How to Develop Skills and Positive Attitude for Success - Course Reflection - Coursework Example

Unit Name and Code: Name: Student Number: Date:     Introduction If there is anything in an organization that is unchanging and stead fast, it is change itself. In business environment, change has been found to be inevitable, and those persons who don’t want to keep up with organizational change will become irrelevant, and their long-term survivability in the company will be in question. There are situations, things or events that occur that may affect a person, either in a negative or positive way. There are situations, things or events are called environmental factors or driving forces (Roberto 2005). This unit teaches student how to develop skills and positive attitude for success in a company. Whether a student considers himself/herself to have a bad or good attitude, this unit has been developed to help students to be more successful in their/future jobs and life. While we all know there are many factors that may affect an individual behavior and their results, this unit has been specifically designed to teach students relevant skills and knowledge to develop a positive that will enable them to succeed in any business environment. The real reason for this unit is to maximize student’s ability to succeed. Task(s) Some of the tasks includes: choosing appropriate method and medium of communication and explaining the problems that might arise when communication is delivered successfully; listening to a radio conversation between two people and try to extract the information which was being discussed between the two people; transposing a piece of information and communicating the main points to fellow team members; and lastly, trying to solve a “mock” crisis in the team. Learning activities Week 2 In week 2 started with explaining why technology has become a solution for organization meetings, and how online meetings- phone and video conferences- can be used at a convenient time and any location in the organization. Additionally, it explains how technologies have allowed for deals, policies, and business strategies to be discussed virtually. In this lecture we examine how technologies (such as text, emails, blogs, messaging, podcasts etc) can be used in business communication (Cutlip, Center & Broom, 2006). In this lecture we were exposed to social exchange theory. Social exchange theory indicates that major force in interpersonal relationships is to satisfy both parties involved in the interaction self interest. According to this theory, human interaction can be compared to economic transaction where a person can seek to minimize costs and maximize rewards. A person is able to reveal his/her information if the cost-rewards ration is acceptable to that person. I learned in a journal that a successful and effective manager needs to be competent in technical, human and political skills. While Conceptual skills is important at the executive or chief levels, but human skills- which include verbal communication, patience, listening, and the ability to understand the needs of subordinates- have seen to be important in all levels at the organization. I also learned that a person emotional intelligence will come in handy when dealing with other people in business, especially when a person is faced with difficult problems such as closing a deal with a difficult client, colleague at work, and so forth. In summary I have learnt, listening skills can help a person to improve his/her performance. This can include non-verbal communication which can be used to communicate complex messages (Cutlip, Center & Broom, 2006). Week 3 In week 3 started with explaining the importance of having collaboration in a team and good communication for the success and achievement in an organization. In the week we were exposed to Belbin's teamwork theory; when individual become aware of their abilities and strengths it will be a plus for other people when they are in the team. Belbin has indicated when a team has an implementer, shaper, completer, coordinator, team worker, resource investigator, cerebral role, planter, monitor and specialist, and then a team will be complete (Schemerhorn, Hunt, and Osborn, 2002). I learned from the journal teamwork is an important part of the working culture and many companies look for a team player when they evaluate a potential employee for their company. I have also learned that teamwork is important for any organization because the product of teamwork is complex and therefore it requires a person with multiple skills to produce, or a better product is produced when a team is involved. In summary, I have learned it is important for students to learn to function in a team environment so that they can be able to acquire teamwork skills when they are employed or enter the workforce. Week 4 Week 4 started with explaining the importance of Oral and Online presentation. Public speaking is becoming among the valued skills in both social settings and business. Speech delivery will be an important part of a student working life. In the week we were exposed to theory of knowledge. There is no general method which is correct which can be followed when doing a presentation (Roberto 2005). I have learned from the journal that both online and oral presentation are critical components of any person’s career, for example, public speaking at work to present ideas to clients or giving a report in a meeting. I have also learned, a successful presentation depends on solid preparation. If a person forgets his/her audience and messages up front, then he/she will have a bad presentation (Roberto 2005). I have also learned, the used of visual images can boost the impact of a presentation considerably. Therefore a person should look for charts, illustrations, photos etc. In summary, online and oral presentation gives a student the opportunity to use all his/her communication skills, from writing to research to speaking. Presentation also demonstrates a student ability to adapt to challenging situations, think quickly ad to handle complex issues and touchy questions (Cutlip, Center & Broom, 2006). Week 5 Week 5 lecture started with defining what a routine messages. These are messages for providing or requesting information. They may include actions, recommendations, and claims and adjustments; and an audience may be inside or outside the company. When a message is routine or good news, the audience is expected to react in either neutral; so an appropriate way to convey a message is through a direct approach (Eisenberg, Goodall, Trethewey, 