Building interpersonal relationships at work

Maip 474 5 F - Buenos Aires - Argentina Tel/Fax: (54-11) 5199-0070 www.sh-international.com

info@silviahaskler.com
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Goals

To communicate in a professional, friendly/courteous manner

To ensure the message is clear, organized and relevant

To ensure the requests for information are specific To emphasize the importance of building meaningful interpersonal relationships To develop a positive interaction attitudes with internal and external customers, and to your own self.

Ultimate objective: to help you develop resources to deal with (conflictive, difficult) work situations. To achieve personal and professional development which in turn, will benefit the organization.

Interpersonal Relationships at work

Organizations and people-orientedness

Quality of customer service and appropriate demeanor. Characteristics of a superior service. Conveying a positive and helpful attitude. Analyzing, breaking down and understanding your other peoples needs / desires. Conveying effective messages Dealing with difficult situations and complaints. Improving relationships, specifically the internal customer-supplier of critical information. Encouraging trust and cooperation Using the right communication techniques Learning the importance of (constructive) feedback Identifying your personal contribution to a good service

Developing online interpersonal Skills

Communicating via e-mail Benefits of effective writing A few guidelines for effective writing Feedback and error analysis Signposting

Use of intensifiers and softeners

Relevance of word choice

Listening

Active listening / analyzing / breaking down / understanding. Not only in terms of type of customer or any predetermined category but at an interpersonal level. With the unique individual we are communicating with
To really understand people and give ones best in meeting todays increasingly rising performance standards, developing quality interpersonal relationships must feel valued Dont miss any opportunity to listen to your customers, superiors and fellow colleagues Provide mechanisms build communication bridges

Respect
A key concept in achieving good interpersonal relationships is respect. It involves,

Respect for the customers time and wit Respect for uniqueness and diversity Respect for their needs Respect for your task, and the organization as a unit

Trust

Trust: etymologically associated with truth and major normative concepts including relying upon others Related to bastions of a good society and thus, good organizations: justice, truth, faith and confidence The cohesive force that binds people together and has consequences in all social domains. Generating trust is a critical factor in the success of companies, individuals and society at large. On the contrary, suspicion and mistrust are lethal to all social relationships. Establishing great relationships based upon trust, commitment and credibility are key to succeeding in todays world There are inborn trustful and trustworthy people, skills which are developed in their early childhood. Such skill, however, can also be learned.

Responding

Always get back to people / answer their queries Respond with results, not with descriptions of ongoing processes and / or excuses Avoid engaging into false promises Never lie Plan ahead, manage your resources and meet your deadlines Follow-up

Feeling good? Provide a superior service

Go that extra mile Look at your standards. What are your benchmarks of best practice? What is acceptable? Be helpful Dont be afraid of complaints, but anticipate conflict. Let the complaint reveal itself and listen carefully Avoid easy fixes; dont use frills to compensate or disguise deficiencies. Never accept it is good considering; make sure there are no excuses Avoid feelings of guilt; encourage responsibility and accountability instead What would you do if you feel there is no solution? Share with others learn to ask for help / advice

Conflict in interpersonal relationships

Interpersonal conflict is a disagreement between connected individuals who each want something that is incompatible with what the other wants.

Conflict is neither good or bad. It is part of our lives. The importance lies on the way we handle it. Some of its sources:
Distress Poor or lack of communication Unmet needs Limited resources Differences in values, beliefs and life choices

It affects:
In the relationship with customer(s), peers, superiors and/or subordinates. On your feelings and emotions On the task, the group and the organization.

Resources and strategies to cope with and solve conflict

Define the conflict by recognizing the interests of all parties involved as well as the other person and your own desires, needs, concerns, fears and hopes Learn how to identify the most feasible solutions Have an available Plan B Be ready to listen Commit yourself Gather key information Put yourself in the other persons shoes Set clear objectives Know yourself and analyze your response and behavior Be resilient

Tips for superior interpersonal

relationships

Create forums for information sharing

Practice proactive information sharing Generate, or contribute to, an environment in which status is accorded to those who share freely and don't build walls Promote teamwork and team spirit