Hello Class, Which area(s) do you feel are the most developed for you? The areas I feel that I am the most developed would have to be my self image and definitely a locus of control. Although, that last statement makes me sound more conceded that confident (Keeps, 2011). I do feel though when it some to my business and work ethic I do strive to make myself a cut above the rest. I like to joke and say, it is because I was meant to be a journalist. It was my body and minds way of getting me ready for having to hurry and get the story out. As a boss in for the family business, because we are all family I try and be fair. I always let them know that even tho we are a laid back work environment and your bosses are your family, this is still a business, and they will act accordingly. I try to do more than just show the employees that no matter who you work with, their are ways in which you need to conduct yourself to be successful. Which area(s) do you need the most improvement? Well, the most improvement would have to be my attitude in the kitchen. I am a chef and sometimes I have things to see the would make Gordon Ramsey cry. I have to really learn to have more patients with some of the coworkers. There are just certain pressures sometimes that can really get to a person. Also, its not just one or two incidents its like a domino effect of multiple stressing factors. Such as Friday night call out of work, understaffed, oven not heating up, main ingredient for the special isnt in yet, no dishwasher, and waitresses that dont know how to take an order. And thats on an average night. Even when I moved down south it was a big cultural transition coming from the north. The way of life and role description and performance was a completely different experience. Based on the course material that you read this week, what are some ways that you plan on improving the development of your organizational communication skills? Since I am still new at running a business with employees to have to manage I am working on ways of becoming a positive leader. I have had horrible bosses. I also, no that I can be a bit overbearing. I just have to take extra steps to ensure the structure I am instilling on my employees is fitting to their work ethic (Sachs, 1991). Not everyone works the same I cannot train a worker to be working as I desire but what they can do. Also, not being to timid as to give my opinion when inquired by my husband the CEO of the company. If I am second in command I have to make my desires heard. References Kreps, G. L. (2011). [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu Sachs, Randi T. (1991). Overcoming the obstacles to communication. , 4. Retrieved from ProQuest. Good evening class, The area I feel most developed is my self-image. This area involves beliefs about myself, including my personal and professional potential, and communication style (Kreps, 2011). I gather this impression because I have learned through many situations that how I present myself is a major factor in my success. For example, if I walk into my supervisors office with a slouch, stumble over my words, and do not have a clear thought out plan for how Ill get what I want; my odds of receiving support are slim. On the other hand, if I walk in head held high, are ready to explain my plan to include vulnerabilities and success opportunities, my odds for success are high. Knowing how to present myself aids my goal to procure the means, people, and support needed to set a solid foundation. The area I need the most improvement is my psychological set. This area is made up of a persons beliefs, attitude, and values (Kreps, 2011). I struggle in this area because I am more introverted and choose not to share many of my beliefs. Furthermore, my attitude is difficult to control once I get angry or very happy and therefore I reserve who I show that part of my personality too because I prefer to build upon my relationships rather than gamble with them. Lastly, I struggle to express my values because I constantly worry about being judged, not taken seriously, or feel I have not done enough when in reality I may have done too much. Because I was born in the late 80s, I am classified in the millennial generation. This generation is also credited with skipping challenges if the perceived outcome is not worthy of the time and effort put in (Fromm, 2017). I have found myself guilty of falling into this generational stigma, but it has also uncovered the opportunity to work and improve in this area. I plan to improve my organizational communication skills by continuing to engage my supervision with my work boundaries and sharing my goals with them. Allow them to push opportunities and tasks towards my team so that we can make the mission move forward. Furthermore, I plan to follow up on my empathy skills. Empathy is the ability to connect and relate to another person making them feel more comfortable. I am good at dyad and triad conversations because I can actively listen to their wants, needs, struggles, and strengths. As the relationship becomes more solid over time, I can share my personal goals in return. References Fromm, J. (2017, January 04). Gen Z Is On The Rise, Here Is What You Need To Know. Retrieved June 26, 2018, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffromm/2017/01/04/gen-z-is-on-the-rise-here-is-what-you-need-to-know/#16e0b9d7c39c Kreps, G. L. (2011). [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu Hello Class, Describe a time when you were trying to communicate with another person and active listening would have been helpful. What was the situation? I honestly cant think of anything. I usually do practice active listening. When I was younger I didnt pay attention to much. I was always going getting tangled up in obstacles let and right. I try not to make that happen in my work life. As a successful professional I feel it is important to realize common reasons for negative outcomes in a workplace. So, I try and be mindful of that now that I am making a more profound impact on my brand and trying to gain more exposure for myself. How did he/she respond? How did you respond? Everyone would always tell me stop, slow down, and think about what is going on. Think of what you are trying to see and express yourself correctly and effectively. I never really said to much after they said that. I just used to take it in. I realized early on it was a negative trait I had and did not want to be associated with that. I was always wiser beyond my years. I take that from my upbringing. I was the only child my mother was a single parent and I was also the only grandchild for the first 10 years of my life. I was always looked at as another adult and was communicated with as such as well. So, I grow up sounding grown. I was always more well-versed What could you have done to improve the communication? All you can do is to maintain awareness. The text is right as well it does take motivation, time, and energy as well ( Keeps, 2011). Whenever you are in a situation of interacting think of all the proper verbage and reasoning for the conversation. Another way to improve is to observe. Watch others interact. See if you can point out ways in which it can caused a situation to be ill-intened. Be educated on cultures. Be aware of the negative connotations cultures feel they are plagued with. Lastly, detail is key. Make your conversation come to life. The more you describe your perspective the easier it will be delivered. References Kreps, G. L. (2011). [Electronic version]. Retrieved from I can tell that if I had the time and space, I would have numerous events that have required active listening. I can recall this time that I was a flight chief, or as civilians might call it a shift supervisor or manager, and I was giving my weekly update to my boss. I was briefing off of a set of power point slides and everything was going great until we got to one slide where the font and color was not right. Once he noticed this, he proceeded to tell me how bad my slides were and that he didnt know if he could trust me that the rest of the information was correct. I could clearly see that regardless of what was on the rest of the slides that he was not going to care if they were right or wrong by how he was talking to me and criticizing the current slide he was on. When trying to explain my self, he just simply ignored my thoughts and me. This lasted for about 5 minutes and then I just gave up shook my head yes or no depending on the response that was required with nothing else said. What should have happened could have bee very simple. He simply could have asked what happened and if was fixable prior to whatever meeting was next and if all the information was correct. Instead of assuming, and knowing what really happened could have saved time and future avoidance issues. Active listening requires full engagement, listening to verbal and non verbal cues, and trying to understand fully of what is going on (Kreps, 2011). References: Kreps, G. L. (2011). [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu
