HR-Survey > Competency Model > Interpersonal Skills

120+ Interpersonal Skills Comments for your next Performance Review 2025

Definition: Interpersonal skills encompass the ability to communicate effectively, actively listen, and foster meaningful relationships built on trust, respect, and empathy. Strong interpersonal skills allow individuals to mediate conflicts, provide constructive feedback, and adapt leadership styles to meet diverse team needs while appreciating the efforts of colleagues. By demonstrating honesty, responsiveness, and inclusivity, individuals become role models who contribute to a collaborative, ethical, and high-performing workplace culture.

Survey Questionnaires with Interpersonal Skills:
Survey 1 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 2 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 3 (5-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Survey 5 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 6 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 7 (5-point scale; competency comments; N/A)
Survey 8 (3-point scale; Agree/Disagree words; N/A)
Survey 9 (3-point scale; Strength/Development; N/A)
Survey 10 (Comment boxes only)
Survey 11 (Single rating per competency)
Survey 12 (Slide-bar scale)

The statements below can be used in your self-assessment (self-feedback) or performance appraisal as examples to demonstrate your "interpersonal skills". Having interpersonal skills means being empathetic, honest and open in your relationships.

Communication

Communication reflects the ability to convey information clearly, appropriately, and responsively across different settings and audiences. It involves active listening, adapting style and tone to context, and ensuring messages are understood--not just delivered. Strong communicators attend to both verbal and nonverbal cues, prioritize clarity, and maintain consistent dialogue that fosters collaboration. Within the interpersonal dimension, this trait is largely about how people express ideas and engage with others--through attentiveness, regularity, and strategic framing.

I applied appropriate communication techniques to the situation.
I understood the core issues of conversations.
I communicated initiatives in a clear and actionable manner to employees.
I communicated well at all levels of the organization.
I maintained open and regular communication with others.
I am easily approachable.
I demonstrated good communication with colleagues and customers.
I am a good listener who is attentive to others.
I attended to both the content and the context of what was being said.

Empathy

Empathy within the interpersonal skills dimension is the internal capacity to emotionally resonate with others. It reflects a person's ability to read between the lines--attending to both verbal and nonverbal cues, anticipating needs, and offering compassion in moments of tension or uncertainty. Empathy enables individuals to navigate sensitive interactions with tact, understanding how actions or words may affect others even before they're spoken. This trait drives emotionally intelligent decision-making and lays the groundwork for deeper trust and psychological safety.

I used tact, compassion, and sensitivity in interactions with others.
I anticipated the concerns of other employees.
I demonstrated compassion and understanding of others.
I paid close attention to what was being communicated verbally and nonverbally.
I considered the other individual's point of view.
I have empathy for coworkers.
I demonstrated an understanding of other points of view.
I listened to and interacts with customers and team members in an effective, tactful, and pleasant way
I demonstrated awareness of how specific actions, or inaction, could affect others

Honest

Honest emphasizes the content and intent behind the communication. It's about truthfulness, integrity, and transparency--especially in moments that test trust, such as admitting mistakes or offering constructive feedback. Honesty reflects moral clarity and credibility, reinforcing reliability and openness even when the message is difficult. Honesty ensures that skill serves sincerity. In practice, honesty deepens trust through candor and ethical consistency, anchoring interpersonal relationships in authenticity rather than polish.

I am credible, knowledgeable and sincere
I was transparent and honest in communications, intentions, and actions.
I maintained a high degree of honesty and integrity.
I believe honesty and integrity are core tenets of interpersonal relationships.
I was honest about owning up to mistakes made.
I was honest about making mistakes and willing to fix them.
I gave honest feedback and suggestions for improvement.
I gave honest opinions when asked.
I am honest and trustworthy.

Relationships

Relationships are the outward manifestation of interpersonal engagement. They reflect the effort one invests in forming cooperative, respectful, and reliable social connections across various roles and personalities. Relationship-building involves consistently demonstrating approachability, collaboration, and helpfulness--even with difficult counterparts or in hierarchical settings. While empathy fuels emotional insight, strong relationships turn that insight into action--creating cohesion, teamwork, and alignment through positive and inclusive behavior.

I worked with individuals at all levels of the company.
I demonstrated willingness to work with others.
I built strong relationships with team members.
Built a strong rapport with co-workers.
I am willing to communicate in person instead of through a mobile device.
I established good rapport with employees and customers.
I worked cooperatively with others in the department.
I am helpful, considerate, and cooperative towards others.
I worked closely others who are considered to be difficult to work with.

