What do you do if your Interpersonal Communication skills are becoming obsolete in the job market?

1 Assess Skills

Take a moment to evaluate your current interpersonal communication skills honestly. This self-assessment should identify strengths and pinpoint areas needing improvement. Are you an active listener, or do you find your mind wandering during conversations? Do you express your ideas clearly and confidently, or do you struggle to articulate your thoughts? Understanding your starting point is crucial for setting realistic goals and creating a targeted plan to enhance your communication competencies. Remember, this isn't about beating yourself up over perceived shortcomings; it's about recognizing opportunities for growth.

2 Seek Feedback

Soliciting feedback from colleagues, mentors, or even friends can provide valuable insights into how your communication style is perceived by others. It's important to approach this with an open mind and a willingness to hear constructive criticism without taking it personally. The objective perspective of others can highlight blind spots in your interpersonal skills that you might not have been aware of. Use this feedback to refine your approach to communication, ensuring that you're not only understood but also appreciated for your collaborative efforts.

3 Learn Trends

Stay abreast of the latest trends in communication by reading industry publications, attending workshops, and participating in webinars. The digital age has introduced new modes of communication, such as video conferencing and instant messaging, which require different nuances compared to traditional face-to-face interactions. By understanding these trends, you can adapt your communication style to be more effective across various platforms. This continuous learning approach ensures that your skills remain relevant and that you're able to connect with colleagues and clients in the most impactful way.

4 Practice Regularly

Like any other skill, interpersonal communication improves with practice. Seek out opportunities to engage in conversations, particularly in settings that may be outside your comfort zone. This could involve joining a public speaking club, volunteering for projects that require team collaboration, or simply initiating more in-depth discussions with peers. Each interaction is a chance to refine your listening, empathy, and feedback skills, making you a more competent communicator over time.

5 Embrace Tech

Embrace technology as a tool for enhancing your interpersonal communication. With the rise of remote work, mastering digital communication platforms is essential. This doesn't just mean learning how to use the software but also understanding the etiquette and best practices for virtual meetings, emails, and instant messaging. Being tech-savvy can also help you leverage social media to network and build professional relationships, further developing your communication skills in a modern context.

6 Adapt & Evolve

Finally, be prepared to adapt and evolve your communication style as the workplace continues to change. This might mean embracing new cultural norms or adjusting to the communication preferences of a diverse workforce. The willingness to evolve and the flexibility to adjust your approach are signs of a strong communicator who can thrive in any environment. Keep an open mind, be ready to learn from every interaction, and never stop refining your ability to connect with others.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?