🔍 What Is Interpersonal Communication?
At its core, it’s the exchange of information between two or more people — both verbal and non-verbal.
It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. Tone. Facial expression. Body language. Listening.
Effective communication helps build trust, accomplish goals, and navigate tension productively.
💡 The Benefits of Improving Interpersonal Skills
Stronger team dynamics
Better decision-making
Greater trust across departments
Faster conflict resolution
Improved retention and engagement
Whether you’re a team leader or new employee, better communication opens doors — professionally and personally.
⚠️ Common Challenges in Workplace Communication
Anne highlights three core barriers:
1️⃣ Technology
It enables communication — but also risks misunderstanding (tone in emails, misread messages).
2️⃣ Aptitude
Communication isn’t innate — it’s shaped by upbringing, culture, and education. Many people haven’t been explicitly taught how to build rapport in a professional setting.
3️⃣ Bias
Bias isn’t always bad — it’s simply a preference. But unexamined biases (like preferring bullet-point emails or short responses) can prevent understanding if not checked.
🛠️ Common Mistakes People Make
Assuming everyone thinks and learns like you
Assuming everyone is motivated by the same things
Not adapting communication style to the audience
It’s not about speaking your language — it’s about finding shared language with others.
✅ Tips for Improving Interpersonal Communication
Spend intentional 1:1 time with people — even 2 minutes makes a difference
Ask how they prefer to communicate — podcast vs. white paper, written vs. spoken
Be the one who adapts first — meet people where they are, if possible
Remember: relationships are reciprocal. Ask them about your preferences too — it’s a two-way street.
🧠 Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The Secret Ingredient
Anne outlines the 4 components of EQ, the #1 predictor of leadership success:
Self-Awareness – What am I feeling?
Self-Management – How do I manage those emotions?
Social Awareness – What is the other person feeling?
Social Management – How do I respond supportively?
High-EQ leaders are better communicators, collaborators — and according to studies, even earn more.
🧬 The Brain Science Behind EQ
When we’re triggered, the brain’s amygdala activates — launching us into fight, flight, or freeze mode.
This “amygdala hijack” pulls oxygen away from the decision-making part of the brain (the frontal cortex), causing reactions we may later regret.
That’s why Anne recommends:
🧘 Deep breathing
🧍 Standing up
☀️ Getting sunlight
🕒 Waiting 20–26 seconds before reacting
These small pauses help restore clarity — and protect relationships.
💬 Everyday Practices to Build EQ
Name your emotions — move beyond just “fine” or “good”
Recognize gaps between words and body language
Practice empathy — put yourself in their shoes
Listen fully — without jumping to fix or respond
Avoid reactionary emails — take a walk, then reply
🎯 Final Thought: Better Conversations Build Better Workplaces
Interpersonal communication isn’t just about being friendly — it’s about being effective.
And like any skill, it improves with self-awareness, empathy, and conscious practice.
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