The similarities in how I view myself and how other people viewed me as a communicator, is that we both viewed me as a good listener and well spoken individual. The difference in how I viewed myself and how other people viewed me as a communicator was surprising because some people viewed me as having a “lack of communication.” I was really bothered by the fact that many people viewed me as not sticking to the topic, not having all the facts and waiting until a topic is closed before speaking out. I have learned that communication is part of building a relationship and that it takes good communication skills such as being a good listener, sticking to the topic, respecting other people’s opinion and views, be careful of your choice of words, watch my tone of voice, watch verbal and non verbal communication and to be able to interpret information accurately so that you can respond appropriately and in a timely manner (O'Hair & Wiemann, 2009). All of the communication skills will help me professionally and personally by enabling me to be more clear in my responses and listen more carefully so that I can respond in a better manner, so that children and families as well as colleagues and peers would understand exactly what I am saying.
Reference
O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2009). Real communication an introduction. Boston MA:Bedford's St. Martin’s.
Tammie,
ReplyDeleteKnowledge is power. Power over ourselves and how we respond to others. I have found this particular assignment enlightening but also encouraging. I have had to look at myself and not be so hard on myself. I think that this week has been more encouraging for me than anything other lessons we have had recently.
Tammie,
ReplyDeleteWow! We thought communication was pretty easy until this communication class. It seems to be much harder and more complicated than it was a few weeks ago. However, you have a great grasp of how to correct the situation and what you need to work on, along with what you are good at. Tweaking our communication skills will be a plus when having to converse with parents, families, and children. Great blog posting!
Christine
Tammie I too was viewed as a great listener. That is a quality that I must have as a Family Support Worker as well as a Minister. I was happy to see that my husband and best friend thought highly of my listening skills.
ReplyDeleteI learned something that can be a negative trait when being classified a "good listener." The assessment showed that although I am a good listener and very people-oriented, this can lead me to be too trusting of the people I interact with. I have learned over the years to keep a better guard up in revealing too much personal information to others. You can establish and trusting relationship without putting "all the cards on the table", so to speak. I will definitely be even more careful in my interactions with parents and colleagues. I think it is important to have well-defined, trusting relationships with family members, and close friends.
ReplyDeleteTammie, I too have learned that it is important to build good communication skills in everything we do. It was interesting for me that the people who did my evaluations saw me exactly as I saw myself.
ReplyDeleteTammie,
ReplyDeleteThis is all a wonderful learning experience for all of us. It is good to evaluate ourselves and then see how others evaluate us under the same guidelines. I was surprised to see that others found that I communicated better than I thought I did. I know that I have a lot of anxiety when it comes to communicating, but maybe it doesn't show like I see it. I think I have some personal growth to do and when is a better time than a new school year.
Thanks for sharing.
Ginny