Assignment 1: Discussion—Communication And Leadership

Assignment 1: Discussion—Communication and Leadership Communication is

Analyze your own skills on the job and explain if you are readily open to feedback and criticism at work. Give a recent example of how you took criticism. This example can be a positive or negative experience. Based on your example, explain how you can improve your ability to accept criticism. Select two tips from the readings you can use to improve your written communication. Describe your weakest communication (listening) skill on your present job. Explain how you will improve your listening ability. Write your initial response in a minimum of 200–300 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective communication is a cornerstone of professional success and leadership. It encompasses not only expressing oneself clearly but also actively listening and being receptive to feedback. Self-awareness regarding one’s communication skills is essential for personal growth and organizational effectiveness. In this paper, I analyze my communication skills, particularly my openness to feedback, and reflect on ways to enhance my listening abilities and written communication, grounded in relevant literature.

Openness to Feedback and Self-Assessment

My ability to accept and respond to feedback has improved over time, but I recognize areas needing development. I strive to view criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack. An example of my receptiveness was during a recent project where a supervisor pointed out gaps in my report writing. Instead of feeling defensive, I acknowledged the critique and revised my work accordingly. Such experiences reinforce the importance of maintaining an open mindset, which research indicates is linked to increased learning and performance (London, 2014). Nonetheless, I am aware that emotional reactions can sometimes hinder acceptance, and consciously practicing mindfulness can mitigate this tendency (Brown, 2018).

To further develop my receptiveness to criticism, I aim to practice active listening during feedback sessions, ask clarifying questions, and refrain from immediate defensive responses. Recognizing feedback as valuable feedback rather than personal judgment aligns with transformational leadership principles, which emphasize empowering individuals through constructive dialogue (Bass & Riggio, 2006).

Improving Written Communication

Two tips to enhance my written communication emerge from authoritative sources. First, I will focus on clarity and conciseness by structuring messages logically and eliminating redundant information. According to Guffey and Loewy (2018), clear and concise writing facilitates better understanding. Second, I will utilize active voice and precise language to make my communication more direct and impactful (Swales & Feak, 2012). Incorporating these strategies will improve my capacity to convey ideas effectively in professional correspondence.

Weakest Listening Skill and Improvement Strategies

My weakest listening skill at present is my tendency to become distracted during conversations, especially when multitasking or when discussions are lengthy. This hampers my ability to fully comprehend and absorb information, which is critical for effective collaboration. To improve, I plan to practice active listening techniques, such as maintaining eye contact, providing verbal acknowledgments, and paraphrasing what I hear to ensure understanding (Rogers & Farson, 2015). Additionally, I will eliminate distractions by focusing solely on the speaker and taking notes when appropriate. These steps are supported by research indicating that active listening not only improves comprehension but also enhances trust and rapport (Wolvin & Coakley, 2014).

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and improving communication skills is vital for leadership and professional development. Embracing feedback with an open mind, refining written communication through clarity and directness, and enhancing listening skills are continuous processes that contribute to greater effectiveness in the workplace. Applying these strategies, grounded in scholarly research, will enable me to become a more competent communicator and a better leader.

References

• Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2006). Transformational Leadership. Psychology Press.
• Brown, B. (2018). Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. Random House.
• Guffey, M. E., & Loewy, D. (2018). Business Communication: Process & Product (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• London, M. (2014). The Power of Feedback. Harvard Business Review.
• Rogers, C. R., & Farson, R. E. (2015). Active Listening. In F. E. Abriam-Yago (Ed.), Communication Skills for Healthcare Professionals. Elsevier.
• Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic Writing for Graduate Students. University of Michigan Press.
• Wolvin, A. D., & Coakley, C. G. (2014). Listening: Principles and Practice. Allyn & Bacon.