The five strategies for managing conflict we will discuss are competing, avoiding, accommodating, compromising, and collaborating. Each of these conflict styles accounts for the concern we place on self versus other (see Figure 6.1 “Five Styles of Interpersonal Conflict Management”).

Intrapersonal communication is kind of like a conversation that takes place within one’s own self, while interpersonal communication is all about communication with other people.

Examples of intrapersonal skills include attributes such as planfulness, self-discipline, delay of gratification, the ability to deal with and overcome distractions, and the ability to adjust one’s strategy or approach as needed.

Common Causes of Office Conflicts Personality differences. Poor or inattentive leadership. Dishonesty. Stress.

Seven Tips for Managing Conflicts between Coworkers

1. Get involved sooner, rather than later. Time alone seldom, if ever, solves the problem.
2. Meet together with both employees.
3. Upend expectations by starting the meeting on a positive note.
4. Relax, breathe and reduce tension.
5. Listen very carefully.
6. Remain objective rather than finding fault.
7. Follow up with more meetings.

People with good interpersonal skills are optimistic, calm, confident, and usually very charismatic. They demonstrate the ability to get along with others, elevate the performance of others, enhance a positive work atmosphere and get the job done.

If your interpersonal skills are lacking, you might be making people feel uncomfortable. Maybe your lack of directness leaves people confused or conveys apathy. It’s important to not be vague and to try to maintain positivity as much as possible. If you’re positive and assertive, there’s little to misinterpret.

People with strong interpersonal skills tend to be able to work well with other people, including in teams or groups, formally and informally. They communicate effectively with others, whether family, friends, colleagues, customers or clients. They also have better relationships at home and at work.

Why Are Interpersonal Relationships Important?

• Show respect.
• Give your best.
• Be honest.
• Keep lines of communication open.
• Maintain boundaries.
• Be positive.
• Manage your emotions.
• Be open to feedback.

The main advantage of interpersonal communication is that it helps you to create strong relationships with others. At the same time, you are also able to understand and maintain them. Many people lack the very skill of interpersonal communication.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Interpersonal Relationships (Advantages…

• Less loneliness. Having the feeling that someone cares.
• Gain self knowledge and self-esteem. Gives you the opportunity to see yourself in a different perspective.
• Enhance physical and emotional health.
• Minimize pain.
• Secure stimulation.

The advantages of interpersonal communication include being able to share ones thoughts and feelings, as well as ideas and information. Disadvantages of interpersonal communication include the spread of lies and misinformation, as well as sharing bad ideas.

Nine Tips for Improving Your Interpersonal Skills

1. Cultivate a positive outlook.
2. Control your emotions.
3. Acknowledge others’ expertise.
4. Show a real interest in your colleagues.
5. Find one good trait in every co-worker.
6. Practice active listening.
7. Be assertive.
8. Practice empathy.

When employees possess good interpersonal communication skills, organizational culture becomes more synergic and positive. With bad interpersonal relationships, on the other hand, negativity, confusion, and conflicts become inevitable.

Research shows that people communicate with others after almost any emotional event, positive or negative, and that emotion sharing offers intrapersonal and interpersonal benefits, as individuals feel inner satisfaction and relief after sharing, and social bonds are strengthened through the interaction (Rime, 2007).

Interpersonal communication skills can help you be productive in the workplace, build strong and positive relationships with your colleagues and complete team projects smoothly and effectively. The benefits of good interpersonal skills can affect the morale and productivity of your entire team or department.

Interpersonal communication is the process by which people exchange information, feelings, and meaning through verbal and non-verbal messages: it is face-to-face communication. Although no communication may be intended, people receive messages through such forms of non-verbal behaviour.