How to Develop People Skills: 8 Steps to Building a Support Network

What do Harvard, Carnegie Foundation and the Stanford Research Center have to say about success? According to their joint research, most job success hinges on soft skills. Today’s managers need to know how to develop people skills to nurture a welcoming work environment.

Developing people skills isn’t just about being able to talk to anyone – it’s about understanding people, building authentic relationships, and knowing how to navigate social situations with confidence (yes, even if you’re an introvert).

Whether you’re aiming for career growth, leadership, or just want to make friends without overthinking every interaction, this guide will help you master people skills and build a network that actually supports your success.

Alright, let’s get started.

What Are People Skills?

Before we talk about the process of how to develop people skills, let’s break down what they actually are.

People skills (also known as soft skills or interpersonal skills) include:

Understanding your own emotions is a crucial facet for developing people skills.

Why Are People Skills Important?

Strong people skills can change your life. Here’s why:

2. Assessing Your Current People Skills

Before jumping into how to develop your people skills, let’s see where you stand.

Take this Self-Assessment to Determine Your Soft Skills

Ask yourself:

If you answered “no” to most of these… congrats, you’re human! And that means you can improve.

3. Strategies to Develop People Skills

Now that we know where you stand, let’s talk about how to develop good people skills and actually enjoy conversations.

Mastering Communication

Listen More Than You Talk – “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” – Stephen R. Covey Use Open-Ended Questions – Instead of “Did you like the event?”, ask “What was your favorite part of the event?” Mirror Body Language – Subtly mirroring someone’s gestures builds trust.

Building Emotional Intelligence

Self-Awareness – Understand your own emotions before reacting. Empathy – Try seeing situations from others’ perspectives. Self-Regulation – Stay calm, even in frustrating situations.

Confidence & Charisma

Smile & Make Eye Contact – Boosts approachability. Use People’s Names – Personalizes conversations. Speak Clearly & Pause – Avoid talking too fast to seem nervous.

Note: Click on the headings to reveal the answers!

4. The Power of Networking: Why It’s More Than Just Who You Know

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards – it’s about building real connections.

Why Networking Matters
Opportunity Access	Opens doors to new opportunities such as jobs, collaborations, and mentorships.
Industry Insights	Provides valuable insights from different industries and keeps you informed.
Visibility	Helps you become more visible and recognized in your professional field.
Common Networking Myths Debunked
“Only for Extroverts”	Introverts can network strategically and effectively with smaller, meaningful interactions.
“Just Business Cards”	Real networking is about nurturing long-term professional relationships—not just swapping info.
“I Don’t Need It”	Even freelancers or solopreneurs grow faster with the right connections and insights.

5. How to Build a Strong and Supportive Network

Alright, now that we’ve covered how to develop people skills, let’s talk about actually building a network that supports your success. Because let’s be honest – your network can either be your biggest asset or just a list of people you awkwardly wave at during conferences.

6. Maintaining and Nurturing Your Network

Great, you’ve built a network. Now, how do you keep it alive without sounding like you only reach out when you need a favor?

a) Keep in Touch (Without Being Annoying)

Networking isn’t about constant messaging – it’s about meaningful engagement.

• Check-in quarterly – A simple “How’s everything going?” works wonders.
• Share valuable insights – Send articles, book recommendations, or congratulate them on achievements.
• Support their work – Comment on posts, attend their events, and amplify their success.

b) Offer Value Before Asking for Favors

Want strong connections? Give before you take.

• Share job leads with someone in need.
• Offer an introduction that could benefit both parties.
• Help out without expectations – good karma always comes back.

7. Overcoming Common Challenges in Developing People Skills & Networking

Networking can be intimidating, especially if you’re introverted, short on time, or hate rejection. Let’s tackle these roadblocks head-on.

We also recommend setting up helpful reminders, even with a simple and easy-to-use time management tool to keep track of your progress.

8. Measuring Progress & Tracking Growth

How do you know if your people skills and networking efforts are paying off? Here’s what to track:

• Confidence Level – Do social interactions feel easier?
• New Connections – How many meaningful relationships have you built?
• Opportunities Gained – Has networking led to job offers, collaborations, or mentorships?
• Feedback from Others – Are people responding positively to your presence and communication?

Conclusion

Developing people skills and building a strong, supportive network isn’t just for extroverts or CEOs – it’s for anyone who wants to thrive in life and career.

Your soft skills development game plan should include these things:

• Learn how to communicate and listen effectively.
• Build emotional intelligence and confidence.
• Network with intention – quality over quantity.
• Nurture relationships (don’t ghost people).
• Overcome social anxiety by taking small, intentional steps.

And most importantly – have fun with it. Networking is about genuine human connection, not forced interactions.