Chapter 4: Interpersonal Communication

Question 1

____________ to _________ interpersonal communication is often driven by supervisory responsibilities, including setting standards, evaluating performance, and providing effective feedback, which we’ll address in a moment.

Answer 1

Supervisor to Subordinate

Question 2

List four examples of non-verbal communication.

a.
b.
c.
d.

Answer 2

a. Gestures
b. Facial expressions
c. Eye contact
d. Body language

Question 3

After noticing an unusual change in SrA Dent’s behavior, SSgt Wilson decides to meet with him to discuss his observations. Hoping to keep the session centered on Dent and to eliminate distractions, he reserves a small conference room for two hours with permission to use it longer if needed. He then jots down a few questions to help him open the session and establish rapport with Dent. The scenario BEST illustrates an NCO accomplishing ________________.

a. pre-session activities only
b. pre-session and session activities
c. pre-session, session, and post-session activities

Answer 3

a. pre-session activities only

According to the Interpersonal Communication chapter, pre-session activities include Diagnose (know why you are conducting this session) and Prepare (determine approach and prepare the environment). SSgt Wilson diagnosed as evidenced by the statement, “noticing an unusual change in Dent’s behavior.” He determined his approach as evidenced by the statement, “hoping to keep the session centered on Dent” and he prepared the environment as evidenced by the statement, “eliminate distractions, he reserves a small conference room for two hours with permission to use it longer”

Question 4

SSgt Bolden plans to hold a meeting with his work section about the low morale that has been bringing down the mission lately. Up until last month, everyone enjoyed coming to work and doing his or her best on the job. Bolden thinks about it and realizes the change in everyone’s demeanor must be from the new commander. Bolden realizes he must do something soon before the morale takes a deeper plummet, so he decides to hold the meeting to let his people know he is always concerned about them and their welfare. SSgt Bolden’s _____________ will MOST likely ______________ his effectiveness.

a. inappropriate use of resolving; decrease
b. appropriate use of resolving; increase
c. appropriate use of diagnosing; increase
d. inappropriate use of diagnosing; decrease

Answer 4

c. appropriate use of diagnosing; increase

SSgt Bolden appropriately used diagnosing, as evidenced by “…thinks about it and realizes the change in everyone’s demeanor.” According to the Interpersonal Communication chapter, diagnosing is “knowing why you’re conducting the session.”

Question 5

4. The specific interpersonal skills you develop will help you maintain a _________ ____________ in all of your supervisor-subordinate interactions.

Answer 5

helping relationship