Sample INT102 Interpersonal Communication Skills Assignment 3

INT102 Interpersonal Communication Skills Assignment 3 Sample

Assignment Details

The goal of this assessment is to assess students’ knowledge and application of communication and conflict resolution skills in community services.

1. Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4eObpGH3l0

2. Complete copy of Thomas-Kilmann Mode Instrument.

3. Look at results provided – student identifies the 2 conflict resolution modes on which they score highest.

4. Discuss results with other class members.

5. Provide written reflection to following questions.

Students will reflect on their activities from class regarding communication skills and write a reflection on the skills they have developed over the trimester (e.g. use of micro-skills, including active listening skills, open and closed questions, reflection of content, reflection of feeling, nonverbal communication and conflict resolution).

• Have the course materials and role play activities led to personal development and an increase in your communication skills?

• Reflect on the feedback you received over the Trimester (from your tutor and fellow students) – is there evidence of growth and development?

• If you felt nervous and uncomfortable during the role plays, what was your reaction to this and what did you do to help yourself overcome these feelings?

• What did you learn about observing non-verbal cues?

• Why are active listening and attending skills so important? What has been your experience with the development of these skills?

• What did you learn about managing communications in settings such as the workplace between colleagues or between client/community service worker?

• What are the two Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode results identified from the TKMI that you scored highest? Explain these in your own words. (Use the text-book pp. 266 – 269 and resources on the unit site to assist; de Janasz ebook through the library).

• Provide two examples of when you have demonstrated these conflict modes in action either at work or in personal relationships.

• If you disagree with the results, provide two examples of the conflict mode(s) you believe you actually use in conflict situations.

Connections must be made between the literature and the course learning material to support ideas and demonstrate knowledge of subject matter. Integration of material from the textbook is essential, as well as 5 scholarly articles. All resources must be cited correctly using APA 7 referencing.

Solution

Introduction

The report demonstrates a reflective analysis of my personal development in conflict management strategies and communication skills throughout the trimester. The reflective analysis will explore different components of communication like active listening, understanding non-verbal ques, active listening and reflecting on feelings and content. The report findings will further justify the extent to which feedback strategies are important to manage nervousness and further discuss the importance of communication in different situation depending on personal experience. Lastly the two Thomas-Kilman Conflict Mode results will be discussed and practical examples of the selected conflict modes will be evaluated in relevance to work or personal relationships.

1.0 Personal Development and Enhancement of communication skillset

The role play activities and course materials have made significant contribution to my communication skillset and personal development. Through effective application of micro-skillset such as asking open-ended as well as close-ended questions, active listening and reflection on feelings and content, I have become proficient to indulge myself in meaningful conversations. On a further note, I will like to state that the scenarios related to role play allowed me to explore different types of communication styles (assertive, non-verbal, aggressive). In this regard, I learned that non-verbal cues play a critical role in emotionally charged situations. In this context, Ibrahim et al. (2022) have mentioned that non-verbal communication in addition or without the use of words for communicating what the client is feeling without explaining them verbally. Furthermore, I realized that reflection of feelings and active listening assists in in building trust within the role play activities. The exercises conducted helped me to understand the importance of empathy which helps to build rapport with others by connecting with someone emotionally. On an overall note, the course has helped me to develop suitable communication strategies that can be applied in real-life situatons for improvement of my personal as well as professional interactions.

2.0 Reflection related to feedback and evidence of growth

The feedback I got from my peers and tutors has been instrumental in development of my communication skills. On an initial note, my tutor mentioned that I usually struggle in asking open-ended questions and focus on giving too much of advice without listening to what others have to say totally. In this regard, I emphasized improving areas and incorporated the feedback of the teachers to ask more open-ended questions and prioritise upon reflective listening. As far as my growth is concerned, I learned how to be silent in certain situations and let others express their ideas. The peer feedback mentioned by improvements in areas of non-verbal communication, where I used gestures and body language to engage in meaningful conversation. The improvement can be particularly observed during times of role-play scenario, where I conversed with my colleague with a positive approach and my gestures were usually empathic by nature. In this regard, it can be mentioned that positive reinforcement as well as constructive for the assignment helpline criticisms helped me in improving my self-awareness abilities, which is one of the tangible growth experienced during the trimester.

