UNIT II

Communication Skills. Team Building. Leadership Skills. Body Language and interpersonal
communication.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS.
How Does Communication Help in Improving Your Personality?

 Effective Communication skills play a crucial role in honing one’s personality. Communication
helps individuals to express themselves in the most convincing way.

 People with great communication skills tend to have a better and impressive
personality than those who have problems in communicating as interacting with others is not a
challenge for them.
 Individuals with effective communication skills can easily converse with other people around
be it their fellow workers, peers, family and so on.
 Effective communication skills strengthen the bond among individuals. It is also said to
improve the interpersonal relationships with other people.
 Careful selection of words is essential for effective communication skills. One should need
to know what he/ she are speaking. One should not be rude to anyone.
 Speaking convincingly helps the other person to understand what you intend to
communicate. Your style of speaking has a tremendous impact on your personality. Speaking
slowly always helps as it allows us to find appropriate words and also reflects
thoughtfulness. Emphasis on important and relevant words helps the other person to realize the
importance.
 Speaking confidently is the key to an impressive and great personality. Showing signs of
nervousness while interacting with others indicates that you are not sure of what you are
speaking (lack of preparation). Develop proper eye contact with the other person. Do not look
around while interacting with the other person.

 Take care of your body language. Correct body language displays confidence which further
hones an individual’s personality. Do not play with things around while speaking.
 Be very particular about the pronunciation of words. Pronouncing words wrongly creates a
bad impression on others.
 Do not speak with a fake accent to prove that you have excellent communication skills.
Avoid copying others. An individual should have his/her own style to stand apart from the rest.
Speaking articulately enhances one’s personality and makes him/her different from others.
 Do not play with words. One should always say things straight to the point.
 It is important to be a good and patient listener for effective communication skills. Observe
whether the other person is listening to you or not. Allow the other person to speak as well in
case of queries or confusions.

TEAM BUILDING

Definition of Team
A team is a group of individuals who come together to work collaboratively toward a common goal or
task. Teamwork is crucial as it fosters effective communication, enhances creativity, and promotes
problem-solving skills. Each team member contributes their unique expertise and strengths to ensure
the efficient completion of the project.

In a team, every member has a specific role, such as a leader, coordinator, or contributor. Teamwork
thrives on trust, respect, and cooperation, where members freely share their ideas and opinions. It
creates an environment of support and inspiration, where individuals learn from one another and work
toward success.

By leveraging teamwork, tasks can be accomplished in a more streamlined and effective manner. It
encourages open communication, boosts creativity, and enhances problem-solving abilities.
Teamwork is a valuable asset that drives success in various domains, promoting growth and
achievement.

Difference between Team & Group

1. Collaboration: A team emphasizes collaboration, where members actively work together
toward a common goal, whereas a group may not have a shared objective and individuals often
work independently.
2. Interdependence: In a team, there is a high level of interdependence, with each member
relying on others’ skills and contributions. In a group, individuals may not rely on each other as
much and can work independently.
3. Shared Goals: Teams have shared goals that all members are working toward, while groups
may not have a specific common objective or purpose.
4. Communication: Effective communication is essential in a team, as members need to coordinate
their efforts and share information. In a group, communication may be less structured or
necessary, as individuals may not have a need to collaborate closely.
5. Accountability: Team members have a sense of shared responsibility and hold each other
accountable for their contributions, while individuals in a group may have more autonomy and
are accountable for their own work.

Type of Team
1. Functional Teams: These teams are organized based on specific functions or departments
within an organization, such as marketing, finance, or operations. Each team focuses on their
respective area of expertise and works towards achieving departmental goals.
2. Cross-Functional Teams: These teams consist of individuals from different functional areas who
come together to work on a specific project or solve a particular problem. Cross-functional
teams bring diverse perspectives and expertise, enhancing collaboration and innovation.
3. Virtual Teams: In today’s digital age, virtual teams are becoming increasingly common. These
teams consist of members who are geographically dispersed and collaborate primarily through
 technology platforms. Virtual teams offer flexibility and the ability to tap into a global talent
pool.
4. Self-Managed Teams: Self-managed teams have a high level of autonomy and are responsible
for managing their own work processes and decision-making. These teams are empowered to
set their goals, allocate tasks, and monitor their progress.
5. Project Teams: Project teams are formed to complete a specific project within a defined
timeframe. These teams are temporary and dissolve once the project is completed. Project
teams bring together individuals with different skills and expertise to achieve project objectives.
6. Leadership Teams: Leadership teams consist of top-level executives who make strategic
decisions and provide guidance for an organization. These teams focus on setting the overall
direction, vision, and goals of the company.
7. Cross-Cultural Teams: Cross-cultural teams bring together individuals from different cultural
backgrounds, fostering diversity and inclusivity. These teams require effective communication
and understanding of cultural nuances to overcome potential challenges.

