Improving People Skills: Influence Expert, Karen Keller, Ph.D, Advises How Businesses Can Grow With Interpersonal and Communication Skills That Work!

Online, March 23, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Whether it's personal or professional, most every interaction in our daily lives revolves around people. And how we communicate effectively is a skill that always lends itself to self-improvement. Influence expert, Karen Keller, Ph.D, advises four important tips for improving people skills with interpersonal and communication skills that work.

According to Keller, "Day in and day out, whether at work or running our own business, we have to interact with people. We may talk face-to-face, by phone or Skype, by email, or on popular virtual gathering places like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Never before have we had so many ways we can connect to people, and never has it been so critical to make your presence strong and consistent no matter the platform."

She adds, "Every person you deal with will present you with different interpersonal challenges but how you handle them and communicate is up to you."

Here are Dr. Keller's top 4 tips for better people skills:

1. Hear with an active ear. This is an essential skill for workplace communications. If one short-change their interactions it can often result in mixed messages, incomplete information and impaired productivity. Engaging in active listening is critical for optimum results.

2. Speak clearly and to the point. There is nothing worse than someone taking 25 minutes to explain a sales concept. Be cognizant of people's time and learn how to convey your thoughts precisely and concisely.

3. Be approachable. If someone constantly keeps themselves at arm's length it's sending a message that they are difficult to approach, which overall, casts out negativity and is counter-productive.

4. Foster team spirit. People resonate with workplace camaraderie. It fosters motivation and engagement. Happy employees are productive and have less attrition - both of which directly impact the bottom line.

Keller concludes, "At the end of the day, relationships are at the core of any business. People within a company are essential to success ... by taking stock in your people skills and working to improve them as necessary, you can ensure it's a win-win for all."

For more information, please visit http://karen-keller.com/media/people-interpersonal-communication-skills