Interpersonal Skills at Work - Essay Example

Key Skills The whole project en d "An Analysis of the Financial Situation of British Airways" as a whole can be said to be a big project for meas it required me to research on different information and connect the details inch by inch and piece by piece. My mentor, he served as the guide in everything that I did. Although we only had three meetings, still every meeting became an opportunity to gather good techniques on how I can better my masterpiece from its different aspects. Good meetings like what happened to me and my mentor happened not because of luck but because of enough preparation for the project. I did not arrive in the meeting place with only an idea of the project but with a properly-researched topic. The first meeting for example, I already had the idea on what I want and yes, how I would do it. In that way, I did not have a hard time explaining to my mentor my ways and means for the project. More than just knowing what I wanted to do for the research paper, I also had the inkling on what the topic is about and how I would gather facts or information for the project. The advantage for this was that the mentor for his part knew specifically how he would correct me in the plan that I presented. The flow of the conversation was also clear and uninterrupted. The second meeting where we talked of my completion of the gathering of information and my working halfway also became fruitful. He did not expect a totally completed project, however, with the help of a list containing updates on my completed research in word format made it easy for him to critique what I have done and therefore, it also became easier for him to suggest new ways of improving the process. The third meeting where I considered the grandest because it entailed the biggest preparation became a challenge. Of course, I did not come out with unfinished project. I came out with my masterpiece, a presentation of my hard labor with the complete information and explanation on the topic that I chose, that was the sign of my preparation. One of the factors that helped me discuss properly the project with my mentor was proper questioning. It became very significant because that was where my doubts and the unknown information of the next step got answered. I would like to illustrate the meaning and significance of questioning through the exact words of Owen Hargie (2003) from his book entitled "Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory, and Practice" page 116. "The question is a key constituent of the DNA of interactional life. In our communication courses we use an exercise in which we ask four volunteers to come to the front of the class. We then instruct them to carry on a conversation about 'the events of the week'. The only rule is that no one is allowed to ask a question. Two things happen: first, the interaction is very stilted and difficult; second, someone very quickly asks a question." The mentioned statement above tells exactly of the power of questions as the main helper to getting work done. And because questions are mainly any statement that attracts answers, it doesn't mean that all questions had to be said. Some of them can be heard in a simple "hmmm' or a simple pause. This is also called the non-verbal questioning which can be said to be the automatic signal to uncertain questions or simple hesitation to raise questions. During our discussion, nonverbal questions were unavoidable. There were times when I hesitated to directly state my case of doubt on a topic but it sure could be read from my eyes and simple remarks like what I mentioned a while ago. Nodding of the head is another example of these nonverbal acts (O. Hargie, 2003, page 116). But then again, from the discussion that we had, what is certain to have made great advantage was the direct questioning where it addressed specific questions on the technical part of the project. My questions for my mentor were not the only time that I had to use the process. I also had to use it to my interviewees so I could gather information. Questioning is also like interviewing, the only difference in my case is that the meetings conducted were not solely for questioning my mentor but also for my project presentation also. However, it could also follow the rules and the 'musts' in interviewing. According to John Hayes (2002), from his book entitled "Interpersonal Skills at Work," an effective interviewer is someone who can properly manage the an structure an encounter which can be done by removing the information that is irrelevant to the purpose of the interaction, instead, discuss only what is needed to be discussed. In my case, my mentor and I were not so strict with the said rules; however, I believe that I was able to eliminate the so-called hindrance the better flow of information. The next factor that also affected my interaction with my mentor was the listening process. When we talk of listening as a process, it means that it is more than just hearing. Therefore, if that is the case, it should also include absorbing of information. John Hayes in the same book said: "People who cannot listen cannot relate. Poor listening undermines our ability to communicate with others. Anyone who wants to be an effective negotiator, interviewer, coach, consultant, leader or group member needs to be a good listener (J. Hayes, 2002, page 48)." This is the importance of listening. In my project, I call it paying attention. There were times when the temptation of feeling sleepy or thought-flying was so tempting but my wanting to be clarified on the matters related to my project stopped me from doing so. I also was able to determine verbal and non-verbal signals more than just listening. Because again I would say that listening is more than just using the ears. It is also looking at the person talking, observing his gesture and knowing the meaning of his face. That was my listening process. The positive part in our interaction was his listening ability which was shown in the way he recognized my uncertainties. My seemingly unstated question which was visible on my face sent him a message that he should further clarify the subject. In that case, it became mutual. Nobody was left with hearing alone. I'm glad it happened. No effort was wasted. Moving forward to my presentation, it came out well with the help of proper techniques I learned from the pro, Mr. John Hayes (2002). I want to agree with what he said in terms of presentation. According to him, the presentation should be well-researched, which I think is already my expertise. The next is the level of attention that my mentor had during the presentation was also very high. I could feel that he was listening intently and there was certainly no barrier in the presentation with regard to attention and the focus of my mentor. I also followed the clarity and proper expression of important details which according to J. Hayes, should always be remembered. And yes, I made sure that the presentation has a well-deserved conclusion that did not leave my listener (my mentor) hanging on air for an incomplete ending (J. Hayes, 2002, page 130). In general, I can say that a good level of interaction was achieved in a way that the project turned out to be complete and precise. The goodness of the project can be blamed to the good communication with no wasted time and effort that was shown between my mentor and me. Perhaps another reason why maximized comprehension was attained is because both of us were doing our part in the project, we both dealt with the proper management of information that is required in finishing the project. We both banked ourselves in nothing but reliable information which is one of the major points of research project. The book entitled "Personal Development in the Information and Library Profession" written by Sylvia Webb on page 81 states: "Information is vital to everyone's job, but for the information professional it is of paramount importance because it is the commodity in which he or she deals." This idea on information which made possible the completion of my project also includes my expertise in computer. With proper knowledge, I was able to manage my resources with at most convenience. I would then say that a perfect combination for a project like this is a good interaction with the mentor, proper knowledge and finally good research skills. This will always complete the job. SOURCES Hargie, O. 2003. Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory, and Practice. London: Routledge. Hayes, J. 2002. Interpersonal Skills at Work. New York: Routledge. Webb, S. 2003. Personal Development in the Information and Library Profession. London: Europa. Read More