Introduction
Well-developed interpersonal communication skills are extremely important not only in one’s everyday life but also in the workplace. This is because they make it possible for employees to have better relationships with and understanding of each other. It is hard to disagree that most people at least once in their life have encountered a misunderstanding or inability to convey information correctly. Most usually, it happens precisely because of their lack of interpersonal communication skills. The latter also defines employees’ success at work and allows the whole team to perform more tasks, be efficient, and do the job well.
Verbal Interpersonal Communication
To begin with, verbal interpersonal communication helps professionals build rapport and interact effectively. The correct choice of words, speech without mistakes, simple and informative sentences, and rephrasing and summarizing when necessary are the key components of successful communication at work (Worden). If an employee follows these recommendations, it is more likely that they can avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations on the part of other communicators. Therefore, as noticed by Okoro et al., the risk of workplace mistakes reduces (29). Additionally, it is more pleasant to listen to a person who speaks clearly, so it will be easier for a good communicator to find a common language with clients.
Active Listening
Further, active and careful listening is another component of quality interpersonal communication as it signifies an employee’s interest and readiness to pay attention to the communicator. In the workplace, when listening to other workers, many employees focus on either thinking through their answer or their own problems and tasks (Worden). However, precisely careful listening allows staff members to respond more thoughtfully, remember the assignment’s details (if they are told orally), and understand all the components of the message (Concordia University). What is more, those workers who listen to their colleagues or managers are more respected and trusted with challenging tasks (Worden). The latter also increases an employee’s chances of getting a promotion.
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Other essential interpersonal communication skills that help employees to interact effectively are negotiation and conflict resolution as they help keep a friendly and healthy atmosphere in the workplace. There are probably no companies in which staff members can work and collaborate without accidentally hurting others’ feelings, having contradictory suggestions, or making mistakes and blaming each other for them. That is why employees need to be able to solve conflicts and find a compromise (Okoro et al. 32). In that case, their communication and collaboration will be more effective, and mutual trust and respect will increase.
Relatability and Empathy
Finally, interpersonal communication makes coworkers more relatable, which enhances productivity and engagement levels across the board. If employees can express their thoughts and listen to each other, they begin to see their colleagues from different perspectives (Okoro et al. 30). According to Worden, workers realize that all of them are allowed to make mistakes or ask for help, and their empathy level also increases. Well-versed communicators are usually approachable and relatable, which unites the team and boosts everyone’s engagement.
Conclusion
To draw a conclusion, one may say that it is almost impossible to be a higher-level professional without being able to efficiently and effectively transmit and receive information. In the workplace, good interpersonal communication can encourage a mutual exchange of ideas, experience, skills, and information and promote establishing strong relationships between colleagues. Effective communicators are open to their coworkers’ feedback and opinions, which can also help their decision-making and tasks management. Finally, if employees respect others and can transmit their messages correctly and timely, the overall atmosphere in the workplace will be friendly and free of stress and negativity.
Works Cited
Concordia University. “Developing Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills in the Workplace.” CSP. 2017. Web.
Okoro, Ephraim, Washington M. C., and Otis, Thomas. “The Impact of Interpersonal Communication Skills on Organizational Effectiveness and Social Self-Efficacy: A Synthesis.” International Journal of Language and Linguistics, vol. 4, no. 3, 2017, pp. 28-32.
Worden, Emma. “The Importance of Interpersonal Skills in the Workplace.” MBM. 2021. Web.