This week, I asked my husband and a co-worker to evaluate my
communication. I also completed these evaluations about my own communication
and overall, the results were similar in most areas. Both my co-worker and
husband evaluated my communication for all three assessments and the results
were in the same range for each. My own evaluation results were different for
both the listening styles and communication anxiety. I was actually surprised
that my co-worker and husband both gave the same ranges, especially since they
interact with me in such different ways.
Taking
these assessments this week, although the wording in the questions was
sometimes difficult to figure out, did help me to really look closely at my
communication styles. This task, I believe, is one that should be done
periodically, especially in reference to verbal aggressiveness so that
self-reflection and change can take place if necessary.
Reading
about perception this week has given me insight into myself and my own
communication. When reflecting back upon communicating, we are using
self-actualization, self-adequacy, and self-denigration. Self-actualization
would be the best way to evaluate your own communication, while self-adequacy
would show that you were adequate. I feel as if I lean more towards
self-adequacy with communication and can always find something that I could
change in future communication.
References
O’Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I.,
& Teven, J. (2015). Real
communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Hi Robin,
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your sentiments regarding periodic self-evaluations. I am huge proponent of this practice but often find myself berating or tearing myself down and then creating unrealistic expections for how I am going to improve which is no better than someone who doesn't practice self-reflection at all. I am my own worse critic. As written by Jennifer Porter (2017), "Reflection gives the brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, untangle and sort through observations and experiences, consider multiple possible interpretations, and create meaning" (para. 3). The words that stands out the most for me are pause and meaning. As people-oriented communicators we must not forget to trust and support ourselves as well.
Thank you for sharing your evaluation insights, it has offered me a greater opportunity for growth.
Lynnette
Reference
Porter, J. (2017, June 25). Why You Should Make Time for Self-Reflection (Even If You Hate Doing It). Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2017/03/why-you-should-make-time-for-self-reflection-even-if-you-hate-doing-it
Robin,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your evaluation findings. I found out that my friend and coworker knew me better than I did! I should have shared it with my ex-husband to see what he thought. I am like you. Others think I have the best ice breaker for parent-teacher night or a cute art activity but I think I could have tweaked it and made it a little better, everything is not perfect. This week I learned about self-disclosure and self-monitoring. Self-monitoring is paying attention to your environment and taking cues about how to deal with the situation (O'Hair, 2015). We teachers should do this especially during parent conferences. Self disclosure is just not revealing personal information that you think is embarrassing to others. You never know when you could help someone who is going through the same situation.
Reference
O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
Hi Robin!
ReplyDeleteI agree that these assessments provided this week cause us to gain deeper understanding of who we are communication wise. It is always helpful to know the differences in how you communicate to those close to you and those who are acquaintances, like coworkers. I think you chose wisely for those to evaluate your communication skills. I also really like the insight you provided on self-actualization in regards to evaluating your own sense on communication. Great post!