Importance of Interpersonal Relationships at Work

Importance of Interpersonal Relationships at Work

Interpersonal Relations (IR) are needed for every facet of career. From the interview for your first job to your speech at your retirement party—IR is the common denominator for nearly all successful employees.                          (Roper, 2005)

I will pay more for the ability to deal than for any other ability under sun.                                                                     John Rock feller

We do not have business problems. We have people problems.

Life is an ECHO

 A little boy got angry with his mother and shouted at her, I hate you, I hate you.” Because of fear of reprimand, he ran out of the house. He went up to the valley and shouted, I hate you, I hate you.” This was the first time in his life he ad heard an echo. He got scared, went to his mother for protection and said there was a bad boy in the valley who shouted “I hate you”, I hate you.” The mother understood and she asked her son to go back and shout, I love you, I love you.” The little boy went and shouted, I love you, I love you,” and back came the ECHO. That taught the boy a lesson – which our life is like an ECHO; we get back what we give.

Introduction

 Man is a Social Animal.  Interpersonal relations at work serve a critical role in the development and maintenance of trust and positive feelings in an organization. Workplace success goes beyond technical competence. Having sound interpersonal skills is just as important as having strong legal, financial or technical skills. Equally important are strong Interpersonal skills such as initiative, resilience, self-control, adaptability, self awareness, persuasiveness and empathy. How we manage ourselves and interact with others in workplace situations can enhance or derail our careers and our success.

The goal of the talk is to impress upon the importance of establishing and maintaining a shared vision of positive professional interpersonal relationship practices among all stakeholders on your campus. How you are perceived by your manager and co-workers plays a large role in things as minor as your day-to-day happiness at the office and as major as the future of your career.

Opportunity to increase organizational productivity

Prime Aspect

Smile can do wonders

Pay attention to others

Empathize

Be appreciative.

Practice active listening

Bring charm and people together

Communicate clearly

Person is important so also interpersonal relationship

ÿ       In today’s business world organizations do not compete with their products 

ÿ       They compete through using their most valuable resource, their people, to maximum effect 

ÿ       Interpersonal skills are vital to allow this to happen

Benjamin Franklin said,

” When you are good to others, you are best to yourself.”

WE SEEE THINGS NOT THE WAY THEY ARE BUT THE WAY WE ARE

TRUST the foundation of any relationship

Factors

Reliability – gives predictability and comes from commitment

Consistency – builds confidence

Respect

Fairness
Openness – shows two way traffic 

Competence

Integrity-  the key ingredient to trust

Acceptance

Character

Congruence – Action and words harmonize

Outcome Poor interpersonal Relationships

Stress

Lack of Communication

Irritation

Close mindedness

No team Spirit

Lack Credibility

Poor self esteem

Suspicion

Loss productivity

Isolation

Poor health Distrust

Anger Prejudice

Anger Breakdown of morale

Uncooperative Behavior

Conflict

Frustration

Unhappiness

Steps to Build Positive Relationship

Accept Responsibility

When people accept additional responsibility they are actually giving themselves a promotion

Stop the blame game

Choose your words carefully. Be tactful. Words reflect attitude

Be a coach Smile

Your smile can do wonders

Two ears and one mouth- - Be a good listener ‘

Discuss but don’t argue

Turn your promises into commitments – A promise is statement intent. A commitment is a promise that is going to be kept no matter what.

Be Dependable and practice Loyalty

Show empathy

Research based inputs to enlighten the importance of Interpersonal relationship

Good interpersonal relationships are critical to employee well-being claims research

1.         Flexible working hours                                                                                     49 per cent

2.         Working with people I like                                                                 48.6 per cent

3.         Having enough annual leave                                                               46 per cent

4.        Being able to have time off at short notice if necessary                         45 per cent

5.         Enjoying the job I do                                                                              45 per cent

6.         Getting on well with my colleagues                                                  43.2 per cent

7.         Feeling liked by my colleagues                                                            41 per cent

8.         Getting on well with my boss                                                                         34.8 per cent

9.         Being trusted by my boss                                                                     30.6 per cent

10.       Being given a clear understanding of what is expected of me 29.4 percent

Outcome…

ÿ      Understand core personality

ÿ      Discover what motivates

ÿ      Read others easily and accurately

ÿ      Identify natural strengths & overcome  limitations

ÿ      Improve relationships with others

ÿ      Enhance performance

JOHNSEY THOMAS

Clinical Psychologist & Mental Fitness Expert

For PPC World Wide