonal Skills: Keep Your Door Open

In every office, there is always at least one person whose door is always open and whose ears never tire of listening to others. Be that person. If your colleagues feel that they can come to you with problems concerns or even just a friendly chat, word will get around about your benevolence. Your boss will be looking for these qualities in upper management personnel, so don't be afraid to open yourself up to people.

Improve Your Interpersonal Skills: Listen & Learn

Don't be so wrapped up in your own life and job that you don't notice the lives of those around you. When Molly in accounting finds out she is pregnant, make time to stop by and offer congratulations. And if David in the next cubicle just lost his mother to cancer, offer to take over some of his responsibilities while he tends to family matters. There is nothing wrong with involving yourself in others' lives and making a point to make them feel special.

Improve Your Interpersonal Skills: Be An Active Listener