Introduction
Interpersonal relationships are undeniable because human beings are social creatures. Human beings will always interact with individuals from different backgrounds. Different models such as ‘uncertainty reduction, relational dialects, social penetration, and self-disclosure theories explain how individuals can form good relationships in order to achieve their goals’ (Gibbs, Ellison & Lai 2011, p. 82). This paper presents a critical reflection on interpersonal skills. The essay highlights some of the best practices and skills that can make a person successful. This discussion explores the theories associated with trust, self-disclosure, and interpersonal communication. The personal reflection presented in this essay identifies the skills gained from this topic. The report offers quality ideas that can help individuals establish the best relationships with their workmates and business partners.
Personal Reflection on Interpersonal Skills
Self-disclosure is ‘something critical towards establishing and developing meaningful relationships’ (Zimmermann 2011, p. 64). Self-disclosure ‘is one of the measures for friendship and relationship development’ (Gibbs et al. 2011, p. 86). Self-disclosure can also destroy associations, especially when individuals fail to support one another. This practice is also significant towards building trust, especially among entrepreneurs. Too much self-disclosure is also capable of destroying good relationships. Trust and self-disclosure are inseparable. These tools play a critical role in establishing the best interpersonal relationships.
Self-disclosure establishes the success of every interpersonal relationship. This topic is relevant because I am planning to improve my interpersonal skills. The approach will be relevant to ‘widening my communication, problem-solving, relationship-building, and decision-making skills’ (Kauffman & Carmi 2014, p. 208). The topic will widen my competencies and make me a good communicator. I will also address my problems and establish new teams. Positive interpersonal attributes ‘will ensure all people form the best relationships’ (Gibbs et al. 2011, p. 74). My mission is to explore the benefits of positive self-disclosure.
We always ‘come into contact with new people every day’ (Tenzer, Pudelko & Harzing 2013, p. 36). People also engage in various business activities with new partners. People also form intimidate and personal relationships with their relatives and friends. It is appropriate for learners to establish the best associations with their tutors and classmates. These relationships are critical in every person’s life. I am planning to improve my leadership and interpersonal competencies in order to achieve most of my goals in life.
I will use the above competencies to address every challenge affecting my life. I will improve my trust in an attempt to achieve every personal goal. I am also ready to improve my presentation skills (Zimmermann, 2011). Trust and self-confidence are critical towards establishing the best relationships. Such values will ensure my group gets the best marks. The attributes will also be relevant towards improving my competencies as a future leader.
Academic Analysis of the Topic
Several theories support the establishment of quality relationships. According to Janasz, Dowd, and Schneider (2011, p. 54), ‘trust will only be developed by individuals who want to have fruitful relationships.’ Different theories explain why certain values and competencies play a major role in the creation of meaningful relationships. Such ‘noble attributes include loyalty, courage, tolerance, modesty, frankness, and patience’ (Zimmermann, 2011, p. 62). Self-confidence makes it possible for individuals to express themselves and address the complexities affecting their lives. Janasz et al. (2011, p. 67) believe that ‘every person must be ready to establish good relationships and dialogues with other people.’
Social penetration theory (SPT) explores how human beings develop new relationships. According to the theory, ‘the concept of closeness is capable of creating intimidate relationships’ (Zimmermann 2011, p. 62). The SPT theory also explains how closeness becomes a powerful practice through self-disclosure. Scholars use this theory to examine how human beings form various relationships. Recent studies have ‘identified specific values that determine the nature of human relationships such as security, satisfaction, and rewards’ (Kauffman & Carmi 2014, p. 216). Self-Disclosure Theory (SDT) encourages people to interact and share their secrets. Self-disclosure is a powerful practice because it helps human beings understand one another (Tenzer et al., 2013).
The other useful model is the Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT). According to this theory, every new relationship will encounter several uncertainties and challenges. People can use their understanding and knowledge to deal with such uncertainties (Semercioz 2011). Human beings ‘usually use interactive, active, or passive strategies to learn about their counterparts’ (Semercioz 2011, p. 6). Individuals will be happy to reduce such issues before establishing the best associations.
The other useful model is ‘called Relational Dialects Theory’ (Zimmermann 2011, p. 72). This theory goes further to explain why relationships will always present new contradictions and tensions. Such tensions occur when individuals engage in communication and interaction. According to Semercioz (2011, p. 5), ‘people always want to have some spontaneities and mysteries in their relationships.’ Such spontaneities are critical towards supporting new concepts and ideas. Most of these conflicts can make people’s relationships unpredictable. This situation explains why more studies and analyses are required in order to understand the issues supporting or discouraging the establishment of fruitful relationships (Wickramasinghe & Widyaratne 2012).
