Problems with Communication - Essay Example

? Communication of the Communication In a social situation, do I prefer to talk to others or do I prefer to listen? I prefer to be a listener. I admit, I do not possess the gift of the gab and I lack spontaneity. Some people have the ability to say something interesting instantaneously, but I need time to recollect and answer the question. As such, I like to listen more and talk less and study the responses with the one with whom I converse. In social situations, when a friend needs my specific advice, I will listen to him in detail, instead of giving on-the-spot solutions. The very process of talking and unburdening the pent up feelings may lighten the stress of the person with whom I am engaged in conversing. In a group situation, I will listen mostly and will intervene only when someone is providing misinformation. When I know that the person with whom I am conversing is more knowledgeable, I prefer to listen and will not like to give suggestions, unless specifically asked to do so. Do I ?nd it necessary to use many descriptive terms when speaking, or do I prefer short, succinct sentences? I prefer to use short sentences. Being a listener by nature, in my style of conversation ears will be better engaged than the tongue. In my replies I prefer to be crisp, may not be witty, but I will answer to the point, nothing more, nothing less. Time is precious and I will not like to waste the time with whom I am conversing, nor like to allow him to waste my time. I will not sermonise on a topic on which I do know much about. I like to be brief. Do I prefer cause-and-effect situations as opposed to creative, ambiguous dilemmas? I do prefer cause and effect situations and I do not like dilemmas or confusion. While conversing, I have in the back of my mind invariably that I need to concentrate on the essence of the issue, and not talk in a roundabout way. When I say something and answer about a particular issue, it must be based on reasoned premises. I hate creating dilemmas and confusing situations. The purpose of a conversation (unless it is a formal and casual talk) is to find an acceptable solution, and as such there is no point in getting more and more confused. Do I prefer to be alone or be with others? I prefer to be alone. I do not like promoting myself, speaking up and networking. My philosophy of life is to ‘talk less, work more and walk more’. I am an introvert. I do believe that brazen confidence is not the exclusive property of the extroverts and introverts too are entitled for that. I entirely agree with the observation “introverts prefer less stimulating environments and tend to enjoy quiet concentration, listen more than they talk and think before they speak”. (Jenna Goudreau, n. p.)Historical information provides strength to my position as some of the ideas for big innovations and great leadership come from introverts. Unless there is a cause or a common purpose, engaging in directionless and destination less conversation is waste of time, and as such I enjoy my solitude. Do I prefer to make decisions alone, or do I prefer to work things out with others? I do like to work things out alone, but I do also like to ask others for opinions, as I believe that a person should not make important decisions alone. The wise saying goes ‘Two heads are better than one’. Decisions taken by sharing knowledge are likely to fructify and give positive results. Each individual may have expertise in a particular area, and in the environment of a big hospital, one has to work in different situations. So, when a critical decision needs to be made, that has bearing on the life of the patient, I consider it my professional duty to take a decision in consultation with my experienced colleagues. Sharing information and taking counsel from others has only advantages and no disadvantages. Summary of my communication style I have my nursing job; I have a family to take care; I have my friends circle; I am part of the society, a cultural and religious group. As such my communication style cannot be uniform in all the situations. Owen Hargie (2006) writes “Any analysis of interpersonal communication is inevitably fraught with difficulties. The interpersonal process is complex, ever-changing, and directly affected by a large number of interrelated factors” (p.7).I think from a practical point of view and communicate by first assessing internally about the advantages and disadvantages of interaction. Though an introvert, I attach great value to the opinions and advice of others and observe closely the goings on around me. My mind is always open to better ideas and I modify my working pattern on the basis of newly acquired knowledge. Let fresh water always gush through my life. In a nutshell, I am not a great conversationalist, but a great listener. “Research has found that by listening effectively, you will get more information from the people you manage, you will increase others' trust in you, you will reduce conflict, you will better understand how to motivate others, and you will inspire a higher level of commitment in the people you manage” (Raj Soin, n. d). To me, life is a continuous process of learning and strengthening one’s external personality and the inner world. When the inner world is free from negativities and ambiguities, I strongly believe, that the reactions in any situation and under all circumstances, are bound to be pure. As for my profession, service to the patients is the service of Lord, and attending to their suffering is devotion to the Supreme Self. I know my responsibilities and I shall carry out them to the best of my ability and judgment. What areas would I like to develop and why? I am unable to pinpoint any particular area for development, but I believe life is a continuous process of learning in this college of self-education; one’s mind is one’s Principal and one’s initiative, the Professors! Some of the leadership qualities are inborn and many are acquired. I wish to perfect myself as a level-headed communicator. My best efforts always will be to disconnect myself from the roots of any sort of unpleasantness. Marshall B. Rosenberg (2003) writes, “Sooner or later, we will experience the consequences of diminished goodwill on the part of those who comply with our values out of a sense of either external or internal coercion”. (p.17)As far as possible I will try to be positive in my responses with fellow human beings, my patients and the kith and kin taking care of them. In all relationships, I will be a listener first, which quality I consider as my precious asset. References List Hargie, Owen (Ed.) (2006).The Handbook of Communication Skills: New York, NY: Routledge; Rosenberg, Marshall B. (2003) Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Encinitas, CA 92924: Puddledancer Press Goudreau, Jenna. The Secret Power Of Introverts – Forbes, n. d. Retrieved from: www.forbes.com/sites/.../2012/.../the-secret-power-of-introverts/? Soin, Raj. Effective Listening. College of Business, Wright State University, n. d. Retrieved from: www.wright.edu/~scott.williams/skills/listening.htm? Read More