Saturday, January 21, 2012

My Communication

In preparation for this assignment this week I paid more attention to the interaction between myself and others at work.  In working in a public school you have a huge mixing pot of different backgrounds to interact with.  I paid particular attention to my conversations with other whose culture was different than mine.  I noticed that my communication with them was somewhat different when talking or interacting with them. 

Different religious groups-I noticed that I stayed away from topics that I thought might offend them.  I didn’t share my personal views unless I was sure that we shared the same ones. 
Age- I work with individuals who are older and younger than me.  When talking with those younger I try to remember what it was like to be that same age but since we live in different times it can be difficult.  When talking with those who are older and more experienced than I am, I try to listen to what they can teach me. 

Authority- I notice that when talking with my supervisors that I was more to the point.  I did not make as many jokes or sarcastic comments.  My body language was less relaxed and tenser. 

Based on what I have learned this week I thought of some strategies that could help me communicate more effectively with the people I work with.

1.  When talking to people whose age is different than mine I will respect their life walk and listen to their stories.  I will sincere when listening and offer advice only when asked.

2.  When talking to people in authority positions I should treat them with the respect that they have earned due to their position and education but respect as a person as well.

3.  When talking with individuals whose religious backgrounds are different I should accept their beliefs.  I may not share the same beliefs but I should respect their beliefs.  I will try to avoid stereotypes about their religion as well.

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Personal Childhood Web

Mom-My mother
Influence: showed me a love of learning that has lasted a life time. She would have “Tea Parties” with me but insisted on real food not pretend. She would read to us each night and tuck us in. She showed her love and affection by being there and showing me how to make it on my own. Her impact on my life is ongoing. She is still guiding me to be a better and stronger person.

Dad: My birth father
Influence: taught me that continuing your education may be tough but is always worth the effort. He would take me on camping trips each summer and road trips to historical places. He always called me “sis”. His influence takes me to historical sites. I have an appetite for history.

Don: My step-dad (Dad)
Influence: taught me that hard work was important in life. He taught me how to drive my first stick shift. He moved me back and forth to college many times without question. He considered me his own and became my father when mine abandoned me. He still checks in on me and makes sure my head is on straight.

Grandma D: Paternal Grandmother
Influence: she taught me how to be a “proper” young lady. I remember how I should behave to this day. She showed me how to make ordinary everyday things into magical paths to the imaginary world. A refrigerator box could be a house, doctor’s office, fort, or a cave below hundreds of feet. She showed me how to cook and sew so I could be a good wife. Though she is not with me now I still can look at a plain item and imagine where it could lead me.

Grandma Z: Maternal Grandmother
Influence: taught me that women could be fierce and independent. She loved flowers and taught me a love of them as well.