Interpersonal Relationship at Workplace

“Communication works for those who work at it.”

John Powell

Talking about the basic concept of Interpersonal Relationship, it can be stated as a strong bond between two or more people. Interpersonal relationships that you form at work play a critical role in both your work success and career progress. Positive interpersonal relationships will allow effective communication and understanding among employees.

An interpersonal relationship can develop within/outside of a workplace between any of the following:

• Individuals working together in the same organization
• People working in the same team
• Relationship with the clients
• Relationship between office colleagues/friends
• Relationship with people apart from the professionals (example the servicemen, etc.)

Must-haves of an Interpersonal Relationship:

• Share common goals and objectives, have more or less similar interests and think on the same lines
• Respect for each other’s views and opinions and a sense of trust
• Professional commitment towards each other for a healthy interpersonal relationship
• Transparency - it is important for an individual to be honest and transparent in their work duties

Factors affecting Interpersonal Relationship:

1. Compatibility
2. Communication
3. Work Environment
4. Time
5. Goals and Objectives

“In many ways, effective communication begins with mutual respect, communication that inspires, encourages others to do their best.”

Zig Ziglar

Ways of improving interpersonal relationships at workplace:

• Employees must communicate with each other effectively for a healthy relationship
• Interact with your co-workers more often
• Team leaders and supervisors should conduct morning meetings with their team members.
• Take your team out for lunch, picnics or get together once in a while
• Greet your colleagues on their birthdays or anniversaries
• Avoid being jealous - Leave your ego behind, the moment you enter the workplace. Appreciate if someone has performed exceptionally well. Remember only hard work and nothing else pays in the long run.
• Be supportive and respectful towards other colleagues

Importance of interpersonal relationships in the workplace:

• An individual spends around eight to nine hours in his organization and it is practically not possible for him to work all alone
• A single brain alone can’t take all decisions. We need people to discuss various issues, evaluate the pros and cons and reach solutions, benefiting not only the employees but also the organization on the whole. Employees can brainstorm together and reach to better ideas and strategies.
• Interpersonal relationship has a direct effect on the organization culture. Misunderstandings and confusions lead to negativity at the workplace. Conflicts lead you nowhere and in turn spoil the work environment.
• We need people around who can appreciate our hard work and motivate us from time to time. It is essential to have some trustworthy co-workers at the workplace who not only appreciate us when we do some good work but also tell us our mistakes. A pat on the back goes a long way in extracting the best out of individuals.
• It always pays to have individuals around who really care for us.
• An individual needs to get along with fellow workers to complete assignments within the stipulated time frame. An Individual working all alone is overburdened and never finishes tasks within deadlines. Support of fellow workers is important.