1. Mai Lee Yang
Business Communication II
November 14, 2014
Relationships at Work
Developing good work-relationship is important, it is where any person spends more than
half of their day. Communication competence is the “ability to develop and sustain relationships
at work” (Downing, et. al., 2014, p. 275). Communication competence is important in order to
build a successful career because it helps build better relationships and connections with others.
In a professional area where I will spend most of my adult life, learning how to build
interpersonal relationships at work is important. Here are five effective strategies that will help
me overcome any obstacles I may face with developing relations at work. To begin, I will need
to initiate a relationship, by finding common ground. Secondly, I need to show and communicate
respect; this displays that I value and respect the other person. Next, I need to be cautious with
what I reveal. Revealing personal details will change the other person’s perspective of who I am.
Following after, I will need to avoid controversial topics that are especially sensitive to him/her
and myself. Finally, I need to be open to criticism, this will help me grow by listening to what
others have to teach me by the things that they point out (Downing, et. al., 2014).
Building interpersonal relationship is an essential factor in building a successful career.
These five strategies will be of great help in a career: initiating relationship, communicating
respectfully, being modest with revelations of personal life, avoiding controversial topics, and
being open to criticism. Mastering these five skills will go a great ways in developing a well-
maintain relationship in a career.