Introduction
The interaction we take part in either as peers, friends, colleagues in the workplace, or even as family results in the formation of different interpersonal relationships that have the potential to impact our general well-being. Through the interaction, we can also draw several life lessons that enable us to thrive in life through applying the lessons. These lessons help us improve our later interpersonal relations by learning from past mistakes and other exciting experiences. One learns from individual experiences and those of the other party as they may share during the interaction. The paper will delve into different lessons that I have drawn from my past personal and professional relationships (Shier et al., 2018). The personal relationship was between me and the friends I met and interacted with while the professional relationship is entirely those formed between colleagues in the workplace by the virtue of having to work in the same institution. The lessons from the different relationships have been fundamental in best interacting with the people around me. Sometimes, I even find myself in similar situations, but I can choose the right course of action through the knowledge I gained. In other instances, I utilize the principles learned to maneuver through new encounters. All in all, it is always a successful process.
Personal relationship
There are two personal relationships I would like to explore. I had a group of two friends with whom I would generally share my everyday experiences. The other friend, with whom we had been friends for years, was of the opposite gender.
From a positive approach, the two friends felt like pillars as they would come through when my spirit was low, and I needed some advice. I would essentially share many days with them, and they were becoming increasingly close. They would act like family to constantly check up on my well-being. They would also develop ideas on interacting actively, such as having lunch sessions to debunk our recent experiences. They would also remind me of my responsibilities. I would say that we shared goals because we would take part in similar activities. I appreciate that everyone has an opinion and deserves to be listened to (Lu et al., 2021). I liked how we would use our differences to create innovative things. Through them, I was able to develop a passion for exploration. I acted fundamentally in many risk-taking decisions as they required some confidence and readiness to face the possible consequences. Within the group, we would help and assist one another in achieving our different goals. I felt that I had the opportunity to explore my potential and maximize my strengths.
From a negative perspective, the friend I had made me explore love relationships. Here, I was allowed to explore my feminine duties. It was later that I got to understand that we had divided duties. They would only attend to some duties and not others. Unfortunately, I did not even understand the reasons for conducting themselves in that manner. I even assumed they would sometimes mention that it is a woman’s duty to clean and cook even when I am sick. It was not until I shared the experiences of one time that I was sick that I realized his beliefs about masculinity (Gómez-López et al., 2019). until then, I understood that we are slaves of whatever we believe in. We remain enslaved as long as we hold on to the same beliefs. Another negative aspect that I learned is that friends come and go. Life puts one in different phases that let them appreciate meeting and saying goodbye to people. Thus, there is the need to be open-minded to allow for smooth transitions in life. Some level of independence is required to help one make personal decisions.
Professional relationship
The professional relationship I have created and would like to reference is one I have had with my boss in the workplace. It would also touch on my interaction with other employees in the workplace. It was more of a community interaction due to the interdependent nature of our allocated roles.
In a positive regard, I have learned the importance of respect and communication in forming healthy communication between the leader and the employees. Openness is required to ensure they can easily talk out possible issues affecting them. The latter ensures good performance and evades the concern brought about by blame games. Individuals can also work independently to execute their roles while still maintaining their collaborations due to the interdependent nature of their work (Sophie et al., 2021). Through communication, fear is eliminated, and individuals can easily approach their employers to communicate their concerns and ways of improving performance, which, in the long run, results in increased productivity in the workplace. The social aspects of human beings are well taken care of in that case.
I have also had interactions that had negative impacts on the workplace. The latter was a result of differences in opinions. The latter resulted in a conflict that progressed since I was firm with my opinion. The feeling and the thought that I was disregarding their opinion probed them into almost getting into a physical fight. When one of the colleagues came in and took us to the manager. Here, I liked how the conflict resolution was carried out. At least each individual was given the chance to communicate their thoughts. Through their active listening, they could summarize what each had suggested (Amukugo et al., 2020). He confirmed that none of the opinions were wrong. Referencing the institution’s ethical codes of conduct, we had to compromise to reach a common ground. It was a successful process since, at the end of the process, we were all requested to ask for forgiveness from one another as a way of reconciliation. The whole process was a success as we resumed our work on fair ground, and we could collaborate after that. It also brought out the need for some soft skills, such as communication skills as a leader, to effectively resolve conflicts that may arise in the workplace.
Conclusion
The whole process of relationship formation, both in and outside the workplace, brings out key life lessons that enable one to interact in the future. The lessons can be drawn from personal experiences or even the shared experiences of others. It is essential to appreciate that these interactions and relationships may not be avoided but require a head-on approach to deal with the difficulties encountered. Soft skills are therefore needed, including communicating one’s intentions. Due to differences in personalities and upbringing backgrounds, people will always think and act differently. Despite these differences, people need to recognize them and find ways to live with them in a manner that does not result in conflicts.
References
Amukugo, H. J., Nangombe, J. P., & Karera, A. (2020). Experiences of inadequate interpersonal relationships regarding quality improvement and assurance in Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services. Development Studies Research, 7(1), 50-58. https://doi.org/10.1080/21665095.2020.1779598.
Gómez-López, M., Viejo, C., & Ortega-Ruíz, R. (2019). Well-Being and Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(13), 2415–2415. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16132415.
Lu, P., Oh, J., Leahy, K. E., & Chopik, W. J. (2021). Friendship Importance Around the World: Links to Cultural Factors, Health, and Well-Being. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.570839.
Shier, M. L., Graham, J. R., & Nicholas, D. (2018). Interpersonal interactions, workplace violence, and occupational health outcomes among social workers. Journal of Social Work, 18(5), 525–547. DOI:10.1177/1468017316656089.
Sophie Schön Persson, Blomqvist, K., & Petra Nilsson Lindström. (2021). Meetings are an Important Prerequisite for Flourishing Workplace Relationships. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(15), 8092–8092. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158092.
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