Interpersonal Communication In The Workplace

Communicating with co-workers or clients of other cultural backgrounds can be effective or non-effective if we have not prepared according for the meeting. In some cultures, communication is very formal whereas others it may be more informal. People of German origin tend to be more formal and use titles and adhere strictly to rules and regulations. However, in the United States, we tend to be a little more casual and informal. We like to use first names when communicating with others and are very open to change.
Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication in business has to be in place in order for an organization to be successful. This type of communication can be exchanged through verbalization, facial gestures, body gestures
or written communication. "Communication may be defined as transmitting, receiving, and processing information. Information consists of any item that evokes or has meaning. Communication therefore involves the transfer of meaning or information from one person or group to others" (Baack, 2012). Clarity must be in place to be able to communicate effective the objective or goal of what is being communicated. Planning should take place before any communication is conveyed to employees. The communicator must be honest and direct so the recipient is not feeling misled. The communicator has to ensure that the message has been conveyed effectively to the recipient and this is verified may have the recipient to give you a recap of what way communicated. Effective communication encompasses putting personal feelings aside and being willing to listen. The communicator should be non-confrontational and ensure that they are not conveying a negative message through negative body language or gestures
Interpersonal communication from the managers’ perspective includes being a communicator is prepared, patient, a good demeanor, is a good listener and will provide follow up and summary on information conveyed.
Preparation is important when presenting information to the organization. Ill- prepared documentation can lead to miscommunications or messages not being conveyed or perceived correctly. Managers must take time to gather information that will convey the message in a clear, concise manner. Management has to make sure focus is placed on the item(s) being communicated and ensure they are in the right frame of mind when relaying information to employees. It is important to be patient and undistracted when communicating to employees. Full attention needs to be given to the situation that is being addressed at that time. The manager has to have the correct demeanor when they are faced with communicating information in the organization. Their character and behavior dictates the character and behavior of the recipient of the communication. The role of the manager is not just to convey information but to be a good, active listener. Active listening means being silent and engaging so that accurate feedback when the time presents itself. Providing some type of acknowledgement allows the recipient to know that their comments are being heard.
As of late, active listening has been employed more in day-to-day communications. Introducing active listening provides and opportunity to understand more clearly what is being communicated. Active listening is a skill that is definitely learned and does not happen quickly. The technique of active listening means that you have to engage all of your senses. The person that the message is being communicated is being engaged both verbally and
non-verbally.
The restaurant that we own is less than a year old and the manager, who is my daughter, was trying to communicate some ideas and information to me. Prior to this class, active listening was not being utilized and it leads to me dominating the communication channel and her becoming frustrated. The techniques involved in active listening were employed which include smiling more, using, eye contact, watching my posture and demeanor and removing distractions. Some positive reinforcement was used but focus was placed on taking mental notes, asking questions and providing a recap to make sure that the message was perceived as intended. The technique is really working well and positive changes have come out listening actively