The Importance of Interpersonal Communication in Small Business

Communication channels and our usage have changed significantly over the last 15 years. Many of the channels we grew up with have either disappeared or migrated to digital platforms.

Because of these changes, we lose a lot of context, feelings, and the ability to really get to know someone.These changes lead to a lack of trust, isolation, and personally and professionally impact us.

Our interpersonal communication skills are declining, leading to surface-level understanding instead of deep empathy. Today, we maintain hundreds and thousands of relationships, whereas 15 years ago, we might have had up to 100.

Therefore, keeping up with and managing those relationships requires more time, effort, and a whole lot more typing and texting!

Often in our rush of life, we skip over the conversations that create trust and deeper relationships. We skip right to business or the message to get it done. We don't often take time to speak with people, ask questions or have open discussions.

Fostering a deeper relationship allows for  bumps in the road, a difference of opinion and even a falling out as the trust that exists brings us back together.

When we have only surface-level relationships with people, there is no deep understanding or trust, so we more often experience hurt, misunderstandings, and impacts when communication fails.

Therefore we need to take the time to review he elements it encompasses and also how it can impact our lives at work and at home.

So what is interpersonal communication?

Interpersonal communication is how we exchange information, ideas and feelings with others. People use both verbal and nonverbal in face-to-face conversations, phone calls, text messages, emails, and online chats.

As I mentioned above, it allows us to form and maintain relationships with other people. And if we do it effectively we can express ourselves, understand others' perspectives, build trust and empathy and resolve conflicts.

Good communication skills can help us form positive relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and our partners.

Communication is pivotal in our interactions; in business, it dictates success, securing deals, and retaining or losing staff.

Good communication helps employees to work together more efficiently, to collaborate, to understand instructions, and to solve problems.

Employers often seek employees with strong communication skills because they are seen as essential for building productive and happy teams.

It can impact our emotional and mental well-being. When we communicate well we can express our emotions, alleviate stress and build self-confidence.

Poor communication leads to misunderstandings, offense, and can negatively impact our mental health and well-being through isolation.

It is essential for building good relationships, succeeding in the workplace and maintaining our emotional and mental well-being.

How does it work?

There are a number of key elements to interpersonal communication that make it work effectively.

These include:

• Sender and receiver: It involves a sender who initiates the message and a receiver who receives and interprets it.

• Message: The message is the information, idea, or feeling that the sender wants to convey to the receiver. It can be verbal or nonverbal, and can be conveyed through various channels, such as speech, writing, gestures, or facial expressions.

• Feedback: Feedback is the response from the receiver to the sender's message. It can be verbal or nonverbal, and helps the sender know whether the message was received and understood as intended.

• Context: The context of the communication includes the physical setting, social norms, cultural background, and relationship between the sender and receiver. These factors can affect how the message is interpreted and received.

• Noise: Noise refers to any interference or distraction that can affect the communication process. It can be external, such as loud music or a poor connection, or internal, such as a wandering mind or emotional stress.

Essentially to have effective interpersonal communication we need clear and concise messages, active listening, and appropriate feedback.

We must also recognize and adjust to the style, cultural background, and emotional state of the person we communicate with. When these elements are understood and addressed then individuals can communicate more effectively with others in their personal and professional lives.

The Importance of Business Communication

Factors that impact or destroy interpersonal communication.

Various factors can impact or destroy interpersonal communication, including:

1. Lack of trust: Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and without it, communication can break down. If one or both parties feel mistrusted or betrayed, it can be difficult to communicate honestly and openly.

2. Misunderstandings: Misunderstandings can arise when people have different expectations, beliefs, or cultural backgrounds. If these differences are not addressed, they can lead to miscommunication, hurt feelings, and conflict.

3. Poor listening skills: Effective communication is essential for building good relationships, succeeding in the workplace, and maintaining our emotional and mental well-being.

4. Use of offensive language: The use of offensive language or insensitive comments can damage interpersonal communication by causing hurt feelings, anger, or resentment.

5. Technology: Although technology has made communication more accessible, it can also harm interpersonal communication. Over-reliance on technology can lead to impersonal communication, misinterpretation of tone or intent, and distractions that prevent individuals from being fully present in a conversation.

6. Power dynamics: Power dynamics can be present in any relationship, whether it be in the workplace or personal relationships. If one person has more power than the other, it can be difficult to communicate honestly and openly without fear of consequences.

Many more factors can impact interpersonal communication; however, we see how destructive small things can be.

Addressing these factors and practicing effective communication builds stronger, healthier relationships that can withstand more bumps in the road.   The Effects of Poor Communication in Business

Spend some time each day reviewing how you are communicating not only with your nearest and dearest but also with your team at work.

If you see there are issues, address them. If staff or team members have communication issues, review the above information with them to highlight what good communication looks like and its benefits.

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Understanding the evolving landscape of communication channels is crucial in today's digital age. Let's work together to improve your skills and foster stronger relationships at work and in your personal life.

Contact me today to enhance your communication effectiveness.