Friday, April 14, 2017

Conflict Style

                  
                     Image result for collaborating style   
                                    

After taking the Conflict Management Styles Assessment, I scored high in the collaborating style. This collaborating style is sometimes called a 'win/win' strategy, the collaborating style strives to make sure that both sides are satisfied.  It requires an open discussion of all the issues and concerns, exploration of alternative solutions, and honesty and commitment from all the parties.  To be successful, the collaborating style participants need to be able to surface concerns in a non-threatening way and think imaginatively. 

There were no surprise to me about the result, I am a strong believer in resolving conflict by making sure that each side work together to get what they need to create an optimal work environment.

One of the ways to become more flexible in your style is to be Self-aware.  Knowledge of your own feelings, motivations, strengths, and shortcomings. If I am more aware l will respond better to unforeseen challenges and the daily grind. Self-knowledge is the first step in being able to improve my management style.

Sunday, April 9, 2017

DISC Profile Blog Post




After reviewing my NBI profile and having a chance to discuss it. The question that was asked are, how does my NBI profile fit with my current job?  What are the strengths and limits of my current approach? When I communicate with others, what preferences do I rely on the most? How I you "show up" in social settings? What areas might I need to focus on to be more effective in your communication? What are two areas that come to mind that would increase my effectiveness? When working in teams, what roles do you have a "valence" and what might be some of the strengths your thinking preferences might bring as well as some challenges?
I am retired, so I cannot really say for the current job. As for my last job I felt my profile type works well in a military environment.  It provides stability and predictability for me, I had an understanding of everything that was expected of me. When there are changes I am always notified well in advance.
I enjoy taking time to listen and resolve problem. When it comes to work or resolving conflicts with other I listen to both sides to try and get a better understanding when making a decision. I have a strong belief in team work and making sure everyone is treated properly. I believe everyone should get credit for contributing. I would say my limits are, I tend to be slow to react, and I do not like to make quick decisions.  I believe I am very good with communication, however I tend to be uncomfortable in social sounding. I prefer small groups and do not like being the center of attention. I believe these are things I need to improve on.
When it comes to performance I want everyone to have an input as to what they feel would best help in completing projects. I assigned personnel’s to certain tasks and other who I feel have the potential to do more I delegate the task of monitoring others. It is very hard to say what two areas would help to improve effectiveness. I feel I need improvement in everything. There are some many different ways to do things. There is always new skills and methods
When working in teams I provide value accuracy and precision. I am patience and calm when working in a group environment. I work hard on making sure everyone is in agreement. I have excellent skill when it comes to resolving problems. I work well with authority and a loyal team member. I am good at multi-tasking and seeing tasks through until completion.



Sunday, April 2, 2017

Storytelling












     Anyone who tells a story, is influenced by memory, motivation and context, all which contribute to their account of the story. Stories are all around us, they are what move us, make us feel alive, and inspire us. Our appetite for stories is a reflection of the basic need to understand patterns of life, not merely as an intellectual exercise but as a personal, emotional experience. Stories are the way to reach out. Because of its potential of giving meaning to experience and personal actions.
     
     I love hearing stories about black history, such as the first black cowboys,  Malcom X, martin Luther king. Stories of moral and ethical value, making the choice to do the right thing. Stories that teach, inspires and helps you to believe in yourself and others. Stories of adventures and faraway places.  When it comes to stories I love to tell them. I try to tell stories that will give hope and teach. It must make you know the value of yourself. It gives you hope to keep trying in life and never quit. It’s important that when I tell a story there is a point, something to take away from it. Most of our experience is in a story in some form or other. The key to any good story is knowing when to tell them. Even a decent story can be inappropriate if told at the wrong place or time. I will never tell any stories of cruel treatment of another without telling how they overcame. Church, funeral or mixes crowed are the wrong time I think to tell a story
    
     Telling the story is a means of transmitting ideas from one person to another.  Storytelling is a part of life and to most cultures. They help people make sense of the world life’s experiences, dilemmas and hardships. Stories can educate, inspire and build rapport. They are a means of communicating, recreating, and helping preserve cultures. By translating memories in a more concrete manner that can be handed down verbally or in written.  When I tell a story, it can provide the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of one’s experiences and oneself. Some experts consider sharing a story of loss and finding someone people will empathetically listen, to be integral in the recovery process. Listening requires maintaining an active presence, empathy and openness to hear the person telling the story something difficult to do in our fast paced culture.