What is the impact of poor interpersonal communication on workplace relationships?

The impact of poor interpersonal communication on workplace relationships is indeed significant, primarily because it decreases trust and collaboration among team members. When communication is ineffective, misunderstandings can arise, leading to a breakdown in relationships. Team members may feel that their thoughts and ideas are not valued if they cannot express themselves clearly or if they misinterpret others. This decline in trust can result in individuals working in silos instead of collaboratively, thereby hindering teamwork and the overall goal of achieving shared objectives.

Additionally, with a lack of open and honest communication, the environment can become tense and uncomfortable, further discouraging collaboration. When trust erodes, team dynamics suffer, making it challenging for members to rely on each other. This ultimately leads to inefficiencies and a less cohesive work environment, impacting not just interpersonal relationships but also overall productivity and morale.

In contrast, other options illustrate positive outcomes that are not associated with poor communication, such as enhancing productivity or promoting understanding, which cannot occur when interpersonal communication failures are prevalent.