Nonviolent Communication

In the month of July, I had a disagreement with my CEO. The situation made the atmosphere very tense. If I would have had this class the situation may have ended on a better note. I would have used the 3R’s to handle this conflict. One strategy I could have used was to allow for the situation to cool down and the second strategy I should have allowed her to explain her reason for her actions. I was very upset with a situation, which involved another employee. Because of the CEO’s approach, I expressed my thoughts strongly. I should have thought things through and approached her from a different angle. I made my thoughts well known and I did not back down. It ended where we agreed to disagree. However, the tension was still present. So my colleagues how would you have handle the situation?

Becoming a Strong Communicator

In my communications class I took an assessment for Communication Anxiety Inventory, Verbal Aggressiveness and Listening Styles. I found that I scored moderate in all three. I had my coworker evaluate me and with her my score was higher. She feels that I am a strong communicator and that I can influence the audience. I do not see this in myself. I thought my listening skills were stronger than what I scored and it is something I truly feel is important factor in communication. The insight I learned about myself is that I am concerned about what I say to others so that I will not offend anyone. I also learned my listening skills need to improve. Listening and communicating are so important when, I as a professional, speak to the parents. Listening to their concern and needs are important gaining their trust and helping the situation. Listening one of the main ingredients to building strong relationships with the families; therefore I have to build my skills in order to be effective.

Communication and Culture

Diversity is an issue we cannot escape. In every aspect of life we see diversity. In my studies I have learned that diversity is not just race but it is language, traditions, norms, foods and customs. Yes I defiantly communicate differently with different groups and cultures. My line of work I help children with developmental delays and I conduct house visits. My children are not older than 3. I speak to them on their level and use sign language. I teach them how to sign so that they can meet their needs. However, I do not sign to the parents I speak normal adult language. When I speak to my colleagues we speak in more medical and therapeutic terms. I am sure that in every day situation our manner in speaking to others changes so the lines of communication will stay open and become strong. Three strategies that I can us to help communicate more effectively with other one is to speak in a respectful manner. Know the audience you are speaking too and speak clear and honest.

Effective Communication

The person who demonstrates competent communication skills is President Obama. He exhibits clear and accurate words that all people understand. He does not use big fancy words; his words are understandable and motivational. He demonstrates the ability to speak appropriately and effective. I would like to model some of my communication behaviors after him because his style of communication encourages people to act and move projects forward. He speaks with confidence, assurance and has good eye contact. This style of communication is needed when speaking to parents or as I am training people for a particular job. It is very important to be effective so that people will feel secure and have trust in your words.

Professional Hopes and Goals

The one hope that I have when working with children and their families who come from a diverse background is that I will accept their differences and not offend them with any microaggression that will disempower them. Also I would like to make a difference in the lives of children so that they will also make a change to accepting the differences that others bring. One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field is to advocate for the child and families so that they are given the opportunity that is merited to them without any hassles because of the color of their skin or any other differences they may have. I would like to thank all my colleagues for sharing your stories and your encouraging words. I wish you all the best in your journey. I hope to see or hear from you in future classes. Keep up the good work. I would like to thank Dr. Parrish for her patience and encouragement. Thank you for teaching me to see diversity in the true light.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

I am working in childcare center and the family would come from China. The way in which I will prepare to be culturally responsive I will learn the language, what part of the country they are from, what are their traditions, customs, and the holidays they celebrate and I would prepare the student in the class so that they can also become familiar with the new families differences. Frist I would learn some words in Chinese so that I can teach the children how to greet them and introduce myself. By learning what part of China they are from will increase my knowledge as to who the family is and show them respect. Knowing their traditions, customs, and holidays will help me to plan a curriculum that will be free from bias and will make a warm and loving environment in order to make the family feel welcomed, safe and secure.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I can recall one incident that my friend experienced a prejudice act. I have a girlfriend who is African American we raised our children together and we visit each other offend. When our sons were younger they were in basketball teams in their perspective schools. The teams had played against each other during the year with no incident. It was the championship game and the game was hosted on our home team court. The bleachers are located on one side of the gym so the opposing team would set on one side and us on the far side. My girlfriend and I sat next to each other in the middle. They were winning and of course she was cheering her son on and I was teasing her; at that point one of the parents on our side looked at me and ask “why are they even here”? The other parent did not know that we were friends so I introduced her to my girlfriend. The other parent remarked hello and left. I felt so bad and was angry my girlfriend advised me not to waist my time in being angry at foolishness. We enjoyed the rest of the game and her sons school won the championship game. Our boys showed true sportsmanship by expressing a warm welcome to the others team members and joking around. This act of prejudice diminished equity in that my girlfriends rights to be at our school was infringe upon because she is African American in a predominately white school. The attitude of the white women would have to have change in order for the situation to change and be equal for all. I admired my girlfriends out look and her mature response to the situation.