Factor Affecting and Team Building

1. Communication: Effective communication is crucial for team building. Open and transparent
communication helps team members understand each other, resolve conflicts, and work
toward common goals.
2. Trust: Trust plays a vital role in team building. When team members trust each other, they feel
comfortable sharing ideas, taking risks, and supporting one another. Building trust requires
honesty, reliability, and consistent actions.
3. Leadership: Strong leadership is essential for fostering a positive team environment. A good
leader sets clear expectations, provides guidance, and motivates team members to achieve
their best. They also encourage collaboration and empower team members to contribute their
unique skills.
4. Diversity: Team members with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives bring
different ideas and insights to the table. Embracing diversity can lead to creative problem-
solving, innovation, and a richer team dynamic.
5. Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly defined roles and responsibilities help team members
understand their contributions and avoid confusion or duplication of efforts. When everyone
knows what they are responsible for, it enhances accountability and productivity.
6. Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration promotes teamwork and strengthens relationships
among team members. Collaborative environments foster knowledge sharing, idea generation,
and collective decision-making.
7. Recognition and Reward: Recognizing and rewarding team members for their efforts and
achievements boost morale and motivates them to perform at their best. Celebrating
successes as a team creates a positive and supportive atmosphere.
Meaning of Team Building
Team building refers to the process of creating a cohesive and collaborative group of individuals who
work together towards a common goal. It involves various activities and strategies aimed at improving
communication, fostering trust, and enhancing teamwork within a team.

To facilitate effective team building, organizations can utilize various strategies, such as team-building
workshops, retreats, or team-building exercises. These activities can be tailored to the specific needs
and goals of the team, and can range from problem-solving challenges to team-building games or
outdoor activities.

Process of Team Building

1. Define Goals and Roles: Start by clearly defining the team’s goals and individual roles within the
team. This establishes a shared understanding of expectations and helps team members align
their efforts toward a common objective.
2. Foster Communication: Encourage open and effective communication among team members.
This can be achieved through regular team meetings, utilizing communication tools, and
creating a safe space for everyone to share ideas, concerns, and feedback.
3. Build Trust and Collaboration: Promote trust and collaboration by organizing team-building
activities and exercises. These activities help team members develop mutual respect,
understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and foster a sense of camaraderie.
4. Encourage Diversity and Inclusion: Embrace diversity within the team and create an inclusive
environment where everyone feels valued and respected. This diversity brings different
perspectives and ideas to the table, leading to more innovative solutions and better decision-
making.
5. Provide Support and Recognition: Support team members by providing the necessary
resources, training, and guidance they need to succeed. Additionally, recognize and celebrate
individual and team achievements to boost morale and motivation.

Benefits of Team Building

1. Improved Communication: Team building activities promote open and effective
communication among team members. By participating in collaborative exercises and
discussions, team members learn to listen, express their ideas, and provide constructive
feedback. This leads to better understanding, reduced conflicts, and improved overall
communication within the team.
2. Enhanced Collaboration: Team building fosters a sense of collaboration and cooperation
among team members. Through team-building exercises and problem-solving activities,
individuals learn to work together, leverage each other’s strengths, and find innovative
solutions. This collaborative mindset increases productivity and efficiency within the team.
 3. Increased Trust and Motivation: Team building cultivates trust and builds stronger
relationships among team members. By engaging in trust-building exercises and team-building
games, individuals develop a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. This trust boosts
motivation, encourages risk-taking, and creates a positive work environment.
4. Strengthened Problem-Solving Skills: Team building activities often involve challenges that
require problem-solving and critical thinking. By working together to overcome these
challenges, team members develop their problem-solving skills, learn to think creatively, and
become more adaptable in addressing complex issues.
5. Boosted Morale and Employee Satisfaction: Engaging in team-building activities shows that an
organization values its employees’ well-being and fosters a positive work culture. This boosts
morale, increases job satisfaction, and reduces stress levels among team members. Happier
employees tend to be more engaged, productive, and committed to their work.

