Communications Skill Assessment: Most Of Us Have Situations

Communications Skill Assessmentmost Of Us Have Situations In Which We

Develop a two- to three-page APA-formatted paper analyzing your personal communication skills, including the assessment you used, your communication gaps, additional training needed, and how to improve your communication skills for career advancement. Cite three to four scholarly sources in addition to the textbook.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective communication skills are fundamental to personal and professional development. Recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses in communication allows for targeted improvements that foster better relationships, enhance teamwork, and open pathways to career advancement. This paper presents an analysis of my personal communication skills through a specific assessment, identification of gaps, required training, and strategies for improvement, grounded in scholarly literature.

Assessment Used to Analyze Personal Communication Skills

The communication self-assessment tool I employed was the "Communication Skills Inventory" developed by Bowen (2019). This comprehensive instrument evaluates various facets of communication, including verbal, non-verbal, listening, and written skills. The inventory involves a series of Likert-scale questions where respondents rate their proficiency and comfort level across different communication contexts, supplemented by open-ended prompts that encourage reflection on real-world interactions. The purpose of this assessment was to obtain a balanced understanding of my communication strengths and areas needing development, aligned with research indicating that self-assessment fosters greater awareness and motivation for improvement (Hackman & Johnson, 2013).

Communication Gaps Identified

The assessment revealed several communication gaps, notably in assertiveness and active listening. I tend to be hesitant in expressing my opinions assertively, fearing negative responses or misunderstandings. This sometimes leads to ambiguity or lack of clarity in conveying my ideas, particularly in stressful situations. Additionally, I identified weaknesses in active listening, often focusing on preparing my response rather than fully understanding the other person's perspective. Research underlines that these gaps can impair collaboration, reduce trust, and diminish overall effectiveness in communication-based relationships (Goleman, 2018).

Additional Training Needed in Specific Areas of Communication

To address these gaps, I recognize the need for targeted training in assertiveness and active listening skills. Enrolling in workshops on assertive communication will equip me with techniques to express myself confidently without infringing on others' rights (Alberti & Emmons, 2017). Furthermore, participating in active listening exercises, such as mindfulness-based listening programs, can improve my capacity to remain fully present during conversations, thereby enhancing mutual understanding (Brownell, 2012). Developing these competencies is essential for effective leadership roles, conflict resolution, and professional growth, as supported by literature emphasizing specific skill development for career progression (Kim, 2019).

Strategies to Improve Current Communication Skills for Career Advancement

Improving my communication skills aligns with my professional goal of ascending into leadership positions. I plan to implement several strategies rooted in evidence-based practices. First, I will seek regular feedback from peers and supervisors to monitor progress and identify persistent challenges (Miller & Drenth, 2018). Second, I intend to engage in deliberate practice by participating in public speaking clubs such as Toastmasters, which offers real-time constructive feedback and enhances confidence (Duarte, 2019). Third, I will integrate active listening techniques, such as paraphrasing and empathetic acknowledgment, into daily interactions to foster better understanding and rapport with colleagues (Nichols, 2017). Additionally, I plan to participate in communication-focused leadership development programs that combine theory with experiential learning (Harvard Business Review, 2020). These targeted interventions will help me refine my communication abilities, making me more effective and prepared for leadership roles.

Moreover, data supports that continuous learning and reflection significantly impact communication effectiveness. As I practice these strategies, I intend to keep a reflective journal to document experiences, challenges, and improvements, facilitating ongoing self-assessment (Schön, 2017). Recognizing that communication is dynamic and context-dependent, I will also seek mentorship from experienced leaders to gain insights and personalized advice. This holistic approach ensures that I am not only learning new skills but also integrating them into my professional persona, aligning with transformational leadership theories that emphasize authentic and adaptable communication (Avolio & Gardner, 2019).

In conclusion, my assessment using the Communication Skills Inventory highlighted critical areas for growth, particularly in assertiveness and active listening. Addressing these gaps through targeted training and deliberate practice forms a strategic plan for enhancing my communication competence. The continuous improvement of my communication skills is central to my career aspirations, facilitating effective leadership, fostering positive relationships, and opening opportunities for advancement. Committed to lifelong learning, I believe that refining these skills will significantly impact my professional trajectory and contribute to my overall success.

References

• Alberti, R., & Emmons, M. (2017). Your perfect right: Assertiveness and confidently getting what you want. Impact Publishers.
• Brownell, J. (2012). Listening: Attitudes, principles, and skills. Pearson Higher Ed.
• Duarte, N. (2019). Resonate: Present visual stories that naturally engage audiences. Wiley.
• Goleman, D. (2018). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam Books.
• Hackman, M. Z., & Johnson, C. (2013). Leadership: A communication perspective. Waveland Press.
• Harvard Business Review. (2020). The skills leaders need for the future. Harvard Business Publishing.
• Kim, J. (2019). Effective communication in leadership: Strategies for success. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 26(2), 123-137.
• Miller, K., & Drenth, P. (2018). Feedback and communication skills for effective leadership. Leadership Quarterly, 29(1), 1-9.
• Nichols, M. P. (2017). The lost art of listening: How learning to listen can improve relationships, reduce stress, and create a stronger community. Guilford Press.
• Schön, D. A. (2017). Educating the reflective practitioner: Toward a new design for teaching and learning in the professions. Jossey-Bass.