Practising good interpersonal skills is the sign of a good manager. Good managers earn the trust of their staff by keeping their word and staying loyal to them. They expect their staff to stay loyal to them in return. Managers should understand the importance of emotional intelligence and practise the skills of empathy. They build rapport with staff by remembering their names, being inspirational and friendly and taking an interest in their welfare. Managers need to be good at managing upwards (i.e. their boss) as well as downwards (i.e. their staff).
A manager gets things done through people. To do this well the manager must practise the art of good communication. Listening is probably the most complimentary thing you can do, and the easiest and best way to win friends and influence people.
About the author
Samuel A Malone is a self-employed training consultant, lecturer and author. He is the author of 21 books published in Ireland, the UK and abroad on learning, personal development, study skills and business management. Some of his books have gone into foreign translations and second editions. He has an M.Ed. with distinction (in training and development) from the University of Sheffield and is a qualified Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and a Chartered Secretary (ACIS). He is a fellow of the Irish Institute of Training and Development (FIITD).