What is Your Greatest Interpersonal Communication Triumph?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 15:45:30 -0500

One of the many benefits I enjoy from rally point is reading stories. It is awesome when young leaders get to hear the "how I handled it" stories.

The strongest way I have seen respect develop and flourish is when two people who are not getting along at first but through some trial by fire reach a level of mutual respect and trust. Have you ever experienced this? And where is that relationship right now? Please Share Your Experience.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 5:40 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 17:40:47 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, I do have a short story to share, and it is related to your topic, but it may not be the type of success story you're expecting.

In about 2010, I was a DA civilian working in the Pentagon and a new LTC came in to be my immediate supervisor. During a small conference I said something - based on my experience and my expertise - that angered him because he believed his opinion of my area of expertise was more valid than my opinion.

He "dressed me down," which led to a toxic relationship. Having 35 years of military and DA civilian experience taught me to shut my mouth and show this guy utmost respect. I did that and I was able to succeed as a team member, despite the underlying toxicity that endured between us until I left the job three years later.

Success? Well, yes, because I survived.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Dec 4 at 2014 5:45 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 17:45:45 -0500

Passing the interpersonal communications class when I went through college 4 yrs ago