Communication_and_Collaboration_Strategy_Paper

Communication and Collaboration Strategy Paper “Mirror, Mirror on the wall who is the coolest dude of them all'” As I sit and glance at the reflection looking back at me I comfortably answer, me. However, this is just a snap shot in time. The moment. Will I still feel the same in five minutes, a week, or a month from now' As individuals we like to assume that we are molded into this one personality type, yet, the truth remains that everyday our mold gets reshaped by our environmental experiences. Am I prepared to see the image the mirror will reflect the next time I ask the same question' Will I like what I see or will I want to make changes so I can become the coolest of them all' In completing the Pathways to Learning Assessment I discovered that my multiple intelligences are highly developed in both the Bodily/Kinesthetic and Interpersonal areas, with a total score of 21 on each. I was not surprised to see that my intelligence was under developed in the Visual/Spatial, scoring low with only a 9. (Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop, and Sarah Lyman Kravits., 2007) The results clearly validate the fact that I am a hands- on learner rather than a visual learner. This assessment is instrumental in developing a plan that would effectively benefit my educational goals. It also can assist me by teaching me how to take my strengths and weaknesses and apply them to everyday life, in turn, becoming a better communicator and collaborator. Having the ability to coordinate my body movements, expand body awareness to all my senses and unite my mind and body allow me to cope well with stressful situations. I am able to relax and refocus my attentions to what the problem at hand may be, which then allows me to think with a clear head, resulting in logical rather than impulsive decisions or solutions. I am able to work under pressure and still get the job done in a timely and satisfactorily manner. I have the ability to effectively communicate my feelings yet, at the same time being sensitive to the feelings of others. I can see things from others’ perspectives and this enables me to reason competently. (Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop, and Sarah Lyman Kravits., 2007) Working with peers in high stress situations with tight deadlines are my forte. I am the calm voice of reason who then becomes the knight in shining armor that saves the day. My peers look to me for guidance and stability, resulting in getting the job done within the allocated time frame. To maximize my intelligences within my educational realm I learned that it would be of benefit for me to study in quiet settings, keep a journal, and participate in group study and to use the “mental walk” memory strategy. I need to focus on my weaknesses and look to my peers who are strong in those areas. My peers can tutor me in manipulating images and graphing ideas out. I need to practice drawing mind maps and incorporating color in my notes so I can become more organized. In group projects, I will let my peers whose forte is visual intelligence guide me in developing charts and graphs; they now will become the knights in shining armor that saves the cool dude. (Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop, and Sarah Lyman Kravits., 2007) Completing the Personality Spectrum revealed that my top personalities are Giver, Thinker and Organizer. My strengths are that I am organized, have strong attention to detail, am responsible, analytical, efficient, and honest, am a peace maker and a great negotiator. I communicate well with my peers and enjoy helping others. Some of my weaknesses are that I am reserved and like stability. I am not a risk taker, nor at times, very flexible. (Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop, and Sarah Lyman Kravits., 2007) To become a better communicator and collaborator I must draw on both my strengths and weaknesses. I can come up with new ways on approaching issues yet, be open and flexible to my peers’ methods of problem solving. I can work in groups and assist those who are struggling and be open to learn from their strengths. I can ask for feedback and stay well-organized. I will insist on maintaining my high level of integrity but, at the same time, relax a little on my own demands and perfectionism. I will continue to make every effort to remain approachable so the lines of communication between myself and my peers remain open. I will exert my efforts into improving my weaknesses and maintaining my strengths. All in all, next time I look and see the reflection from the mirror staring back at me and ask that fateful question, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the coolest dude of them all'” The reply will be, with hard work and determination, me!   References Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop, and Sarah Lyman Kravits. (2007). Becoming an Active Thinker. In Keys to College Studying (2nd ed., pp. 42-42). : Pearson Prentice Hall. Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop, and Sarah Lyman Kravits. (2007). Becoming an Active Thinker. In Keys to College Studying (2nd ed., pp. 43-43). : Pearson Prentice Hall. Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop, and Sarah Lyman Kravits. (2007). Becoming an Active Thinker. In Keys to College Studying (2nd ed., pp. 44-44). : Pearson Prentice Hall. Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop, and Sarah Lyman Kravits. (2007). Becoming an Active Thinker. In Keys to College Studying (2nd ed., pp. 48-48). : Pearson Prentice Hall.