Difference Between Interpersonal and Communication Skills

The difference between interpersonal skills and communication skills is based on the fact that one is a subset of the other. Interpersonal and communication skills are two invaluable assets in businesses and within the industrial setting. This is why most employers are interested in recruiting employees who possess interpersonal and communication skills so that it will boost their productivity and create a favorable working ambiance. Most people consider these two skills as a single skill set, as communication and interaction are overlapping concepts. To some extent, this is true because the line between interpersonal skills and communication skills can sometimes be rather blurred. However, interpersonal skills include the ability of an employee to interact well with others. This includes a broad skill set ranging from communication skills to attitude. Communication skills, on the other hand, are confined to the ability that an employee has when it comes to communication. This is the main difference between the two terms. Through this article let us examine the difference further.

What are Interpersonal Skills?

Interpersonal skills refer to the various abilities that an employee needs to develop so that he can interact effectively with other employees. Simply these skills assist the employee in getting along with others. Interpersonal skills include the manner in which one communicates, interacts, behaves, etc. His attitude, communication, and deportment all fall under interpersonal skills. An employee with good interpersonal skills has a better chance of performing well within the organization because he gets along with other very well. However, even a person who does not have very good interpersonal skills can manage to get the work done, but he might not have the positive attitude and satisfaction.

An employee with good interpersonal skills displays confidence. His communication with others is very effective. Even in the case of non-verbal communication, he presents a positive image. Through eye contact, posture, gestures, he gives out a professional image. Another key skill is the ability to solve problems in an effective manner. When an employee is responsible and accountable for his actions, it is easier for him to solve problems. His code of conduct and professional demeanor allows him to manage interactions with others in a positive manner. Overall, interpersonal skills play a vital role in the conduct of employees in organizational settings. This is not a single skill but a set of skills which the employee needs to develop in order to be great employees.

What are Communication Skills?

Communication skills refer to the ability that an employee has in communicating effectively with others. Communication covers a wide range as it includes vocal and also written communication. Within an organizational setting, communication can be considered as a key vitality. This is because, without proper communication, the work process gets disrupted. However, effective communication skills are useful in all social situations and cannot be confined to the organizational climate alone.

Effective communication skills include accuracy and clarity. If an employee is unable to communicate with clarity and accuracy, the information that he provides others is misleading. Also, communication is not only speaking, but also listening. When an employee can both listen and speak well with confidence and clarity, he can communicate his ideas effectively. This is why in most organizations good communication skills are considered as one of the utmost priorities sought in employees. This highlights that interpersonal skills and communication skills are not identical and refer to two different skill sets.

Communication skills are communicating accurately

What is the difference between Interpersonal and Communication Skills?

• Definitions of Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

• Interpersonal skills refer to the various abilities that an employee needs to develop so that he can interact effectively with other employees.

• Communication skills refer to the ability that an employee has in communicating effectively with others.

• Importance:

• Both interpersonal and communication skills are considered as top priorities sought in employees.

• Focus:

• Interpersonal skills include a variety of skills that range from attitude to effective communication.

• Communication skills, however, specifically concentrate on the communication aspect only.

• Outcome:

• Interpersonal skills assist the individual to build positive relationships with other employees especially in the case of group work.

• Communication skills only go so far as to building effective communication.

• Skill Set:

• Interpersonal skills include accountability, problem-solving, responsibility, management as well.

• However, the above-mentioned aspects cannot be seen in communication skills.

 

Images Courtesy:

  1. Neuroethics Employees by  Nationalcoreforneuroethics (CC BY-SA 3.0)
  2. Communication major dimensions scheme by Yupi666 (CC BY 2.5)