Self Values and Listening Habits - Essay Example

?Listening habits I was motivated for taking ‘My listening habit’ test because interacting with people is intrinsic part of social communication and also a very essential element of professional growth. I got 18 out of 30 points, thus emphasizing the need for improving my non verbal behavioral skills. Body language vis-a-vis gestures, eye contact, facial expressions etc. are critical elements of non verbal communication that send vital messages to both the speaker and the listener. They disseminate vital information like sincerity, consciousness, alertness and integrity of the person. It gave me huge opportunity to reflect on my non verbal communication that significantly impact on relationship building. Eye contact shows that person would be honest in his communication and upright posture would indicate that one is confident that one would be given leverage to give his or point of view of the situation. Listening intently would reassure speaker that I understand viewpoint. Hence rather than looking at pictures and elsewhere, I must make eye contact with people and nod occasionally. A feedback at the end would help to convey my proactive participation in the interaction. I believe that improving non verbal communication would significantly promote relationship building. As a manager, it helped me communicate effectively with the workforce and inculcate an environment of trust and mutual respect. It has given me huge opportunity to improve both as an individual as well as a manager. I am more confident and am better able to exploit the potential of my workers. (246) Self values We are all driven by the long term goals and larger mission in our life. It generally comprises of achieving socio-economic security for oneself and one’s family, happiness, a comfortable life and sense of achievement. Our value system helps us in meeting our personal and professional goals and objectives. The three most important values for me are: accountability of action; commitment to people and work; and lastly positive attitude. The self values are critical elements that play vital role in my interaction with the people in the work place. These values have been greatly influenced by my family and highlight integrity, power and authority tempered with empowerment of individuals. I have imbibed them through my association with my family and peers and know that commitment towards other people not only promotes trust but is also key to happiness. Happiness is important as it greatly contributes towards improved productivity. My priorities in life are to become financial secure, have a large family and use my authority for the wider welfare of the people. I try to fulfill the priorities by correlating my values within the broader framework of my professional life as a manager. As a manager, I have achieved financial security for myself. Though I have not yet my own family (meaning children), I believe that as a manager, I have judiciously used my power and authority. Indeed, commitment to organizational goals and welfare of people, have been intrinsic parts of my managerial leadership initiatives. I have developed effective communication skills and positive attitude that helps to motivate workers to be creative and highly productive. Time management has been other key factor which had adversely impacted my performance. I realized that there were three major aspects of work which must be addressed. Minor tasks were ignored, I lacked motivation at the beginning of the work and lastly I used to forget important assignments or meetings. These were very crucial issues which were hindering not only my professional development but also undermining my authority and power as an effective manager. Hence, the thing that I did was to keep a diary where I could jot down all the work that needed to be done. It was a great help because it helped me to streamline my work and significantly reduced mental tension and worry. The diary also helped me to plan my work and schedule work so that I could address all the work/ projects and workplace issues vis-a-vis minor tasks, major project deadline, important meetings and assignment. Most importantly, it gave me time to interact with the workers and listen to their problems or issues that they felt strongly about. The inter-personal communication with workforce was highly constructive force that helped me to reinstate my authority and helped create a bond of trust and mutual respect. (words: 466) Cultural differences In the contemporary environment of rapid globalization, the multi-cultural societies across the globe have become a norm. The diversity in the workforce and within the society necessitates better understanding of cross cultural values. It has become a crucial issue in the inter-personal relationship, especially within work environment. In western society, people celebrate with champaign whereas in Muslim society, alcohol of all form is forbidden! Thus, cross cultural understanding has become important factor that must strive to win the trust of all members. I encourage it because it fosters linkages that promote confidence building and strengthen interpersonal understanding within the workforce/ group. I think that huge ramifications of expectations and motivation of the inter-personal behavior across cultures fundamentally rely on assertive response and gestures that help inculcate confidence and trust. Hence, it becomes very important to understand the deeper meanings of gestures and non verbal behavior of people from different cultures. Various aspects non verbal communication like proxemics, facial expression, noise etc, become vital tools that facilitate effective communication. Proxemics are personal spaces which individuals prefer in their interaction with others. I try using proxemics while interacting with people from different culture. Recently we were able to get a Mexican contract because I knew that in Mexico, people prefer to stand or sit closer to define their relationship, both personal and professional whereas in America, distance is maintained in professional relationship. I used the understanding for developing trust which yielded good result! Another major improvement has been in understanding the noises which tend to annoy others. It is essential to recognize the wider facets of noise which are inherent tendencies that create misunderstanding and develop conflicts. The lack of cross cultural understanding, close mindedness, ambiguous approach etc. are key aspects which tend to provoke needless misunderstandings and conflicting situations. I have learnt to improve non verbal behavior by studying other people and inculcating traits of listening habits. It has greatly helped me to improve myself and my communication skills. At the same time, it has shown me the importance of non verbal communication techniques. Though language also plays important part but I try to avoid gestures, language or noise which I do not like in others. I like to reflect positive demeanor through my non verbal communication. I also prefer to gain knowledge about different cultures and their beliefs so that I can absorb and adapt to new ways and thereby show a more open mindedness. It has indeed helped me to evolve as an individual and more understanding manager in my workplace. (words: 422) Read More