In short, interpersonal communication is the exchange of information between two or more individuals. Simple, right? For those who deal with people on a daily basis, the process is not that easy — especially in organizations.
Conflicts generated by noisy communication are constant in corporate environments. And this results in a major challenge for both managers and employees alike.
On the other hand, when interpersonal communication is clear and direct, it can benefit the work environment. People who enjoy a good relationship act with greater transparency and productivity. Therefore, it is important for companies to invest in the well-being of their employees.
Want to know how interpersonal communication can help your team? Then this article can provide some important tips. Enjoy reading!
How effective interpersonal communication can impact various areas of a company
More than just expressing words, effective interpersonal communication is that which reaches the other side without any type of misinterpretation. In organizations, this has an even greater impact, since various problems can be avoided.
Open and frank communication is not always an easy task. Along the way, there are often barriers that prevent or alter the final result, such as the “whisper down the lane” practices, where professionals pass information on to each other the way they interpreted it. For this reason, it is important to analyze how it behaves at each stage.
In addition to impacting individuals, interpersonal communication can also affect many areas of the company. Check out a few:
Executive Management
Due to the nature of their role, managers need effective interpersonal communication. Otherwise, it will be difficult to lead a team.
Having the ability to relate to people builds trust and cooperation in the workplace. In addition, effective communication helps avoid wasted time by eliminating the need to discuss matters that were not shared properly.
Sales
In the Sales sector, interpersonal communication carries even more weight. After all, professionals in this area are in direct contact with the customer.
When their message fails, the entire sales process also tends to fail.
Marketing
Marketing is a strategic area for attracting new customers. It is the bridge between your company, consumers, and the market in general.
The way it communicates must be closely and carefully monitored, including in relationships with suppliers. When the message arrives as expected, results are likely to be the best possible.
Customer Service
Because it has a direct connection with the customer, the responsibility of Customer Service is perhaps greater than other sectors of the company.
We can say that it is the face and voice of the organization. Therefore, interpersonal communication plays an important role in this department.
Human Resources / Internal Marketing
In this case, interpersonal communication can help reduce conflicts between professionals, promoting a harmonious and collaborative relationship in the workplace. This is because people — from a call center employee to the company’s CEO — who express themselves clearly generate less friction, since messages are understood by both parties.
It is the task of professionals in this area to intersect relationships and promote internal engagement.
Tips to improve interpersonal communication in the professional environment
Interpersonal communication can always be improved. But for this to happen, it is important that it is practiced daily.
Here, the manager’s role is extremely relevant, as they can serve as an example for their team. We have listed some tips that can help:
Give feedback
Feedback is the process of telling a person how you feel about what they do or say. It can contribute — and greatly so — to ensuring that your message does not fall victim to miscommunication.
Use multiple channels
Making use of an appropriate channel helps make interpersonal communication effective. However, this does not mean that only one medium of communication should be used. Identify the main internal communication tools in your corporation and, based on the results, invest in them.
Pay attention
Non-verbal communication — that which is done through gestures, body posture, and eye contact — is 55% more impactful than other forms.
This conclusion was shared by American psychologist and professor emeritus at the University of California, Albert Mehrabian. According to him, 38% of the power lies in the tone of voice and only 7% in the words themselves.
Show empathy
Putting yourself in your coworker’s shoes is important for professional camaraderie. It is also necessary to take each person’s opinion into account, especially for those leading a team. This way, the manager can assess what the surrounding environment is like.
Promote networking
Encourage your employees to network. Expanding the relationship network can bring very positive benefits, even more so when it happens within the same sector.
Invest in events
Trainings and workshops are relevant instruments to enhance interpersonal communication among employees. This means that everyone, including managers and directors, must be trained to expand their circle of relationships.
Conclusion
Did you see how important interpersonal communication is and why we need to practice it? People are an organization’s main asset, as they generate the results it needs. Therefore, it is essential that communication is effective, especially on the part of managers.
Make sure your message is always understood. Ask questions and listen carefully. The way you communicate says a lot about your personality and behavior.
Although public speakers and lecturers have a certain ease in communicating, it is not the privilege of a single class. Everyone can make use of interpersonal communication. And it is up to institutions, through leadership, to encourage its practice.
Did you enjoy the topic? Take the opportunity to check out how to reduce noise in corporate communication and avoid business problems. See you soon!