2010). In the journal I have learned that direct approach in business communication is best used when audiences are interested in what you communicate to them or audience are willing to cooperate with the message. I have also learned direct approach is mostly used when the message or request requires no persuasion or special tact. I have also learned an organization is able to enhance its relationship with its customer and other business people by sending friendly, unexpected notes with no direct business purpose. I have also learned it is important for a company to recognize the contribution made by suppliers, employees and other business associates; through this gesture it encourages further excellence to that person the message has been sent (Eisenberg, Goodall, Trethewey, 2010). In summary, positive and routine communication processes is the bulk of communication that you will enter into on a daily basis, and understanding what is required is important because of the potential legal ramifications associated with routine messages. Week 6 Week 6 started by explaining negative messages. Communicating negative news sometimes can be a challenge to a business, but negative message is a fact of life for a business. And can range from turning down speaking invitations to rejecting job application to telling customers their orders will be late. Bad messages are always challenging to write because the reader of the message may not be happy to receive the news (Eisenberg, Goodall, Trethewey, 2010). In the journal I have learned that negative message sometimes should not be considered bad. If the negative message is appropriately expressed then could have a positive change in a business. I have also learned when preparing negative messages, you are supposed to choose the medium with care (Roberto 2005). Appropriate media will help the reader to accept the negative message. For example, might damage a business relationship with its customers if it uses voicemail to get back to their customers. I have also learned that a good crisis communication plan will include such media as phone and email for important media contacts, after-hours contact information for key personnel in the organization, and website for various emergency scenarios (Eisenberg, Goodall, Trethewey, 2010). In summary, I have learned from this week lecture when planning a negative messages, it should be remembered that the audience may not want to hear the news. Therefore, the person conveying the message needs to encourage the acceptance of the news. Week 7 Week 7 started by explaining persuasive message. The most important skill in business is communication. Ideas in business should be communicated effectively. However, the most important piece of communication in a business is the persuasive message. This is because messages that are being set to either customers or business partners must be in a persuasive in some manner (Rankin 2010). From the journals I have learned planning is the first step of creating an effective persuasive message. If a person does not plan his/her message then he might lose track of his/her goals or audience. I have also learned, while planning a person must have an objective or goal to keep you on track. I have also learned in order for a message to be persuasive, a person must learn to listen to their audiences, and reply the customer feedback. I have also learned when a person want to pass a persuasive message he/she should find the right media because different audience might prefer different media for the same information or message (Rankin 2010). In summary, ethical and effective persuasive should focus on aligning the interest of the organization with that of the audience. In order for a company to be successful it its persuasive message it should chose language that is persuasive but cannot be manipulative, and also choose words that are less likely to be misinterpreted (Rankin 2010). Week 8 In week 8 we started by explaining Report Writing and Poster Development. Every business has its own language; this language is known as either report style writing or report format. In week 8 lecture I have learned that business writing is an important component for the success of any company. I have also learned it is a formal model of communication that will help a company to communicate information internally to its staffs. I have also learned posters will combine words and images to convey the required information to the intended audience. In summary, report writing will give a summary of what intended to be done in the organization, while poster are being used to convey pictorial information to people who don’t want to read. Week 9 Week 9 started by explaining the importance of studying conflict and negotiation skills. I have learned that conflict is a continuous process and is part of communication and may at 3 recognized levels; external, internal and personal level. I have also learned conflict can be a negative and expensive thing if a person gets it wrong. I have also learned if conflict cannot be controlled can cost companies to lose revenue. But if it is managed well can make the company not to repeat same mistakes over and over again (Rankin 2010). In summary, companies have been found to employ persons with exceptional negotiation skills. Mostly importantly, good negotiation skills for a student will help the student to increase his/her term and conditions at the workplace. Week 10 In week 10 lecture I have learned business communication and protocols give a student a structured environment that will enable him to practice developing professional behavior and communication skills (Carroll & Buchholtz, 1993). I have also learned that being ethical in business will mean a person must do ethical actions. In other words “walk-the-talk.”I have also learned being ethical means doing what is right and good as well as avoiding what is wrong or bad (Carroll & Buchholtz, 1993). Resources The Unit book entitled The MMH299 Team (2012) MMH299 Business Communication, Australia: Cengage Learning Australia and ISBN No: 978 0 17 022900 5 I read the following journals: Carroll, A.B., & Buchholtz, A. K. (1993). Business and society: Ethics and stakeholder management. Mason, Ohio: Thomson/South Western Publishing Co. Cutlip, S. M., Center, A.H. & Broom, G. M (2006).Effective public relations, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc. Eisenberg, E.M., Goodall, H.L., Trethewey, A. (2010). Organizational communication. Balancing creativity and constraint (Chapter Teams and networks, pp. 206-245). