DEIJ Minute – Interpersonal Communication – May 16, 2025

Interpersonal communication problems can often go unnoticed due to how subtle they are by nature, and can often be major contributing factors to productivity, the strength of a team, and even mental and physical health. This can include not only tone of voice, volume, pitch, or punctuation, but also include body language, eye contact, proximity, or silence. It’s important to think about what groups—such as one's gender, sexuality, race, or neurodivergence—may feel pressured against speaking up or bringing ideas to a conversation.

Some ways we can help foster inclusion and encourage transparent dialogue, may be for those in leadership positions to extend an invitation for marginalized individuals to share their ideas, or for those who have majority identities to reiterate and reinforce the value of their contributions when they share them. It also may be helpful to consider how individuals prefer to receive feedback, such as all at once versus incrementally, or feedback based on the end product versus on the steps taken to get there. Most of all, it is important to recognize that no one communication style is more right than another, to be open to feedback, recognize your own emotions, and consider how others communication styles bring beneficial ways of looking at a problem to the team.

See slide below for more info:

DEIJ Minute_05-16-2025_Interpersonal Communication.pdf

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