3.0 Reacting to nervousness and overcoming the discomfort

During the conduction of some role play activities, I have experienced certain amount of discomfort and nervousness, specifically I got exposed to unfamiliar scenarios or where I was confronted with emotional type of conversation. On an initial note, I was quite conscious about how shall I reply to others and was concerned about the consequences of making mistakes. However, through application of mindfulness techniques I learnt to manage these types of feelings before participation in role play activities. In this context, Duane et al. (2021) states that deep breathing as well as positive self-talks serve as effective mindfulness technique that boosts the confidence level of an individual. I was always advised by my tutors and peers that making mistakes always forms an integral part of the learning process. While dealing with any kind of nervous situation, I preferred staying calm and used my active listening skillset to engage in meaningful conversations. Over the period of time, I realised that role-play serve as one of the most effective means of improving my communication abilities. Furthermore, I realised that consistent practice and self-reflection are important to alleviate discomfort-related issues during conversation.

4.0 Observation of non-verbal cues

While gaining insights from the course, I learned about the effectiveness of non-verbal cues that has the capacity of revealing much more than verbal communication alone. In this regard, Ibrahim et al. (2022) states that gestures, body language, facial expression and tone of voice plays an integral part to understand someone’s intentions and emotions. For example, I noticed that during the conduction of the role play activities, few of my colleagues were avoided maintaining eye-contact with me, which indeed signifies resistance or certain level of discomfort even in a situation where the word expressed is sounding like openness. By understanding the non-verbal cues, I took the initiative of adjusting my approach either by actively listening to what the other person is saying or behaving empathically with them and in some situations even keeping quiet so that the other person gets enough amount of space to express themselves. On a further note, I learnt to be mindful regarding my own non-verbal cues while engaging in meaningful conversations. I tend to maintain an open and welcoming body language so that others feel at ease to converse with me. Development of the non-verbal cues helped me to behave in a more emphatic way and be responsive towards the requirement of the peers.

5.0 Effectiveness of Active listening and attending skillset

For communicating effectively, one needs to work upon active listening and attending skillset as they resemble certain form of respect and empathy from the perspective of the speaker Friston et al. (2021). Throughout the trimester, I gained insights on the fat that active listening goes beyond than only what others are saying, rather emphasis should be given on prioritising the verbal as well as non-verbal cues and respond to them in an appropriate manner. For instance, during the conduction of role play activities, I took the initiative of maintaining eye-contact, gave hand gestures and verbal affirmations such as “its OK” and “I can understand”. The specific move not only assisted in improving my rapport building with my colleagues but also ensured that the speakers felt that their words are heard and being valued. While practising attending skillset, I realised that leaning forward slightly and minimisation of distractions assisted me in avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings during the communication. The development of these skillset will make me more proficient in my personal and professional career.

6.0 Management of Communication within client and work settings

The insights gained from the course allowed me to become knowledgeable about several professional settings, specifically in relation to interaction with colleagues and clients concerning service-related responsibilities and roles. In this context, Li et al. (2021) states that open and clear communication plays a pivotal role to maintain positiveness in the workplace, specifically in situations where misunderstanding can be resulting in conflicts or loss of reputation. In this regard, I will like to state that when the communication is open and clear, others will show more interest in what I am saying. While dealing with the clients, I prioritised the importance of empathy and non-judgemental listening both of which are crucial to mange the expectations of clients.

7.0 Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Results

Based on the Thomas-Kilman Conflict Mode Results I came to know that I received highest rating in competing (9) and collaborating (9) (Refer to Appendix 1). In my opinion collaboration involves high-level of assertiveness and cooperation, where both the parties involved usually looks for a solution that will prove to be beneficial for everyone (De Janasz et al. 2014). In this context, Thomas (2008) states that the collaborative approach serves as a form of open dialogue as well as creative problem-solving. Likewise, Qadir (2020) states that competing is a type of conflict management style where importance is given to winning over a disagreement in comparison to maintaining of a positive connectivity. In the professional sphere, I am more confined to maintaining collaborative conflict management style whereas in personal life, I am more confined to maintaining competing conflict management style.

8.0 Examples of conflict modes

One example of collaborating mode came into existence where myself and one of my colleagues had a different opinion towards approaching a project. Instead of indulging in heated arguments, we started brain storming ideas and approached the project based on common grounds.

Similarly, while involving in a conversation, where I was trying to resolve a conflict with my friend, I applied by competing conflict management style where I proved my point from several angles to prove I am right. This was because I knew I was not at fault and the opponent party was arguing pointlessly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I will like to state that the specific learning improved my learning capabilities in the areas of communication development, which can be used to improve my professional and personal prowess. My micro skillset such as active listening, understanding non-verbal cues and displaying empathetic attitude helped me to establish strong rapport with my peers. The Thomas Kilman Conflict mode results highlighted that I possess collaborative and competing conflict management styles while dealing with others.

Reference List