ABSTRACT
Interpersonal communication skills are equally important because information systems managers facilitate the problem-solving process and contribute to the making of better decisions. Managers in dynamic technical environments must be concerned with interpersonal communication skills to avoid becoming part of their staff's problem. Managing the interpersonal communication process involves bridging the inherent psychological distance that naturally exists between staff and management. The three qualities that help reduce that distance are comfort, rapport, and trust. When interacting with technical professionals, managers should be aware that having the skills necessary to deal with people problems are equally as important as having the skills needed to address technical issues. Problems with personnel relations usually surface in one of two ways: they are revealed by poor performance or brought to the data center manager for arbitration after staff members have exhausted all other resources or reached an impasse.
