Interpersonal skills play a huge role in determining a manager's effectiveness. Which type of skills is this?

• A. Interpersonal skills
• B. Technical skills
• C. Conceptual skills
• D. Administrative skills

Answer: (A)

Interpersonal skills, also known as human relations or people skills, are the abilities that let a manager interact effectively with others. They include communicating clearly, listening, motivating and guiding people, resolving conflicts, and building trust. These skills determine how well a manager leads teams, collaborates with colleagues, and influences subordinates, which directly impacts performance and morale.

Technical skills involve specialized know-how to perform tasks, conceptual skills are about understanding how the pieces of the organization fit together and strategic thinking, and administrative skills cover planning and executing routines. None of these focus on guiding people and shaping relationships the way interpersonal skills do, which is why they’re less central to explaining a manager’s effectiveness in a people-driven role.