What is Interpersonal Communication?

Mazhar Minhas, a successful CEO, has been at the helm of Fortray, a leading IT firm, for the past 20 years. His journey to the top has been a long road filled with valuable lessons, growth, insightful experiences, and countless ups and downs along the way, ultimately shaping his success. Over the decades, he has overseen the company’s evolution from a small startup to a major tech industry player. But Mazhar is quick to point out that his own success—and that of his employees—hasn’t been driven by technical skills alone.

Over the years, under Mazhar Minhas's leadership, Fortray has expanded far beyond its original scope. What began as a modest IT firm has grown into a multifaceted enterprise, with its fabric now woven into Managed Service Provider (MSP) operations, educational services, IT training programs, and recruitment services. This evolution wasn’t just a result of market demands; it was driven by Mazhar’s keen understanding of the industry and his belief in the power of interpersonal communication.

As Fortray’s reach extended into these diverse areas, Mazhar observed firsthand how communication was critical in each domain. "Whether we’re managing IT infrastructure for a client, delivering specialized training, or connecting companies with top talent, the ability to communicate effectively is what sets us apart," he says.

In the MSP sector, where Fortray manages and monitors the IT systems of various businesses, clear communication ensures that client needs are understood and met proactively. In educational services and IT programs, practical teaching and learning depend on the ability to convey complex information that resonates with students, preparing them for industry demands. In recruitment, where Fortray matches professionals with the right opportunities, understanding the nuanced requirements of both employers and candidates hinges on sharp communication skills.

Mazhar's vision for Fortray has always been about more than just technical excellence. It’s about building relationships—whether with clients, students, or job seekers—that are grounded in trust and mutual understanding. "As we’ve expanded into these new areas, the importance of interpersonal communication has only become clearer," he reflects. "It’s the thread that ties everything together, enabling us to deliver exceptional value across all the services we offer."

This expansion into MSP, educational services, IT programs, and recruitment has allowed Fortray to touch more lives and impact the industry in ways that Mazhar could only have imagined when he first started. But through it all, his commitment to encouraging strong communication skills within his team remains firm. "No matter how much we grow or diversify," he says, "the foundation of our success will always be our ability to connect with people—both inside and outside the company."

This insight didn’t come to him overnight. Mazhar poured his energy into building a technically sound team in the early years, believing that technical brilliance was the ultimate key to success. But as the company grew and projects became more complex, he noticed a pattern. The employees who excelled weren’t just the best coders or engineers—they were the ones who could effectively communicate their ideas, collaborate with others, and build strong relationships with clients.

"Interpersonal communication," he explains, "is what turns individual contributors into leaders. It’s what allows us to translate complex technical concepts into something our clients can understand and value. It’s also what keeps teams united and focused on a common goal."

Mazhar’s experiences have shaped his leadership approach at Fortray. He now prioritizes communication skills in his hiring and promotion decisions, understanding that they are as vital as any technical ability. "In the fast-paced world of IT," he says, "your technical skills will get you the job, but your communication skills will get you promoted." This belief, honed over 20 years of leading Fortray, has not only shaped his career but has also influenced the growth and success of countless IT professionals who have passed through the company’s doors.

Interpersonal communication is more than just the exchange of information. It's about how messages are conveyed, received, and interpreted within a professional setting. In IT, where the work is often complex and highly technical, the ability to simplify and clearly communicate ideas can significantly impact project outcomes and, by extension, career trajectories.

According to Mazhar Minhas, "Interpersonal communication is the glue that holds teams together. It’s what allows us to turn technical jargon into something that clients can understand and appreciate." This insight highlights the importance of not just possessing knowledge, but also being able to share it in a way that others can grasp.

• Collaboration: The IT world is no longer about isolated geniuses working in dark rooms. Modern projects require collaboration across various departments, from development to marketing to client support. Effective interpersonal communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
• Client Interaction: Technical brilliance means little if you cannot explain your ideas to a non-technical audience. Whether it’s explaining a complex software solution to a client or presenting a new strategy to the executive team, clear and concise communication is essential.
• Career Advancement: As Mazhar Minhas points out, "Your technical skills will get you the job, but your communication skills will get you promoted." In the IT industry, the ability to articulate your ideas, influence decisions, and lead teams is often what sets apart those who stagnate from those who advance.

From an HR and training perspective, fostering strong interpersonal communication skills is as important as developing technical expertise. Training programs often focus on hard skills like coding, but soft skills such as communication can be the differentiator in a candidate's career growth.

• Incorporating Communication Training: Companies should incorporate communication skills into their training programs. This could include workshops on active listening, public speaking, and conflict resolution—all tailored to the IT environment.
• Mentorship Programs: Pairing less experienced employees with mentors can provide them with the opportunity to observe and practice effective communication in real-world scenarios. Mazhar Minhas encourages mentorship, stating that "seeing how seasoned professionals communicate in different situations can be invaluable for career growth."
• Performance Reviews: HR departments should include interpersonal communication as a key criterion in performance reviews. Regular feedback on communication skills can help employees identify areas for improvement and take proactive steps to enhance their abilities.

Despite the clear benefits, there are challenges in developing communication skills within the IT sector. Many IT professionals are naturally inclined towards introversion, preferring to focus on code rather than conversation. Additionally, the highly specialized language used in IT can create barriers to effective communication.

However, as Mazhar Minhas notes, "These challenges are not insurmountable. With the right training and support, anyone can become an effective communicator." By recognizing and addressing these challenges, HR and training professionals can help IT employees develop the communication skills necessary for career advancement.