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PART E: PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS AND COMMUNICATION IN BUSINESS 
 
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8.2 The importance of informal communications 
Managers
, 
rather than staff, might rely on the grapevine, as opposed to formal communication channels, 
because of the qualities informal communication possesses. 
(a) 
It is more current than the formal system. 
(b) 
It is relevant to the 
informal
organisation (where many decisions are actually determined). 
(c) 
It relates to 
internal politics
, which may not be reflected in formal communications anyway. 
(d) It 
can 
bypass excessively secretive management
. 
8.3 Interpersonal skills 
Interpersonal skills
are needed in order to understand and manage roles, relationships, attitudes and 
perceptions. They enable us to communicate effectively and to achieve our aims when dealing with 
other people. 
Interpersonal skills 
(a) 
The ability to interpret 
body language 
and to use it to reinforce messages 
(b) 
The ability to 
listen attentively and actively
(c) 
The ability to put others at their ease, to persuade and to smooth over difficult situations 
(d) 
The ability to 
identify when false or dishonest arguments 
are being used, and to construct logical 
ones 
(e) 
The ability to recognise how much information, and of what kind, another person will 
need and 
be able to take in
(f) 
The ability to 
use communication media effectively
: to speak well, write legibly, use appropriate 
vocabulary and use visual aids where required 
(g) 
The ability to 
sum up 
or conclude an argument clearly and persuasively 
(h) 
The ability to communicate and show enthusiasm, ie 
leadership
or inspiration 
The above list is by no means exhaustive. 
Here are some more important things to consider in interpersonal relations.