The Complete New Manager

28 Cultivate Interpersonal Skills

The fourth essential tent pole of leadership is interpersonal skills. Along with the central tent pole representing character, it probably holds the most canvas. This leadership skill has become more important over time, especially since the demise of the “command and control” styles of leadership. Of all the competencies, interpersonal skills seem to make the most difference in whether leaders are considered extraordinary.

To develop strong interpersonal skills, leaders must do the following:

Communicate powerfully and prolifically. Extraordinary leaders don’t hoard new insights. They tell people! These leaders give their work group a sense of direction and purpose. They help people understand how their work ...