A common problem in business today is lumping business problems with people problems. In today’s economic times, there are plenty of business problems to mull over. However, people problems exist in all economic times.

A hard truth is that people problems are often the source of all the problems. We all know someone who is hard to get along with, doesn’t do their work, and creates problems for others - that’s just for starters. The trick is to not be one of those people. The other trick, sometimes much harder to avoid, is not to be ‘associated’ or thought of as one of those people. There are simple strategies to keeping yourself in a positive light.

1. Understand that interpersonal skills are important in all aspects of daily life not just work. That includes meetings during coffee breaks, lunchtime and if you meet people outside of your work environment as well.
2. Be responsible. Accept responsibility and be accountable for your work.
3. Be proactive. Look for ways to help the company improve. If you see something that needs to be done then do it. Don’t point it out to others, get at it yourself, and get it done – if it’s within your ability to do so.
4. Always be polite and professional. Never slide into the office gossip scenario. If you wouldn’t say something to the boss of the company then don’t discuss it with all your coworkers.
5. Be a ‘can do’ attitude and not a ‘can’t do’ person. It’s amazing how the attitude around you will change when you approach things in a positive light.
6. Be kind-to yourself and everyone else who works at your place of employment. You don’t know their history or how bad a day someone may be having. Be empathetic and treat them how you’d like to be treated if everything in your world wasn’t quite right.
7. Do you work and give it your all. You’ll feel good knowing you’ve done the best job you can and that will spin off onto everyone else.
8. Don’t be a complainer. If you have a problem or see something that needs to be changed then do so with the attitude of helpfulness not criticism. Go through the necessary channels and make sure you do so for the right reasons.
9. Remember to show appreciation to those around you. The simple kindness of a thank-you can go a long way. It helps to keep a friendly and appreciative attitude running throughout the company.
10. Learn to have a sense of humor. It helps to deflect negative comments from other people. People will still be people and not everyone cares about the solution.

Many times people don’t see themselves in the same light that other people see them. Often this makes them problem people. Don’t be one of them. Start practicing these skills now. If you are looking for another job, these interpersonal skills will hold you in good stead in your job and your new job. Often, your references will mention the same points listed above when they are asked about what kind of worker you are. As these are what employers are looking for, these points can clinch the deal. Understand your interpersonal skills – paying special attention to your weaknesses.

We all have them – but it’s the successful people that do something about them.

Scott Brown is the author of the Job Search Handbook (http://www.JobSearchHandbook.com). As editor of the HireSites.com weekly newsletter on job searching, Scott has written many articles on the subject. He wrote the Job Search Handbook to provide job seekers with a complete yet easy to use guide to finding a job effectively.