What Is Interpersonal Communication?
The spoken or nonverbal exchange of information, concepts, and emotions between two or more individuals is referred to as interpersonal communication. Hearing, seeing, and feeling body language, facial emotions, and gestures are frequently involved in face-to-face communication.
Stated differently, interpersonal communication is the verbal and nonverbal exchange of meaning, information, sentiments, and opinions between two or more individuals. Even if “face-to-face” communication is mentioned, modern technology demands us to broaden its definition to encompass mediums like phone conversations and online messaging.
Importance of Interpersonal communication at workplace
They are highly regarded for a variety of reasons, including the fact that, despite the fact that most work-related communication is now done online, verbal abilities are still required to collaborate with contemporaries and superiors. Interpersonal communication is essential to collaborating as a team and achieving common objectives, even if all interpersonal abilities can be useful in the job. Let’s examine the reasons why effective interpersonal communication is essential to your professional growth and efficiency at work.
1. Conflict resolution – Whether a conflict involves you and a coworker or other parties, you can utilise your interpersonal communication skills to help settle it at work. This could include negotiating, persuading, and comprehending opposing viewpoints, among other abilities. Try to discover a solution that works for all of you while paying close attention to what each person has to say. Good conflict resolution skills can lead to a more positive and collaborative work environment. They can also help you gain the trust and respect of your contemporaries.
2. Teamwork – Collaborative and well-spoken teams are more likely to succeed and accomplish shared objectives. You may decrease tension and increase output by being a team player. Helping colleagues when needed and soliciting their opinions and suggestions are two ways to do this. When colleagues share their thoughts or recommendations, pay attention and respond constructively. While working on a project or in a meeting, be upbeat and supportive.
3. Problem solving – The ability to discuss issues and evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of potential solutions is made possible by interpersonal communication skills, which are essential for problem-solving. Interpersonal communication is necessary, for instance, during brainstorming sessions since it’s critical that each participant feel valued and free to express their thoughts, opinions, and ideas.
4. Trust – Lack of trust and transparency are some of the most common causes of poor workplace communication. Interpersonal communication skills are crucial for improving trust and workplace communication, and all employees, especially business leaders, should therefore improve communication with their employees.
5. Company culture – A successful organisational culture depends on interpersonal ties, particularly when they are well-executed. Positive and harmonious organisational culture results from employees with strong interpersonal communication abilities. Conversely, hostility, misunderstanding, and arguments become unavoidable in poor interpersonal connections. This ultimately devastates the workplace, lowers worker productivity, and hurts the bottom line of the organisation.
6. Employee recognition – Increased employee recognition is a result of good interpersonal communication. Positive interpersonal interactions between employees and their bosses increase the likelihood that they will compliment one another’s efforts and offer helpful criticism.
7. Personal relationships – Building and sustaining deep personal connections at work requires a high level of interpersonal skills. Thus, those with strong interpersonal communication skills can foster positive working connections and perform significantly better as a team.
8. Effective Management and Leadership – An effective leader must possess the capacity to build relationships with others, build trust, and communicate effectively. Employees may become confused and agitated by a management who lacks interpersonal communication abilities. Actually, managers have a higher need than the average employee to improve their interpersonal skills.
Conclusion:
Building solid and friendly connections with your coworkers, completing team tasks with ease, and being productive at work may all be facilitated by having interpersonal communication skills. The advantages of having strong interpersonal skills can impact your team’s or department’s overall morale and output.
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