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Focus on Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Growth Collective Resource Hub: February 2025 Edition –
Interpersonal and communication skills are the foundation of strong relationships, whether in the workplace or everyday life. They help you connect with others, convey ideas clearly, and build trust—critical for personal and professional success. In this edition of the Growth Collective Resource Hub, we’ll explore why these skills matter, common misconceptions, and simple ways to improve them.
What’s the definition? |
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Interpersonal Skills |
Communication Skills |
| How you relate to others | How you exchange information |
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Why is this theme critical?
- 85% of job success comes from well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
- Only 15% is attributed to technical knowledge.
This is supported by research done by Harvard University, Stanford Research Centre, and the Carnegie Foundation.
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”– George Bernard Shaw |
This quote serves as a powerful reminder that communication is a two-way process, requiring effort from both the sender and the receiver.
There are lots of resources out there. Here are some good and easy ones to get you going.
Tips to Level Up Your Communication Skills
7-38-55 Rule
7-38-55 RuleOnly 7% of communication is words! The rest? Tone (38%) & Body Language (55%).
Pro Tip: Pay attention to how you say things —not just what you say!
The Power of Silence
A 2-3 second pause before responding makes you seem more thoughtful and persuasive.
Try this: Use silence strategically to encourage deeper conversations and avoid knee-jerk reactions.
Repeat and Rephrase
Want to make people feel truly heard? Rephrase their words to show understanding.
Example: “So, what you’re saying is…”
Why it works: This simple trick builds instant trust and stronger connections!
Secrets to Better Interpersonal Connections
The 5-to-1 Rule for Praise
The 5-to-1 Rule for PraiseResearch shows 5 positive comments for every 1 critique strengthens relationships.
Balance matters: Too much criticism = trust breaks. Too much praise = loses impact. Find the sweet spot!
The Ben Franklin Effect
The Ben Franklin EffectWant someone to like you more?
Ask them for a small favor! Their brain will justify the action by seeing you as someone worth helping.
Try this: “Hey, could you help me with…?” (Works like magic!)
Mirroring for Rapport
Subtle body language mirroring (such as posture, tone, gestures) builds subconscious trust.
Key Tip: Keep it natural! Too much can feel forced.
Try These Resources
BookHow to Win Friends and Influence People A timeless guide on building relationships, influencing others, and improving communication |
AppElevate A brain training app with exercises to improve focus, communication, and listening skills |
WebsiteVeryWellMind.com Provides researched-backed articles on emotional intelligence, active listening, and more |
PodcastArt of Charm Focuses on personal growth, effective communication, and building meaningful connection |