Human beings should consider the above concepts and skills in order to achieve their interpersonal goals. However, new studies are necessary for understanding the major challenges affecting the success of different relationships. Studies should also focus on professional relationships because they determine the success and effectiveness of business organizations. This discussion also explains why there are no controversies about the topic (Wickramasinghe & Widyaratne 2012). The practice will make it easier for people to achieve their goals and potentials.
The above discussion supports different topics, such as leadership, teamwork, self-awareness, conflict management, and decision-making. It is agreeable that ‘trust and confidence will encourage individuals in a relationship to share their secrets and ideas’ (Kauffman & Carmi 2014, p. 212). The practice will also result in higher satisfaction and eventually promote performance. This situation explains why I am planning to read more articles and books. The practice will improve my interpersonal competencies.
Critical Reflection
This exercise has equipped me with useful ideas and competencies. I now understand the importance of forming meaningful relationships. The above theories encourage me to associate with different individuals in order to achieve my objectives. I also understand the importance of self-disclosure in improving my trust and confidence. Increased intimacy in a relationship will make it easier for individuals to address most of the challenges affecting them (Kauffman & Carmi 2014). These lessons will make me a successful student. I will also establish strong relationships with my classmates and lecturers. The ideas will make me a competent leader who can make accurate and relevant decisions.
The above ideas support the power of good communication and trust. The absence of trust affects ‘the decisions made by individuals in a given relationship’ (Zimmermann 2011, p. 71). Individuals in a team should, therefore, be ready to share information with one another. I now understand the importance of avoiding certain behaviors that can affect my interpersonal relationships. Some of these behaviors include ‘mistrust, use of sarcastic words, and inability to engage in a meaningful conversation’ (Zimmermann 2011, p. 72). My desire to develop fruitful relationships with my supervisors, workmates, classmates, managers, and friends is critical towards achieving the best goals.
Our university tutorial groups are unable to achieve their goals because of low trust among the members. Many students do not portray the best work ethics. My goal is to rely on the above theories and ideas in order to realize my academic goals. Individuals without trust will be insensitive about the issues affecting their workmates. Such ‘persons will also focus on their own interests at the expense of others’ (Kauffman & Carmi 2014, p. 212). I am planning to use the above ideas in order to achieve my academic goals. I am also ready to empower every person in my tutorial group. Most of the above interpersonal skills will make me successful (Wickramasinghe & Widyaratne, 2012). I am planning to interact with more individuals in an attempt to achieve my personal goals. The practice will make my projects successful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, self-disclosure is critical towards establishing and developing meaningful relationships. Self-disclosure can also strengthen relationships, especially when two or more individuals decide to support one another. Different theories on interpersonal relationships have supported the use of appropriate attributes such as trust, confidence, and openness in order to achieve the best goals. I will use the above ideas whenever engaging in proper learning activities. I am planning to acquire new ideas that can make me successful in the future.
List of References
Gibbs, J, Ellison, N & Lai, C 2011, ‘First Comes to Love, Then Comes Google: An Investigation of Uncertainty Reduction Strategies and Self-Disclosure in Online Dating,’ Communication Research, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 70-100.
Janasz, S, Dowd, K & Schneider, B 2011, Interpersonal Skills in Organisations, McGraw Hill, New York.
Kauffman, D & Carmi, G 2014, ‘How Team Leaders Can Use ICT to Improve Trust Among Virtual Teams to Increase Collaboration,’ International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Technology, vol. 3, no. 9, pp. 204-220.
Semercioz, F 2011, ‘An Empirical Study on the Role of Interpersonal and Institutional Trust in Organisational Innovativeness,’ International Business Research, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 1-12.
Tenzer, H, Pudelko, M & Harzing, 2013, ‘The impact of language barriers on trust formation in multinational teams,’ Journal of International Studies, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1-54.
Wickramasinghe, V & Widyaratne, R 2012, ‘Effects of interpersonal trust, team leader support, rewards, and knowledge sharing mechanisms on knowledge sharing in project teams,’ VINE, vol. 42, no. 2, pp. 214-236.
Zimmermann, 2011, ‘Interpersonal relationships in transnational, virtual teams: Towards a configurational perspective,’ International Journal of Management Reviews, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 59-78.