BY ROWENA CROSBIE, president, Tero International

The atrophy of interpersonal skills doesn’t happen overnight. Watch this Tero Tips video to find out what to do about it.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to over-invest in data and efficiency and to underinvest in the human side of the equation. As automation accelerates and virtual communication dominates, one critical competency is quietly deteriorating: interpersonal skills.

Interpersonal skills don’t disappear overnight. They atrophy. When leaders spend more time behind screens than with people, the ability to truly connect, to read a room, to actively listen, to navigate conflict and to inspire trust begins to fade.

The result? Teams feel disconnected. Miscommunications lead to conflict. Engagement erodes.

Now more than ever, interpersonal skills are a competitive advantage. Professional presence and emotional intelligence aren’t soft skills. They are essential leadership tools. They build culture. They drive retention. They fuel innovation.

People willingly follow those who make them feel important. Make time for conversations that aren’t just transactional. Ask questions and listen actively. Create space for authenticity, starting with your own. Leadership isn’t limited to the results you deliver. It’s how you show up.

Visit tero.com to sign up for a workshop to hone your competitive advantage.