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s Rankin, Thomas L. Means ; contributing author, Dianne S. (2010). Business communication (2 e[d]. ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Centage Learning. Roberto, M.A. (2005). The leadership challenge. In M.A. Roberto Why great leaders don’t take yes for an answer.Managing for conflict and consensus (pp. 3-27). New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc. Schemerhorn, J.R. Jr., Hunt, J.G., Osborn, R.N. (2002). Organizational Behavior (7th edition) (Chapter: Decision making process and model) (pp. 114-118). USA: John Wiley & Sons. Self Evaluation Team-based evaluation and reflection Everyone in the group participated fully in the team. Mark was the group leader his main responsibility was to assign duties to other group members. Apart from being a team leader he was in-charge of finding the right business journals that was to be used to write the report. Ken was the biggest contributor resource that was used in the report. Moreover he was assigned to find the necessary books that would be used in this report. Moreover, the report outline and structure was developed by Ken. Lastly, me (Maxwell), my responsibility in the team was to coordinate all the activities in the team, such as setting the dates, and place where the team would meet. Additionally, I was in- charge with perusing necessary materials that was used to write this report. Workshop evaluation and reflection I attended the workshops on Business Communication on 24 July, 2012, which was held at the campus. My contribution at the workshops was “Effective Communication in Business” I learnt the link between motivation and communication is particularly important in businesses. Effective communication in business is an important part of motivating employees in an organization. I also learn the reason why it is important for an organization to effective communication includes: makes successful decision making easier; motivates employees; improve relationships with suppliers; easy to coordinate and control business activity; and improve chances of obtaining finances. Individual evaluation and reflection Reflecting on my own experience the skills that I have learnt in this units includes: managing stress skills, listening skills, writing skills, non-verbal communication skills, writing skills, and communication skills. I was particularly good at listening skills because I was able to understand and connect with my team members. Not just I was able to understand members of my team, but also I was able to understand how members of my team were feeling about what they are communicating. Areas of improvement include in managing stress skills; I was not able to calm down when I was not able to retrieve all my assignments on the computer which crashed. Online evaluation and reflection I was expected to attend online classes each day between 7 am to 9am. I found the online work to be interactive as compared to traditional way of teaching because in online lectures you are not worried about getting late and the feedback from your lecturer is on time, and all materials are virtual; there is no need of carrying any books. I learnt the following from online work it is an easy method of teaching because this method is one-on-one, student are able to interact with their students through discussion board or social media such as Facebook. Conclusion MMH299 is units that focus on equipping students with necessary skills and tools to assist them in improving their future workplace productivity. This assessment sought to test me on various skills that are relevant to business communication, such skills include: writing skills, listening skills, non-verbal skills, persuasive skills, stress management skills, e.t.c. I have learnt the following from the assessment that Business communication skills are critical to the success of any company despite its geographical location, size, and its goals and mission. I have also learned the goal of business communication is to assist any company in achieving its goals or objectives by informing, building good will and persuading within both the internal and external environment of an organization. The skills that I have learned include listening skills, writing skills, stress management skills, non-verbal skills and so forth. Article Review “Language policies and communication in multinational companies” As organizations expand globally and their foreign operations become more dispersed, different in language start to influence intra-unit and inter-unit communication in the organization. In order to reduce this negativity that is associated with language barriers. Most companies that have global operations have formulated language policies, in other words, which language to be used in communicating and documentation. For example, 60 per cent of Citigroup employee’s globally English language is their second or third language (Marschan, Welch, & Welch, 1997). But the company policy has made English language to be the communication language at the organization. Luo and Shenkar (2006) have indicated that a common language in an organization has been found to facilitate inter-unit learning, coordination and value creation. In addition, it also reduces potential for miscommunication and need for translations (Marschan, Welch, & Welch, 1997). Social identity theory helps to explain why lack of common language in an organization might separate employees into groups that are based on a shared language, and this in return will give rise to language boundaries at the organization. As a consequence of cultural and language diversity, local staff in the organization might not be willing to speak with expatriates in foreign subsidiaries (Marschan, Welch, & Welch, 1997). In order, for the language problems to be reduced, HRM language policies and practices should maintain coherence and flexibility that will be able to cope with local communicative environments. Therefore, the organization HRM language policies should be flexible and this will help the organization to reduce the negative effect of language diversity. In addition, foreign subsidiaries may compromise on this because of the high cost of recruiting linguistically competent teachers (Luo and Shenkar, 2006). References Luo, Y., & Shenkar, O. (2006). The multinational corporation as a multilingual community: Language and organization in a global context. Journal of International BusinessStudies, 37, 321-339. Marschan, R., Welch, D., & Welch, L. (1997). Language: The forgotten factor in multinational management. European Management Journal, 15, 591-598. Read More