Introduction and Thesis Statement
Following a seminar on interpersonalcommunication in the workplace, the letter shares the conceptsdiscussed and provides advice that can improve the co-worker’srelationship.
A description of effectiveinterpersonal communication shows that it has various principles andbarriers, it plays various roles, determines the nature ofrelationships, resolves interpersonal conflicts, and also affectsgender and culture.
Principles and Barriers to effective communication
The core principles of interpersonal communication are: one cannot escape the interactions, the messages are irreversible, and the process is complex.
The barriers include the officelayout, language differences, and competition.
Communication mainly occurs through body language, it is not possible to take back what one says or does, and during the process, misinterpretation may occur (Wood, 2016, p.30).
The barriershinder communication by minimizing interaction, triggeringdiscrimination, and discouraging teamwork (Toegel & Barsoux,2016, p.82).
The author’s discussions on the principles and barriers of interpersonal communication suggest that the process is detailed and it relies on the participants to be effective.
The principles are essential to the co-workers as it allows them to focus on their reputation and determine the most appropriate communication channel while the barriers helps them to create a conducive working environment.
Role of communication in the notions of self-potential
The self-potential notions are interrelated as they determine one’s perception and behavior.
The role of communication in enhancing self-image, self-concept, and self-esteem is to establish good relations with colleagues and boost the level of self-confidence (Liao, 2015, p.427).
The articles on self-potential emphasize on accepting the reality because it allows the workers to accept the failures and their personal weaknesses (Liao, 2015, p.426).
Self-potential is essential in co-workers relationship as it enables them to support one another and remain determined in achieving their personal and organizational goals.
Self-Disclosure and emotional intelligence
In the organizational setting, co-workers are keen on the kind of information they release to their colleagues regarding their personality.
Self-disclosure and emotional intelligence is essential as one can learn more about themselves, depicts the true feelings of an individual, and helps in the management of personal emotions and those of others (Cherry, Fletcher & O`sullivan, 2013, p.318).
The author believes that emotional intelligence and self-disclosure are crucial elements in interpersonal communication because the workers are likely to interact with the public. They need to understand what part of their personal lives needs to be made public.
The two aspects matter because they enhance relationships and uphold self-discipline among the group of co-workers.
Strategies for using communication techniques to resolve interpersonal conflicts
Conflicts are part of our daily lives, but they can be handled in various ways.
Interpersonal disputes can be resolved by applying the defusing approach strategy and showing empathy (Toegel & Barsoux, 2016, p.80).
The article suggests that when issues such as discrimination arise in the workplace, the manager can discuss the problem with the co-workers or establish a common ground.
Addressing workplace conflicts is essential as it enhances the employee’s relationships and ensures smooth workflow.
The impact of gender and culture on interpersonal communication
Gender and culture can affect interpersonal communications in various ways.
It can influence the status of a person in community which is used to determine the nature of communication. Gender and culture can also establish better relationships as people understand and respect their differences (Pinar et al., 2014, p.154).
The author argues that understanding gender and culture provides a deeper understanding of the situation. The argument is accurate since cultural practices differ across the various communities.
Gender and culture matter because it facilitates the co-workers to become better communicators by remaining open minded and keen listeners.
Effective interpersonalcommunication consists of various aspects such as the principles andbarriers. The elements matter in the relationship of co-workers as itmotivates them to enhance their self-potential, address conflicts,and understand the levels of self-disclosure and emotionalintelligence. Gender and culture is also a key point in interpersonalcommunication as it allows the employees to embrace diversity.
Cherry, M. G., Fletcher, I., & O`sullivan, H. (2013). Exploringthe relationships among attachment, emotional intelligence, andcommunication. Medical Education, 47(3), 317-325.
Liao, P. (2015). The Role of Self-Concept in the Mechanism LinkingProactive Personality to Employee Work Outcomes. AppliedPsychology: An International Review, 64(2), 421-443
Pinar, M., Schiffel, L., Strasser, S., & Stück, J. M. (2014).Effects of gender similarity/dissimilarity, gender stereotyping andculture on perceived service quality. Journal of OrganizationalCulture, Communications & Conflict, 18(1), 149-168.
Toegel, G., & Barsoux, J. (2016). How to preempt team conflict.Harvard Business Review, 94(6), 78-83.
Wood, J. T. (2016). Interpersonal Communication: EverydayEncounters. Boston: Cengage Learning.