December 22, 2014
Interpersonal communication refers to real time voice to voice or face to face conversations between managers and staff. Unlike other forms of communication this one delivers immediate responses or feedback. Managers need to possess good interpersonal communication skills in order to manage teams and departments professionally.
Here are some interpersonal communication skills that you should strive to acquire.
Get Deeper Understanding of Semantics and Diction
The type of words that you use will determine whether or not the recipient will understand your message and act on it. For examples, words like “effectiveness” may be understood as ability to meet high production targets if you are talking to a production manager. On the other hand, human resource managers will view it as ability to maintain high employee satisfaction. Based on this fact, it is recommendable to consider the type of words that you use when talking to various personnel. In fact, commonly used English words have at least 28 different meanings.
Keep Your Emotions at Bay
Emotions such as temper, overconfidence and excitement can interfere with reason and affect the manner in which to convey information to employees. Hence, it is recommendable to keep your emotions at bay when responding to questions or supporting your decisions. This will significantly help to create a favorable environment that audience can contribute to the topic instead of you dominating the whole session.
Understand Team Expectations
When planning for a meeting with colleagues, it is important to first get a clear understanding of their expectations and needs. This will help you skim through various issues that you would want to discuss so as to choose words or phrases that are in line with their expectations. One way of doing this is by requesting them to suggest issues that they would want to be discussed during the meeting. Use their questions to do a thorough research and prepare facts that you can use to respond to the issues raised.
Listen to Non-Verbal Cues
At times when managing teams, it is not what they say but what is not mentioned that matters most. This is referred to as non-verbal communication. As a leader, you need to not only listen and comprehend the things that your team members highlight but also the deeper meaning that can be derived from their statements. This will help you to get an in-depth understanding of their perceptions and interpretation on how to manage or run various projects and tasks.
Appreciate Others’ Input
As mentioned earlier, you should not dominate all conversations as this will deter other members from participating. Instead, you should give them some time to convey their grievances and needs. While there, make them feel that you care about their well-being and working hard to ensure to improve their welfare. During such interactive sessions, you will need to be very attentive, maintain air contact and use facial expressions to show that you are indeed listening and understanding what they are saying.
Finally, be vigilant not to make promises that you can’t keep. For example, don’t promise them a pay increase if you know very well that you cannot afford to do so. Use these interpersonal communication skills to establishing teamwork and favorable working environment.
Challenge yourself with this Interpersonal Skills Test. Have Fun!