Interpersonal Communication- A Key Role of Communication Skills in Management
Table of Contents
- jaro Education
- 17, February 2024
- 11:00 am
Good communication skills and people skills are not always the same. A person might speak or write clearly but still struggle to connect with others at work.
Even if someone is very talented, poor interpersonal skills can hold them back. It can also hurt the company’s growth. When employees can’t communicate well with each other, it can lead to confusion, lower teamwork, and make the workplace feel uncomfortable. It may even cause employees to doubt themselves or feel left out, which hurts creativity and new ideas.
That’s why it’s important to work on improving interpersonal communication skills before these problems arise.
What Is Interpersonal Communication in Management?
Interpersonal communication is the process of exchanging messages, emotions, and ideas between two or more people using both verbal and nonverbal signals. In a workplace, it helps build trust, resolve conflicts, and strengthen teamwork.
Why Interpersonal Communication is Important?
Interpersonal communication is the key to any organization. It establishes how ideas are shared, feedback is transferred, and trust is developed. In a management setting, the communication style of a manager with his or her team can enhance collaboration or lead to confusion. When managers communicate, listen appropriately, and respond with sincere empathy and awareness, it allows people to feel important and understood. This recognition of their shared humanity is critical in raising morale, increasing productivity, and limiting misunderstanding. Good interpersonal communication allows for conflicts to be managed effectively, aligns everyone toward working for the same goals, and ensures that team members feel connected and motivated. Most simply, communication is not just about exchanging words and sentences—it is about establishing connections with others in a way that unleashes the best in them, and the business itself.
What Are the 4 Types of Interpersonal Communication at Work?
Many people still fail to comprehend that interpersonal communication is an integrated process that has four distinct yet essential forms of language, namely verbal, listening, written, and non-verbal communication. Mastering these forms of interaction makes it easier to connect with people for both business and personal purposes.
1. Verbal Communication
*Corporate training
In interpersonal communication, verbal communication is more than merely using words and grammatical structures. The tone of one’s voice and the choice of language are essential for conveying messages clearly and purposefully.
Consider the impact of presenting an original idea through hesitant speech compared to expressing an apology laced with sarcasm. Well-articulated ideas, when effectively integrated into spoken dialogue, build connections, encourage action, and build healthy relationships.
Even a word as simple as “wow” can be as dramatic as well-rehearsed rhetoric in an oration at its time.
2. Non-verbal Communication
*Behavior Help
Words alone are never sufficient to convey a message, as actions speak louder than words. Facial features such as the mouth or the eyebrows, along with other movements such as those of the hands, standing position, or even the overall gestures, all make up the body language and accompany the verbal part of the communication
The process of deciphering nonverbal cues and gestures becomes important in management practices to promote communication.
Imagine trying to compliment someone while crossing your arms or glancing around aimlessly. It’s a challenge, isn’t it? Our body language plays an important role in how our words are received. A simple smile or a raised eyebrow can significantly add a strawberry to your message. So, next time you want to connect with someone, remember that just a few minor adjustments in your body language can make all the difference in how your message is communicated!
3. Listening
*Kathleen Allen
Interpersonal communication is not only about the unguarded expression of your thoughts but also about actively listening to others. This means paying attention to what the other person is saying by all the senses and the mind, as well as emotional awareness.
Focused listening is also beneficial for understanding and encouraging empathy. This can only be achieved by having interpersonal skills like summarising, reflecting, or clarifying questions, making the listener appreciate, and helping to ease the differences with the speaker.
4. Written Communication
*Post University
In this active and modern world, written communication is far beyond just texting or sending messages over the internet. It is a combination of various elements such as letter writing, crafting emails, creating reports, and developing presentations.
But wait, there is more to this.
Effective written communication involves more than simply joining words and sentences together; the context of the message must also be appropriate.
Consider an instance when you had to write a ‘thank you’ email only to realise that it was full of grammatical errors, or sending a condolence letter without showing any signs of compassion.
Proper written communication should take into consideration grammar, punctuation, spelling, and even the proper placement of smiling or sad faces to make the text respectful and to the point.
