Interpersonal intelligence: definition and tips to improve it.

The ability to deal empathetically with other people can be improved.

The interpersonal intelligence is a concept derived from the development of Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. It is a type of intelligence that, together with the others, enables us to adapt to the environment and interactions with others in an optimal way.

Specifically, interpersonal intelligence is the intelligence that explains the degree to which we are able to make a rough estimate of the mental states and moods of others. Thus, someone with good interpersonal intelligence is able to grasp the intentions of others, their feelings (which they can externalize more or less), to know what information is missing from others... and, as a consequence, will interact well with these people, adapting to them and even predicting certain aspects of them.

Seeing beyond words

It should be said that this ability is not only limited to the way of interpreting the words spoken by others, but also extends to the ability to read facial expressions, movements and even patterns of It also extends to the ability to read facial expressions, movements, and even behavioral patterns.. Therefore, it does not depend only on the information that the other person gives us about him/herself.

Beyond the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, interpersonal intelligence can be related to concepts such as social skills or emotional intelligence (in its social aspect, since intrapersonal intelligence can also be included in this idea).

In short, this type of intelligence is related to our way of adjusting to the minds and actions of others and the way we interact with people that defines us.

What are people with good interpersonal intelligence like?

From the above, you may already be thinking about trades and professions that are characterized by exploiting this type of ability.. Professionally, these people are usually those who offer a part of their added value that is related to their ability to solve diplomatic tasks or those related to face-to-face contact with many people.

Examples of these profiles are salespeople, lawyers, teachers, public speakers and, of course, psychologists. psychologists.

Interpersonal intelligence in modern times

The truth is that, in the information age, interpersonal intelligence has become very important both in our personal lives (in which we relate to a much larger number of people than was normal a century ago) and in the professional sphere, where diplomacy with different types of agents is almost inevitable.

That is why it is worth devoting some effort to try to improve it. Below you can read some keys to face this task.

Tips to improve interpersonal intelligence

With these key points you can learn how to improve your interpersonal intelligence.

1. Ask yourself what you know that others do not know.

In your interaction with other people, you may make references to facts or things that others do not know. Assuming that other people have the same information as you do can make the conversation less fluid or even have some awkward moments. awkward moments..

2. Give more credibility to gestures than words.

People can lie with words, but it is much more difficult to lie with the body. That is why facial gestures, posture and head or arm movements give us information that, on occasions when it is not ambiguous, is more reliable, is more reliable than that provided by the content of their speech.

3. Think about how they see you

To better interpret what the people around you are doing, it is a good idea to first think about how they may be interpreting you. first think about how they may be interpreting what you are doing. Make efforts to keep in mind that what others do depends largely on how they perceive you.

4. Don't be afraid to ask questions

Certain relevant aspects are well worth asking about. When you notice that there is something that stands between you and others in your communication, consider asking directly what it is, consider asking directly what it is about.. However, it is also good for you to consider which possible topics are not good to be attacked head-on in your conversation, as some questions may put others in a violent situation or may hurt someone's sensitivity by being fully exposed.