Communication_and_Collaboration

Communication and Collaboration Strategy 1 Communication and Collaboration Strategy Joe Monahan University of Phoenix Gen 200 Linda Fisher-Lewis October 25, 2010 Communication and Collaboration Strategy 2 Communicating and collaborating within a study group can present many opportunities to use each person for the betterment of the whole, especially when there are varying types of personalities and learning styles present. Let us analyze a study group of three, all with different personality types and learning styles and try to conclude how the structure of the group would interact for or structure its self. One person possess a Thinker personality (Bishop, 1993) and has a learning style of a Verbal-Linguistic (Gardner, 1983). Another is an Organizer (Bishop, 1993) which has a Logical-Mathematical (Gardner, 1983) learning style. To complete the group you have Adventurer (Bishop, 1993) with an Interpersonal learning style (Gardner, 1983). In breaking down the three individual personality types and learning styles, let us evaluate the different strengths of each member and how the group needs to use one another to maximize its productivity. The strengths of the Thinker include developing models and systems, exploring ideas and potentials, and a gift to convert material into logical charts. Adding in the Verbal-Linguistic learning style this person has the ability to communicate verbally as well as in writing, along with an ability to use humor and convince someone to do something. There are many uses for this person in a study group including developing and planning an approach to the project or task. In a case where a speaker is needed or required this just may be the group’s best choice to handle that role. An Organizer brings reliability, neatness, and organization to the group and operates well in a social Communication and Collaboration Strategy 3 structure while following through on tasks. In this case the Organizer has a Logical-Mathematical learning style which includes the ability to understand logical reasoning and problem solving. The ability to perform complex calculations and being able to reason scientifically will be beneficial. This person has the ability to make decisions without bias or emotion, and could be used to verify data, organize material (Gardner, 1993), and bring together the individual work of the group. This next and final member of the group is an Adventurer and has many gifts which include hands on problem solving, ability to negotiate, living in the present, and a nontraditional style. Having an Interpersonal learning style gives this person has an ability to relate to others, understand their moods, motivations, and feelings (Gardner, 1993). It is also known that people with this learning style also see things from others’ perspectives and cooperate well within a group. This member would be an excellent candidate to lead and facilitate the group. The strategy for communication and collaboration for a group of this make up should be simple; discuss the purpose of the study group, and have each individual discuss his or her personality and learning style. Based on that information select a leader or facilitator for the group and define that responsibility as it relates to the goal of the group. Discuss the immediate task or study project amongst each other and the leader should then delegate each area of the task proportionately according to each person’s individual strengths. The leader should then monitor and hold the group accountable to completion. Communication and Collaboration Strategy 4 References Keys to College Studying. (2007). Chapter 2 Author Carol Carter, Joyce Bishop, Sarah Kravitz. Developed by Joyce Bishop, Ph.D., Psychology faculty, Golden West College, Huntington Beach, CA. Based on Howard Gardner, Frame of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: HarperCollins, 1993 Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice. New York: HarperCollins, 1993, pp. 5-49.