Limitations of Team Building

1. Time and Resources: Team building activities require time and resources to plan and execute.
This can be a limitation for organizations with limited budgets or busy schedules. It’s essential
to strike a balance between investing in team building and ensuring that day-to-day work
responsibilities are not compromised.
2. Individual Differences: Team building activities may not cater to the individual needs and
preferences of every team member. People have different personalities, communication styles,
and comfort levels with certain activities. It’s crucial to consider these differences to ensure that
team building efforts are inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
3. Short-Term Impact: While team building activities can have immediate positive effects, their
long-term impact may vary. The benefits gained from a single team building event may diminish
over time if not reinforced through ongoing communication and support. Regular follow-up and
integration of team building principles into daily work practices are necessary for sustained
results.
4. Lack of Alignment with Organizational Goals: Team building activities should align with the
overall goals and objectives of the organization. If the activities are not relevant or do not
contribute to the organization’s mission, they may be seen as mere recreational events without
tangible benefits. It’s crucial to ensure that team building efforts are purposeful and tied to the
organization’s strategic objectives.
5. External Factors: Team building may not address external factors that impact team dynamics,
such as organizational changes, market conditions, or individual workloads. These external
factors can influence team dynamics and performance, and solely relying on team building
activities may not be sufficient to overcome them.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS
What is Leadership
Leadership is a process whereby an Individual influences a group of Individuals to achieve a common
goal. Leadership is that which pulls together people with diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and
Interests ,encourages them to step up to responsibility and continued achievement and treats them as
full scale partners.

Leadership is the potential to influence behaviour of others. It is also defined as the capacity to influence
a group towards the realization of a goal. Leaders are required to develop future visions, and to
motivate the organizational members to want to achieve the visions.

According to Keith Davis, “Leadership is the ability to persuade others to seek defined objectives
enthusiastically. It is the human factor which binds a group together and motivates it towards goals.”

Alan Keith stated that, “Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making
something extraordinary happen”.

Characteristics of Leadership
1. It is an inter-personal process in which a manager is into influencing and guiding workers
towards attainment of goals.
2. It denotes a few qualities to be present in a person, which includes intelligence, maturity and
personality.
3. It is a group process. It involves two or more people interacting with each other.
4. A leader is involved in shaping and moulding the behaviour of the group towards
accomplishment of organizational goals.
5. Leadership is situation bound. There is no best style of leadership. It all depends upon tackling
with the situations.

Importance of Leadership
Leadership is an important function of management which helps to maximize efficiency and to achieve
organizational goals. The following points justify the importance of leadership in a concern.

1. Initiates action- Leader is a person who starts the work by communicating the policies and plans
to the subordinates.
2. Motivation- A leader motivates the employees with economic and non-economic rewards and
thereby gets the work from the subordinates.
3. Providing guidance- A leader has to not only supervise but also play a guiding role for the
subordinates. Guidance here means instructing the subordinates the way they have to perform
their work effectively and efficiently.
4. Creating confidence- Confidence is an important factor which can be achieved through
expressing the work efforts to the subordinates, explaining them clearly their role and giving
them guidelines to achieve the goals effectively. It is also important to hear the employees with
regards to their complaints and problems.
5. Building morale- Morale denotes willing co-operation of the employees towards their work and
getting them into confidence and winning their trust. A leader can be a morale booster by
achieving full co-operation so that they perform with best of their abilities as they work to
achieve goals.
 6. Builds work environment- Management is getting things done from people. An efficient work
environment helps in sound and stable growth. Therefore, human relations should be kept into
mind by a leader. He should have personal contacts with employees and should listen to their
problems and solve them. He should treat employees on humanitarian terms.
7. Co-ordination- Co-ordination can be achieved through reconciling personal interests with
organizational goals. This synchronization can be achieved through proper and effective co-
ordination which should be primary motive of a leader.

The essence of leadership

 Leadership refers to ability of one individual to influence others.
 The influence is exercised to change the behaviour of others.
 Change of behaviour is caused with an objective of achieving a shared goal.
 The person influencing others (leader) possesses a set of qualities or characteristics with which
he or she to influence others
 Leadership is a group phenomenon. It involves interaction between two or more people

Leadership skills

Leadership skills include the abilities or strengths shown by people in management roles that aid in
guiding and encouraging a group of people and their team toward achieving a common goal or set of
goals. These skill sets include communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, decision-making, and
more.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