Coaching

Coaching focuses on developmental guidance, where the emphasis is on helping individuals recognize and refine behaviors, communication styles, and problem-solving approaches. It's proactive and forward-looking--intended to unlock personal and professional growth by fostering self-awareness, encouraging constructive feedback, and equipping others with tools for success. Coaching builds capability and confidence, often through structured support such as tailored learning opportunities or mentorship. It's most impactful when used to cultivate influence, promote adaptability, and strengthen relational dynamics across a team or organization.

I coached others how to communicate with influence and persuasion.
I coached the team on how to offer alternative solutions in order to help customers achieve desired results
I coached employees on how their style influences the outcomes of situations.
I provided learning activities to help team members better relate to one another and create a collaborative environment
I coached others whenever possible.
I encouraged team and team members to seek and respond to constructive criticism
I provided resources to enable individuals to develop themselves.

Leadership

Leadership reflects the broader capability to guide, influence, and mobilize others toward collective goals. It involves persuasive communication, strategic adaptability, and emotional insight that empower others--not through authority, but through trust, clarity, and recognition. A leader inspires and aligns team members by adjusting their style to fit the moment, cultivating morale, and securing collaboration even across resistant or diverse perspectives. Leadership draws on interpersonal intelligence to create culture, momentum, and commitment, often integrating coaching, persuasion, and accountability into daily interactions.

I adapted management style to meet the needs of the individual or situation.
I used knowledge and charisma rather than position, power, or coercion to influence others
I influenced others on the team to reach goals, improve performance, and try new things
I positively impacted my team's morale, sense of belonging, and participation
I expressed ideas in an appropriate manner to overcome resistance, complaints, and frustration from others
I held team members accountable to commitments made.
I secured cooperation from and/or persuades others to support my solutions and decisions
I am recognized for my influencing skills
I secured commitment from subordinates, supervisors, and members of other departments when working to gain support for ideas or decisions
I recognized and reward behavior that produces excellent performance.
I used appropriate persuasive techniques when talking with people of varying backgrounds and resistance levels
I inspired a sense of area pride and culture; co-workers are aware of what makes their area unique.

Openness

Openness emphasizes receptivity to ideas, viewpoints, and interpersonal engagement. It's rooted in the behaviors that encourage dialogue, participation, and psychological safety including things such as listening without judgment, soliciting input, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere. This trait reflects a willingness to consider alternate approaches and perspectives, often contributing to innovation and team cohesion. It invites others into the conversation, ensuring that contributions are heard and valued in decision-making and collaborative work.

I am open and approachable
I created an atmosphere that supports the open expression of ideas
I valued the opinions of others.
I am open to input on alternative ways to accomplish objectives
I maintained an open and accepting manner.
I am open to innovative ideas and suggestions from others
I am open to input on alternative ways to accomplish objectives.
I actively listened to others.
I listened to suggestions and advice from others
I listened to others, withholding judgment, and comes across as open to all viewpoints
I sought input from key people who should be involved in, or will be affected by, decisions.
I encouraged others to share ideas to develop team cohesion.

Recognition

Recognition focuses on the active acknowledgment of effort, achievement, and value in others. It's a forward-facing response to performance--demonstrating appreciation through praise, credit, or public acknowledgment. Recognition strengthens morale and motivation by affirming contributions, particularly when they exceed expectations or support broader goals. Recognition celebrates the impact of deliverables, reinforcing engagement and reinforcing a culture of respect and gratitude.

I offered praise to colleagues who successfully completed major projects.
I recognized when others do a good job.
I expressed appreciation of other's work.
I gave credit where credit was due.
I have shown appreciation for other's work.
I recognized the contributions of others.
I took time to recognize the efforts of others.
I appreciated the extra efforts made by coworkers.
I appreciated the work of direct reports and subordinates.
I encouraged others to recognize the work of outstanding employees.

Mediates

Mediates centers on conflict resolution and navigating interpersonal tension. It's a responsive skill used in moments of friction--emphasizing neutrality, emotional regulation, and a solution-oriented mindset. Mediation involves managing volatile interactions calmly, seeking common ground, and striving for equitable outcomes that preserve relationships. Mediation is about restoration through understanding. It helps maintain cohesion when disagreement arises, ensuring issues are addressed constructively and team dynamics remain intact.