How Can You Improve Interpersonal Communication Skills in the Workplace?
Leadership is the language of communication. — James Hume
This is an applicable quote to any good leader, and Ratan Tata, the revered Indian industrialist, is a charm of this statement. He is respected not only by his business acumen but also by his tone of voice, the words and manner with which he talks and addresses people, and he does that patiently and with utmost respect. Be it a boardroom or factory floor, Tata reaches out to all people because he talks to them with a heart, clarity, and intention.
It is the strength of good interpersonal communication skills. It is not what you say but how you say it and the feeling that you give to other people.
What can you do to better your interpersonal communication ability then? Some of the basic steps that one can do are given as follows:
- Speechless: Listen a lot, talk less
Because of a person with whom you are conversing, you must have the patience of just waiting until your turn to talk, and you need to listen to what the person is talking about. The best communicators are the best listeners.
Hint: React by nodding and seeking more information, summarize what the person has said as a way of listening to them.
- Speak as You Find
Do not use irritating words or texts that are too long. Be straightforward and come to the point. This will enable other people to easily know you.
Tip: Reconsider what you are going to say. Ask yourself–“Will they get this clear?”
- Positive Body Language
Your mind is the mouthpiece of your body. People feel at ease with you when you have a cheerful smile, establish consistent eye contact, and assume an open position.
Tip: Do not fold your arms, or look preoccupied, as it may look impolite or closed.
- Show Empathy
Attempt to put yourself in the shoes of others. Identify yourself with them. When individuals are able to understand that they are understood, their trust is more likely to be placed in you.
Tip: You can say stuff like: “I understand you” or “That must have been rough.”
Top Interpersonal Communication Skills for Leaders and Managers
- Flexible Communications Style
The most commonly stated reason behind poor communication is differences between communication styles (pdf), and even minor differences may produce more serious outcomes, including the lack of priorities and stress.
You need to find what kind of leader you are (so you can also become more aware of how you are communicating and perceived by employees throughout the organization). To give an example, in case you are an authoritative leader, you probably have a vision of how it can be successful and align the team to it. Although a good strategy for some individuals, it may spell disaster for others who want more independence in their job.
Each employee has his/her unique reasons, and that is why it is important to understand how to make your communication personal in a manner that appeals to and influences others, helping you achieve organizational success.
- Active Listening
Improved leaders understand that it is well to speak when it is necessary; therefore, listening must be done. Express that you care by seeking the opinions, ideas, and feedback of the employees. And when they share, participate in the discussion of their questions, encourage them to explain more, and be a note taker.
You should also keep in the present and never be an interrupter. Continue to keep the eyes off the employee and also on what it is that they are saying. To do that, you should also remove all the distractions, such as a continuous ping of a cell phone or browsing a received email
- Transparency
More than a third of the senior managers, executives, and employees in a survey by the American Management Association said that they hardly ever know what is happening in their organizations. Arguably, transparency will do much to smash that wall of communication.
Communication helps the leaders establish rapport within the team by being transparent about the business intentions, opportunities, and problems, and about how the employees can become more empowered to present their thoughts and cooperate. Even the mere recognition of errors can have the effect of promoting experimentation and establishing a de facto problem-solving sanctuary.
Any person is to realize what his/her role is in terms of the company’s success. The less obscure the leaders are, the simpler it becomes to form such a connection with the employees.
- Clarity
Talk in detail when addressing the workforce. Know what the end outcome of a project or strategic initiative will be (what you want to see will have been accomplished by the awarding of each milestone) and define it. When the set goals are not being met, you need to simplify the message or inquire how they think you may shed more light or provide assistance.
The clearer you are, the less confusion there will be with priorities. It will make employees aware of what they are trying to achieve and feel more involved in the process.
- Capability of Open-ended Questions
To improve your ability to ask employees questions, learn how to use open-ended questions effectively. Jennifer Currence, president of a consulting firm, The Currence Group, told the Society of Human Resource Management to remember the acronym TED, which meant:
- Do tell me.
- Give me an explanation of what to say.