 Communication: At Leadership position, one must be able to clearly explain everything from
expectations to goals and tasks. It is also important to establish open communication between
leader and team members. This not only promotes cohesiveness in a team, but often
encourages an atmosphere of transparency.
 Negotiation: Negotiation involves two or more parties engaging in a conversation to find a
solution that is acceptable to all parties. Effective negotiation as a leadership skill, involves
understanding the interests of all involved parties and working to reach a solution that satisfies
each one.
 Conflict resolution: Compelling leaders understand how to avoid disputes and have the ability
to resolve them quickly. They make thoughtful decisions when handling disagreements.
 Adaptability: An adaptable leader quickly adjusts his behavior in response to situational
changes. Showing adaptability in leadership involves being flexible and adjusting to changing
conditions and environments.
 Critical thinking: Analyzing information to fully comprehend an issue or topic is the act of critical
thinking. The steps of the critical thinking process often entail gathering facts and data, posing
deliberate queries, and examining potential answers. Using critical thinking skills can be helpful
in determining the nature of the conflict and the appropriate course of action. Critical thinking is
an important component of decision-making.
 Decision-making: Effective leaders make decisions that benefit themselves, their team
members, clients, stakeholders, and organizations. Decision-making by leaders must always be
fair and objective and involve the use of appropriate language when communicating.
 Problem-solving: Problem-solving requires strong communication skills and respect for all
parties involved. Viewing and presenting issues as opportunities can benefit leaders
 Relationship building: The ability to forge bonds and establish communities is necessary for an
effective leader.
 Time management : Leaders who manage time effectively may accomplish more in less time,
feel less stressed, and succeed in their careers
 Reliability and trust: Leaders must ensure their words and deeds are consistent if they want to
be trusted.
 Creativity: Creative leaders encourage a team of people to solve problems creatively and also
foster an innovative culture by encouraging teams to showcase ingenuity as a unit.
 Strategic approach: Leaders must think strategically and critically when making difficult
decisions. Effective leadership involves making well-considered and critically-analyzed decisions
to lead teams to success.
 Self-awareness: Self-awareness in leadership involves understanding your own personality,
behaviors, and motivations. Self-awareness and reflection can help you realize what you offer to
your job as a leader and where you need improvement.
BODY LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

Body language is nonverbal communication that involves body movement. “Gesturing” can also be
termed as body language which is absolutely non-verbal means of communication.

In Non-verbal communication, our human body expresses our feelings and intentions through conscious
and unconscious movements and postures, accompanied by gestures, facial expressions, eye contacts
and touch. This collectively forms a separate language of the body within the ongoing communication.
This is called Body Language.

Importance of Body Language

According to the study conducted on the importance of body language by Albert Mehrabian and Morton
Wiener, 55% of communication is body language, 38% is the tone of voice, and 7% is the actual words
spoken – often called the 55/38/7 formula.
1. Repetition: Body language repeats what we speak verbally and helps us put emphasis on the
spoken words. For instance, when you don’t want someone to do something, you say no for the
 first time, and then a simple nodding of your head or wagging your finger from left to right
repeats the message.
2. Contradiction: We often say, ‘Our eyes speak the truth’. When your words do not align with
your body language, it is a contradiction. For example, when you do not want to tell the truth to
someone, and you try to lie to them, your body language can contradict you, like avoiding eye
contact or clenching your fist.
3. Substitution: Sometimes we are unable to speak what we want to due to sadness or
nervousness. In such situations, your body language can substitute your verbal words.
4. Complementing: Body language can complement your verbal communication by making it
easier for the audience to understand the message. For instance, if you are explaining to your
audience the benefits of your product, and you say, “There are 3 benefits”. If you count them
with your fingers while speaking the words, you draw the immediate attention of body language
for the audience.
5. Accenting: Accenting means making your communication more assertive and impactful. Like
when you underline a statement to put emphasis on it and body language puts emphasis on
verbal communication by accenting it. For instance, when your boss appreciates you with words,
a pat on your back accents the spoken words.

