In my Communication Anxiety test others rated me lower then
I rated myself. Although there are times
when I am a bit uncomfortable, to those that evaluated me it is not noticeable. In Verbal Aggressiveness I rated myself as
having a good balance between speaking my thoughts while maintaining respect
and consideration for others. My colleague
also evaluated me in that way but my family member rated me as significantly aggressive. I think this surprised me the most because I
don’t see myself that different in the way that I communicate at home. I suppose that I am not as conscious of my
communication when I am with family as I am when I am in the workplace.
Two insights I gathers this week are:
When communicating I can improve my perceptions by avoiding
relying on first impressions. I can resist
taking the easy way out by avoiding communication based on these impressions
and instead spend time really listening and going beyond the surface.
I need to be mindful not mindless when it comes to
communication, even if it is with family.
Family relationships are a very important value to me and so I want to
communicate effectively in this area as well as the work place.
Thanks Lori for sharing. I am also shocked at how others perceive me, compared to how I see myself. They think I enjoy public speaking, can communicate with anyone, and don't have an aggressive bone in my body. So, I think I adjust myself as well depending on who I am around or what I'm doing. Little do they know, I am not the "speak out in front of a big crowd"- type. I think I manage well b/c I have learned to control my emotions; but it's far from my preference. I know I can be very aggressive and come across stronger than I intended. So, that is an area I need to work at improving.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Lori, this was an important self-assessment and an overall assessment of how others view us as communicators. I wasn't overly shocked with the assessment of others about me, other than the public speaking aspect. I think this is an area I can improve on for myself.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori,
ReplyDeleteIt's always a pleasure reading my colleagues' posts. Clearly, in any communication, the opportunity for misunderstanding one is ever present. Therefore, one has to work to enhance his or her own communication by practicing these communication skills, which, if taken into action, one can become a good communicator. Also, mastering the key communication skills will influence the rate at which ones career grows.
Joanne.
Hello Lori, enjoyed reading your blog every time. I agree with you that initial impressions can also be deceiving, therefore taking the time to know the person and listen to them is important. I had many experiences that served me as a life lesson
ReplyDeleteI thought that my husband's evaluation of me would be a lot different from that of my co-worker, but it was not that different and it was very close to the way in which I evaluated myself. The slight difference in the two did prove that I appeared to be more comfortable with family that I am with those in the work place. It was not harsh, but I can see how we tend to be freer with our families. We do have to worry about trying to be someone we are not, but at the same time I agree we still have to be mindful and not mindless. Very well stated!
ReplyDelete