Professional Thanks

When I first began this class, I was under the assumption that I knew almost everything there was about the communication process. However, I soon discovered that I have so much more to learn from the course materials and my peers. For that, I owe all of you a big “Thank You”. I know the assignment called for me to pick two classmates and thank them for assisting me in the learning process. However, I have learned so much from all of you that I could not choose only two individuals. Through our blogs and discussion comments, I have learned so much about listening, perceptions, verbal and non-verbal communications, and communicating effectively in an early childhood setting from everyone in my groups.

Best luck and best wishes in future classes. I hope to work with you all again in the near future.

The Adjourning Phase

According to Abudi (2010), the fifth stage of team development is the adjourning state. It is during this stage that team members part ways and move off into different directions. After analyzing some of the groups that I have been involved in, I discovered that completing the adjourning phase in some groups were harder than others. I searched inside to determine why this might have occurred. I was surprised with the answer to the question. The reason that the adjourning stage was much more difficult to complete in some groups in others were not because of our level of performance or those with established norms. Instead, the adjourning stage was much more difficult to complete in groups that I have established a strong relationship and have developed a camaraderie with.  Ironically, I remain friends with many of these team members today after leaving a group or organization.

Most of the groups that I participated in did not really have clear-cut closing rituals. It was just a modest “goodbye” and “good luck”. However, a few did end with a dinner, banquet, or some type of informal gathering.  When completing the program, it is hoped that there will be some information gathering that can take place or a chat room so we can part ways more naturally.  This is mostly because completing the adjourning stage properly will provide closure and allow individuals to remain in contact if they wish to.

References

Abudi, G. (2010). The Five Stages of Team Development: A Case Study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html.

Week 5 Overcoming Conflict

I have a tendency to be judgmental and at times speak before I think. As a result of this, I can occasionally hurt the feelings of others without even intending to. My judgmental tendencies and blatant have also allowed me to be perceived as being insensitive.  I guess I could be called the Simon Cowell of Early Childhood. I have learned to control this behavior in my professional life, but still struggle to do so in my personal life. Two strategies that I have learned to avoid or resolve this type of conflict in my professional life is to think before I speak and put myself in the other person’s shoes to better understand their point of view and to be less judgmental.

After reviewing this week readings, I believe that I should place a stronger emphasis on respect in my personal life. I could also resolve some of my personal conflicts by getting into the habit of applying the same strategies that I use in my professional life in my personal life.

It may be a little bit of work at first, however, I belief that it time it will become second nature to me and allow for less conflict or misunderstandings in my personal life.

Communication Insights

After this one, it has been confirmed, if there the one thing that I am…it is judgmental.  This quality has had a lot of negative connotations. However, positive connotations can be associated with this trait as well. Because I do not discriminate in my judgments, I have the ability to judge myself pretty accurately. As  a result of this, there were hardly any differences between my communication assessment and those completed by others.  This in itself was the thing that surprised me those most this week. Another thing that surprised me is that my facial expressions do not always match my intent or verbal communications.

There were two insights that were gained this week. The first insight is that perceptions hold a tremendous amount of power in the communication process. The second insight that was gained this week is that first impressions are largely based off of personal past experiences. 

Communication with Cultural Diverse Population

Prior to this class and this week, I was under the impression that I communicated the same to all individuals from different groups and cultures. However, after paying more attention to my actions and communications in light of this week’s lessons, I have come to the realization that I do communicate different towards individuals that are from diverse populations other than my own.

When I communicate with individuals like me or within my cultural group, I have a tendency to be more relaxed, informal, not as cautious, and much less observant. However, when communication with individuals of different cultural groups, religious groups, political affiliations, age groups etc.; I have the tendency to be more formal, moral observant, and more cautious on what I am saying and how I communicate with them. This is mostly because I am fully aware that some communication differences may exist as a result of these differences. I am more formal so I will not offend these groups or individuals. I am more cautious and observant in order to pick on non-verbal cues that can provide me with information as to how these individuals wish to be communicated with. I believe that these responses have allowed me to communicate more effectively with diverse populations and limited miscommunications within conversations.