Interpersonal Communication

1
Interpersonal Communication

• Chapter 5

2
Interpersonal Skills

• The ability to work with others to solve
  problems, communicate messages, handle conflict,
  etc.
• 1 characteristic employers are looking for in a
  manager and employee.

3
Characteristics of Unpleasant Co-Workers

• Busybody
• Controlling/Bossy
• Self-Promotion
• Unprofessional Behavior
• Unprofessional Focus of Attention
• Distracting
• Defensive

4
Communication Climate

• Quality of personal relationships that
  communicate value.
• Relationships can have warm or cool communication
  climates.
• Climate differs in each relationship.

5
Improving Communication Climates

• 1. Use Descriptive I Language
• Replacing you with I language to avoid
  unnecessary attacks on the other person.
• Your report is sloppy. You need to retype it.
• This is the third time this month that youve
  been late for work. Youll need to work on being
  punctual.

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Improving Communication Climates

• 2. Become Problem-Oriented
• Focus on problem solving rather than getting it
  done the way you prefer.

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Improving Communication Climates

• 3. Be Honest
• If one statement of mine in a hundred is false,
  you may choose not to rely on me at all.
• Ethical Question is honesty always the best
  policy? Is there ever a time to lie to another
  person?

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Improving Communication Climates

• 4. Show concern for others acknowledge other
  peoples contributions and achievements.
• 5. Be Open-Minded hear other peoples thoughts
  without being judgmental

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Improving Communication Climates

• 6. Give Praise You can catch more flies with
  honey than with vinegar.
• Be specific
• Praise progress, not perfection
• Praise intermittently
• Sing praises to others
• Be sincere

10
Dealing With Criticism

• Criticism often raises defensiveness.
• There are ways to offer positive criticism as
  well as ways to give criticism without raising
  defensiveness.

11
Criticism Quiz

• A yes B sometimes C no
• Do you carefully try to understand why someones
  behavior bothers you before you criticize?
• Do you think through what you are going to say
  before you speak your mind?
• Do you criticize as soon as possible after the
  incident that bothers you occurs?

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Criticism Quiz

• A yes B sometimes C no
• 4. Do you focus on what is well done and approach
  negatives in constructive ways?
• 5. Do you suggest positive and beneficial
  solutions to the behavior you criticize?
• 6. Do you avoid criticizing when youre angry,
  overtired, or frustrated?

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Criticism Quiz

• A yes B sometimes C no
• 7. Do you hold back from criticizing when you see
  the same traits in yourself?
• 8. Do you choose a place for criticism that is
  private?
• 9. Do you steer clear of putting people down when
  they feel worthless, hopeless, or useless?

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Criticism Quiz

• A yes B sometimes C no
• 10. Do you avoid complete honesty and
  straightforwardness?
• 11. Do you speak tactfully with concrete examples
  of the criticized behavior?
• 12. Do you limit the length of time discussing
  the criticized action or behavior?

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Criticism Quiz

• 8 or more As Good criticizing skills
• Majority Bs Average skills
• Majority Cs Needs work on skills

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Offering Criticism

• Be specific
• Consider the sender
• Consider the relational climate
• Consider the delivery

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Responding to Criticism

• Two common reactions fight or flight
• Seek more information
• Agree with the criticism
• Work for a cooperative solution