Alayna Paxton, Regulatory Compliance 2 and Kelvin Ellison, Maintenance Worker 2 – Pebble Beach Community Service District. Photo by Michael Paxton
Interpersonal communication skills are vital for everyone in today’s work environment. A breakdown in communication between individuals is frequently identified as a major factor behind unsuccessful professional relationships, which can result in inefficient or even disastrous work outcomes.
Human resources departments usually emphasize this topic. However, at AC 25, co-workers Kelvin Ellison, Maintenance Worker 2, and Alayna Paxton, Regulatory Compliance 2 from Pebble Beach Community Service District, will provide a new perspective on the subject in their session, “Interpersonal Communication, Mental Health, and Safety at Work.”
Interpersonal communication is a key soft skill that reflects an individual’s capacity to interact effectively. Commonly referred to as ‘people skills’ or ‘social skills,’ this ability is essential for workplace success. Communication occurs verbally and nonverbally, whether face-to-face or through digital avenues like email or instant messaging.
“Your words, actions, and tone have an impact on people’s perception of you and their willingness to work with you,” Ellison said. “Consciousness of these important details can lead to a workplace where your team feels comfortable communicating with each other, creating values of sensitivity, openness, and empathy.”
The presentation will include examples and tips for effective interpersonal communication tailored to the workplace, yet many insights apply to communicating with the general public, enhancing overall communication skills. Ellison and Paxton aim to highlight important abilities like empathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, and active listening.
“Each of your co-workers comes from different backgrounds and has lives outside of their time at work,” Ellison said. “Your recognition of these factors and curiosity about what helps them work best is essential to great communication in the workplace.”
Paxton explained that she and Ellison are passionate about advocating for mental health care and support.
“As struggles with mental health are often invisible to others, we feel that it is important to keep kindness, generosity, and empathy at the forefront of your mind throughout life, but especially in the workplace,” she said.
She further explains that these qualities are essential to effective teamwork, which allows a workplace to run at its highest potential and promotes safety. She believes a group that has trust and teamwork stays safe by looking out for, educating, and learning from each other.
Pebble Beach wastewater collections services 84 miles of wastewater collection and interceptor lines, including eight lift stations. The wastewater division employs six full-time personnel who maintain the collection and recycled water distribution systems. Wastewater treatment contracted with Carmel Area Wastewater District. Ellison has worked in the industry for just under 30 years. His whole career has been at Pebble Beach. He was the 2023 President of the CWEA Monterey Section. He is a recipient of CWEA’s Collection System Person of the Year award in 2021, Quarter Century recognition in 2022, and received the 5S award in 2023.
Paxton is a 2020 UC San Diego graduate who has worked for Pebble Beach for two years in her position as Environmental Compliance Coordinator. She is an active member of local groups such as the Water Awareness Committee, the CWEA Monterey Bay Section, the CWEA SYP Committee, and the Cannery Row Rotary Club.
Join this session at the Annual Conference in Palm Springs on Wednesday, April 23, 2:25 – 3:15 PM. Details here.
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