I effectively managed conflicts by dealing with them directly and immediately
I strove for win/win solutions
I successfully resolved conflicts and grievances to a win-win solution.
I successfully mediated conflicts and disagreements.
I facilitated the resolution of conflicts and grievances.
I resolved conflicts and disagreements constructively.
I defused hostile/angry individuals in group settings to prevent disruption of work.
I resolved conflicts in a positive way.
I worked through disagreements with co-workers.
I sought common ground and collaborative solutions in negotiations with others
I remained poised and rational in debates, seeking an understanding of all sides

Feedback

Feedback is a more focused interpersonal mechanism--designed to foster growth through timely, constructive input. It revolves around offering insights and observations that are honest, helpful, and received with openness. Giving feedback skillfully requires clarity, tact, and emotional sensitivity; receiving it well demands humility and receptiveness. Feedback itself is a distinct competency: it enables refinement through reflection, strengthens relationships through honesty, and builds performance through targeted guidance.

I provided constructive feedback in a way that fosters acceptance and development.
I gave constructive feedback on performance reviews.
I gave good advice and suggestions to coworkers.
I was thoughtful and honest about the feedback I gave others.
I offered constructive criticism to have a positive impact on performance.
I received feedback (both positive and negative) in a constructive manner.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion reflects a proactive commitment to creating equitable environments where individual differences are welcomed, represented, and valued. It centers on structural and cultural actions--such as building teams with varied backgrounds, embracing alternative viewpoints, and fostering non-discriminatory practices. This trait involves more than just openness; it actively seeks out and elevates diversity as a strategic and ethical advantage. Inclusion translates into intentional collaboration across identities, promoting psychological safety and belonging for all participants, especially those historically underrepresented or marginalized.

I am willing to overlook personal differences and focus on completing the task at hand.
I created diverse teams of individuals with different backgrounds, skills, and abilities.
I valued the diversity of individuals on the team.
I promoted acceptance of diverse viewpoints from team members.
I embraced the differences in individuals that comprised the team.
I accepted individuals with different cultural backgrounds into the department.
I fostered a diverse workforce free from discrimination and harassment.

Respect

Respect focuses on interpersonal treatment and emotional regard within everyday interactions. It reflects consistent behaviors like valuing input, honoring others' perspectives, and engaging with civility. Respect doesn't require structural change--it's often expressed through relational grace: listening fully, affirming contributions, and interacting with colleagues in a way that builds mutual trust. Respect upholds integrity and fairness in one-on-one engagement, regardless of background or role.

I am well respected in the department.
I was respectful of the opinions and ideas of others.
I am a highly respected individual in the company.
I valued the input from coworkers.
I respected other members of the team/department.
I treated others with respect.

Trustworthy

Trustworthy reflects the interpersonal foundation of reliability, discretion, and credibility. It's about being someone others can count on to follow through with commitments, handle sensitive information with care, and maintain consistency in both actions and integrity. This trait builds psychological safety in relationships, encouraging others to confide and collaborate without reservation. Within a team setting, trustworthy individuals are often seen as quiet anchorsâsteady, dependable, and central to sustaining cohesion and mutual respect.

I was a committed and reliable partner.
I am someone you can trust.
I am trusted by peers and co-workers; others are willing to confide in him/her
I kept commitments made with coworkers.
I kept and maintain confidentiality and trust.
I was a reliable and dependable worker; I did what I said I would do.

Responsive

Responsive centers on attentiveness and action--it reflects a person's readiness to assist, address needs promptly, and engage with others in real time. This trait highlights efficiency and supportiveness, especially in situations where immediacy matters: customer service, team performance, or peer collaboration. Responsiveness shows up as tangible help when answering inquiries, offering assistance before it's requested, and ensuring others feel seen and supported in their moment of need. Its interpersonal strength is rooted in proactive engagement and timely follow-through.

I am willing to lend a hand to those in the department who need help.
I addressed critical customer issues in a timely manner.
I followed up on inquiries in a timely manner.
I assisted those in the department who needed help in meeting performance metrics.
I responded quickly to inquiries from potential customers.
I worked diligently to assist customers in finding the right products.
I assisted employees that need help.

Role Model

Role Model represents the aspirational facet of interpersonal skills. It's less about dependability and more about embodiment--actively demonstrating what ethical conduct, emotional composure, and interpersonal excellence look like in practice. A role model influences others through visible behavior, especially under pressure, fostering a culture of learning and positive engagement. This trait helps elevate team standards by inviting imitation of best practices, showing through action how interpersonal values support collaboration, resilience, and trust.

I am a role model for others demonstrating the importance of interpersonal skills.
I demonstrated a high degree of ethics and integrity in the workplace.
I demonstrated positive behaviors for others to follow.
I strove to lead by example to demonstrate the value of interpersonal relationships.
I displayed positive interactions.
I understood that stress is part of work and does not let it affect them personally.

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More Interpersonal Skills questionnaire items.