Interpersonal skills influence business cultures because they affect job performance, which in turn helps to decide the outcome of a company's success. Interpersonal skills include interaction with others, good communication skills, listening skills and attitude. Companies should realize that interpersonal skills are not learned in a classroom; rather they are characteristics that an individual may possess naturally.

Often referred to as soft skills, interpersonal skills allow people to communicate effectively, handle conflicts and respond to others' needs accordingly. In an ever-changing job market, these skills teach workers and business owners how to be agile, solve complex problems, perform critical thinking on their feet and manage diverse relationships both internally and externally. Measuring a potential employee's ability to interact with others in a respectful and appropriate manner determines how he or she is likely to thrive in a team-oriented environment.

According to a study by Harrison Assessments, some of the major factors that make up a person's interpersonal skills are diplomacy, helpfulness, optimism, influence and flexibility. Also vital are collaboration skills, empathy, tolerance and frankness. These characteristics often align with corporate culture as well as small business culture. Business owners in general want to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the business flows in a consistent and cohesive manner.

Business owners must realize that even if they have a vision and goals, they cannot be achieved without solid communication skills, which are needed for relationship management. A big budget does little good if you cannot build rapport with employees and customers. Ways to improve interpersonal skills include touring different sites, managing by walking around, arranging lunches and corresponding consistently via phone or email. Having good interpersonal skills promotes approachability, likability and comfort. Managers who possess strong interpersonal skills motivate their staff to challenge themselves and do a better job. Most importantly, they makes workers feel as if they can go to their bosses with any problems or concerns.

Both verbal and non-verbal interpersonal skills are extremely important when it comes to a company's success. When you can speak to people in an articulate manner, you avoid communication errors and are more likely to have happy customers. It's just as important to maintain the correct tone of voice as well. Non-verbal communication consists of facial expressions, hand gestures and body language. It can also determine whether or not your interaction results in a satisfied customer. When you combine both verbal and non-verbal skills, the result is a powerful demeanor that may help to determine the success of a company.

In addition, superb interpersonal skills encompass listening skills, problem-solving, decision-making and negotiation skills. The ability to communicate internally with employees and coworkers is just as important as building and maintaining solid relationships with customers.