Intelligence, by definition, is a property of the mind that includes many related abilities like the capacities to reason, to plan, to solve problems, think abstractly, understand ideas, use language and learn. Intelligence includes the abilities to comprehend, analyze and react to a situation. Intelligence is the collection of our abilities to act and react.
Howard Gardner, an American psychologist postulated the theory of multiple intelligences. He categorized intelligence on the basis of the different faculties of intellect. He observed that a person shows a flair for linguistic skills while another fails to grasp language; some exhibit excellence in mathematics and logic while others are proficient in sports. He came up with forms of core intelligences namely linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic and musical. The other forms of core intelligences deal with a person's ability to understand the feelings of others and one's ability to know oneself. They were called interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences respectively.
What is Interpersonal Intelligence?
We are a part of society; we are social animals. Hence along with our abilities to lead a life as an individual, it is also important to be able to live and grow as a part of a group. It is important to enhance our social abilities to thrive in the society. This includes the abilities to interact with others, understand them and interpret their behavior. Interpersonal intelligence is something we all need to have but it becomes a vital factor for people in occupations that require interaction with people. Those who have to deal with people as a part of their profession need to have interpersonal intelligence. These include medical practitioners, people in sales or marketing fields and teachers.
Interpersonal intelligence relates to the concept of interaction with the people around. It is about the understanding of their thoughts and feelings and the ability to respond to them. People with interpersonal intelligence typically fall in the group of extroverts. They are sensitive to the moods and sentiments of others. They possess the ability to cooperate with people around them and are seen as team players. They can work in a group with ease and efficiency and can understand the temperaments of others in the group.
Interpersonal Intelligence and Effective Communication
An understanding of others that characterizes interpersonal intelligence, is a vital factor for effective communication. For an effective communication to be possible the parties involved in it should understand each other's views. To communicate effectively with another person it is important to grasp his/her opinions about a subject, put oneself in the person's shoes to understand the reason behind his/her views. As these abilities constitute what is known as interpersonal intelligence, this type of intelligence is a vital factor for effective communication. People possessing it can easily communicate with others. As they have an understanding of moods and emotions of other people, they can empathize with them. They learn by working with others and take interest in discussions. Thus, people with an interpersonal intelligence make very effective communicators.
Interpersonal communication is defined as one that occurs between two people who are interdependent on each other and share a common history. Interpersonal skills are the skills needed to interact in social situations. They include the abilities to effectively convey one's feeling to another person and understand his or her say on the subject. These skills refer to the communicative abilities applied during a social communication.
Interpersonal skills facilitate a communication wherein conflicts and debates are reduced, interactions become easy, people seem approachable, hassles minimize and a healthy and productive environment is created. Be it in a work sector or at home, be it a formal communication, be it a chat with friends, the art of communication underlies them all. It is the knack to effectively communicate, which rules every relationship. A professional relationship is guided by effective business communication and so is the interaction with family and friends. This makes us realize the importance of interpersonal intelligence.
Now that we are aware of the importance of interpersonal skills in our lives, let us look at the ways of improving interpersonal skills. Interpersonal intelligence can be developed if one wishes to acquire it. It being a vital factor for effective communication, acquiring interpersonal skills becomes necessary. To improve one's interpersonal skills, one must learn to be positive and appreciative. Learn to pay attention to the people around you. Laud them for their successes and try to be their support during their downfalls. Rather than being a complainer, learn to lighten situations with humor. Practice empathy, the key to reach out to others. Improve your interpersonal skills to be an effective communicator and join the camp of the 'interpersonally intelligent'!
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