1. Lussier (2022) notes that communication and interpersonal skills are ranked among the most important attributes employers are looking for in employees. Describe why communication and interpersonal skills are important in organizations. Why are these skills especially important for leaders? Based on what you read in Chapter 5, identify 1-2 concepts that you can use to improve your own communication skills.

Instructions
Read Chapters 5-6 in Human Relations in Organizations, and the article, The Fear of Feelings at Work, and view the video, Conflict Management: The Real Bottom Line, before you begin this assignment.

Please respond clearly to each of the writing prompts below. Your response to each prompt should fully address all parts of the writing prompt. Be sure to cite the chapter readings and required resource(s) to support your responses.

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/05/feelings-at-work/524970/

Prompt
1. Lussier (2022) notes that communication and interpersonal skills are ranked among the most important attributes employers are looking for in employees. Describe why communication and interpersonal skills are important in organizations. Why are these skills especially important for leaders? Based on what you read in Chapter 5, identify 1-2 concepts that you can use to improve your own communication skills.

2. Lussier (2022) tells us that managing your emotions and transactions with people on an appropriate level, assertively standing up for yourself, and addressing conflicts without hurting human relations will improve your effectiveness in organizations as well as your personal life. Yet many people do not feel comfortable expressing emotions, especially at work. Read the article, The Fear of Feelings at Work. Do you agree with the author’s claim that the expectation that employees should only display positive emotions at work can result in organizational failures? What did you think of Susan David’s concept of the emotional agility? How do her arguments about emotional labor connect with the readings from Chapter 5?

3. Despite the fact that conflict is an inevitable part of human relations, many people think of conflict as being inherently negative. However, when handled appropriately, conflict can have advantages. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of conflict. View the video, Conflict Management: The Real Bottom Line. What do you think of Ms. Morris’ definition of conflict? Based on the readings, how do you think we can move from the common method of addressing conflict she describes (characterized by a tendency to attack, avoid, defend, explain, and justify) to transform conflict into opportunities for learning?

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