Types of Body Language

 Facial expressions: The face is a mirror of the mind and can reflect your thoughts, worries and
desires. Additionally, your face may reveal your feelings, such as disgust, happiness, sadness,
excitement or boredom, no matter how much you try to hide them. Even subtle movements,
such as pinching of the nose, narrowed eyes, smiling, pursed lips or the angle of the mouth, are
means of nonverbal communication.
 Hand gestures: We often use our hands to explain things. Hand movements and gestures often
portray your clarity of thoughts, knowledge and confidence. For example, rubbing your palms
together may be a sign that you are all geared up to start some work. These hand gestures may
also reveal your nervousness.
 Eye movements and contact: Eyes speak volumes. Not looking straight at the person or
audience you are addressing may signal a lack of confidence. Also, the size of your pupils may
reveal a lot. For instance, widened pupils may represent interest.
 Head tilts: Tilting your head toward the speaker suggests interest and concentration on the
subject.
 Posture and body movements: Movements and postures such as sitting cross-legged, shaking a
foot, shrugging and slouching contribute to creating an impression.
 Manner of walking: The way a person walks may reveal a lot about their inner emotions, such as
excitement, confidence or nervousness.
 Touching the face or hair: Rubbing or touching the face or playing with your hair is also a means
of nonverbal communication. For example, twisting your hair may seem like flirting, and pulling
one’s ears may look like indecisiveness.
  Way of talking: This includes your voice modulation and volume, speed of talking and
pronunciation (how clear it is).
 Space: Standing too close or too far from the other person may look awkward, which makes the
space between each person also important.
 Touching the other person: Your touch reveals your emotions and personality, which can
include handshakes, hugs and pats on the head or back.
 Dress & Appearance: The kind of dress we use & the way in which we groom ourselves shows
our status & attitude.

How to Improve Body Language

Improving body language can enhance communication and make interactions more effective.
1. Maintain Eye Contact: This shows confidence and helps build trust. Aim for natural eye contact
without staring.
2. Practice Good Posture: Stand and sit up straight to convey confidence. Avoid slouching, as it can
signal insecurity.
3. Use Open Gestures: Keep your arms uncrossed and use gestures to emphasize points. This
creates a welcoming atmosphere.
4. Be Aware of Facial Expressions: Ensure your expressions match your words. Smiling can create
warmth, while frowning might convey negativity.
5. Mirroring: Subtly mimicking the other person’s body language can create rapport and show
empathy.
6. Mind Your Space: Be aware of personal space. Respecting others' boundaries makes them feel
comfortable.
7. Control Nervous Habits: Identify and reduce habits like fidgeting or playing with hair, which can
distract from your message.
8. Practice Active Listening: Show engagement by nodding and leaning slightly forward, signaling
that you’re attentive.
9. Use Movement Purposefully: Avoid pacing or excessive movement; instead, use purposeful
movements to draw attention when needed.
10. Record Yourself: Consider recording yourself during conversations or presentations to analyze
and improve your body language.
https://www.resumeprofessionalwriters.com/interview-body-language-tips/

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INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Interpersonal communication refers to the process of exchanging information, feelings, and meanings
between individuals through verbal and non-verbal methods. It involves a two-way interaction that
encompasses not only the words we use but also our tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and
body language. Effective interpersonal communication is essential in building and maintaining
relationships, both personally and professionally. By understanding and practicing these skills,
individuals can improve their ability to connect with others, resolve conflicts, and create a positive and
collaborative environment.

Functions of Interpersonal Communication

1) Gain information: One of the important functions of interpersonal communication is to gain

information necessary to carry out the various functions of the organization.
2) Develop better understanding: Interpersonal communication helps in better understanding of
the message to be delivered. Since it is done face to face it helps in getting better idea of what
the person actually wants to say and deliver.
3) Satisfy interpersonal needs: Interpersonal communication satisfies the interpersonal needs of
affiliation and power both in social as well as in professional domains.
 4) Establish identity: Through interpersonal communication relationships are developed and
maintained. Such relationships help in establishing identity of individuals.
5) Achieve Goals: One of the most important functions of interpersonal communication is
achievement of goals. From the organizational perspective, the goals related to personal selling,
employee relations, training and development, building goodwill etc are possible to be achieved
only through effective interpersonal communication. From individual perspective the goals
related to day to day functioning are also largely dependent on effective interpersonal
communication.

How to Build Interpersonal Communication Skills

Building strong interpersonal communication skills is a journey that requires practice, self-awareness,
and a willingness to grow.

1. Active Listening: Listen closely to what others say without interrupting. Show that you are
engaged by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and providing feedback.
2. Empathy: Try to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathy helps in building trust
and a deeper connection in conversations.
3. Clear and Concise Messaging: Be clear and concise in your communication. Avoid jargon and
ensure your message is easy to understand.
4. Non-Verbal Communication: Be mindful of your body language, facial expressions, and tone of
voice. These non-verbal cues can significantly impact the effectiveness of your communication.
5. Feedback: Seek and provide constructive feedback. This helps in identifying areas for
improvement and encourages a culture of open communication.
6. Conflict Resolution: Develop skills to handle conflicts calmly and constructively. Focus on finding
solutions rather than winning arguments.

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