- What do you mean by that expression or its meaning
Using such phrases in your conversations with your team, you will be able to receive more frequent, better-considered answers, as well as make sure that you, on your side, understand what they would require to be successful.
- Empathy
This is why empathy has been described as the best leadership feature one should possess to be successful. The more you learn to recognize and comprehend how and what the employees feel, the more you will feel heard and appreciated.
According to a recent survey (PDF), nine out of ten people were sure that employers should be empathetic, and more than nine out of ten people said that this skill is underrated. The best way to enhance any communications and foster more productive cultures is to learn how to become a highly empathetic responder.
- Open-Body Language
Communication is not the words that you speak, but how you carry yourself. Executive coach Darlene Price suggests that 93 percent of the effectiveness of communication has to do with nonverbal cues.
In order to know that you are saying the right thing, pay attention to your body language. When you are in an attempt to motivate someone, you cannot do it by talking with clenched fists and a furrowed brow. Rather, establish interest, establish rapport by making eye contact, and signal the feeling of warmth and trust by showing a sincere smile.
- Evaluating Feedback and Using It
Seeking feedback from your team members would not only make you a better leader but also establish confidence among them. However, you must not only hear the feedback. It is important to take action based on the feedback as well.
If you keep hearing their suggestions, you must act on them; otherwise, they will think you are not a take-up person. You will probably have comments that you will not be able to respond to straightaway—make this clear. By telling your employees that you have listened to them and then updating them on whatever improvement you can, or did, make, you will make them feel that you are being serious and that you appreciate their viewpoint.
Real-World Examples of Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace
The instances of the application of interpersonal communication in an organization are numerous. They are also utilized by your employees in everyday communications, in terms of meetings with clients, relationships with customers, and project talks.
It is also used on a day-to-day basis by the team members to communicate with their co-workers.
This only proves that it is a very good reason that 81 percent of recruiters believe that interpersonal communication can be a very important skill for a recruiter whenever he is choosing the best person to hire. Workers who portray good skills in interpersonal communication may easily be regarded as trustworthy, friendly, and able to assume leadership responsibilities.
Interpersonal vs Intrapersonal Communication: Key Differences Explained
Interpersonal communication means sharing thoughts, ideas, or information with other individuals.
People with strong interpersonal skills usually build better relationships. That’s because they don’t just talk well—they also understand others, show empathy, and handle disagreements calmly. They know how to change their tone or style depending on who they’re talking to, which helps them in both friendly and professional conversations.
| Aspect | Interpersonal Communication | Intrapersonal Communication |
| Who’s with it | Other people | Yourself |
| Form | Conversations, emails, messages, meetings | Thoughts, self-talk, inner dialogue |
| Purpose | To share, understand, and connect with others | To reflect, plan, or understand yourself |
| Skills involved | Speaking, listening, empathy, and body language | Self-awareness, critical thinking, and emotional understanding |
| Example | Talking with a colleague about a project | Thinking about how to solve a problem on your own |
How Does Jaro Education Help?
Jaro Education is one of the renowned online higher education and upskilling companies that assist students in terms of counselling and career support. For some programmes with IIM Kozhikode and other leading IITs and IIMs, we go beyond simply facilitating enrollment; we proudly serve as the exclusive marketing and technology partner for these exceptional programs. Our Jaro Expedite service offers a comprehensive career boost, beginning with precise resume building that aligns with corporate standards and enhances your professional goals.
Additionally, our Jaro Education connect platform features boot camps and masterclasses led by esteemed experts, keeping participants informed about the latest industry trends. This also ensures that individuals are well-equipped with the right information related to the job market and achieve success in today’s highly competitive business environment.
Conclusion
All functions of management and individual success are highly dependent on communication with others. It does not matter whether it is a business meeting, a presentation, a written email, or a simple text message. The importance of communicating through speaking, listening, understanding, and even body language is crucial for creating and developing relationships, cooperation, and comprehension.
In the modern age, where managing people has become a core function of management, mastering new practices in interpersonal communication is essential. This mastery motivates both the individual and the organisation as a whole.
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