Communication_&_Collaboration_Paper

Communication and Collaboration Strategy People communicate in many different ways. There are many different forms of communication. Effectively communicating within a group setting can be better understood with the ability to identify different learning styles and personality types. Learning styles help identify strengths and weaknesses. Focus on strengths to develop a strategy to promote academic growth. Identifying personality types will help effectively communicate and collaborate within a group setting. We will look at a few of the learning styles, the interpersonal, the verbal linguistic and the musical rhythmic and cover three of the personality types, the organizer, the giver, and the thinker. An individual with a strong interpersonal learning style can communicate both verbal and non verbal and work well within a group setting. Usually preferring to lead the group or take charge of group projects. The interpersonal learner works well with others and enjoys group interaction. Apply this learning type to lead the group during class projects. Persons with a verbal linguistic learning style are generally convincing, a salesperson of sorts. This learning style has the gift of gab and often has the persuasive ability to make a person do something. Utilize this learning type to motivate, teach, and mentor the group. Musical Rhythmic learners, often learn through song. People with this learning style appreciate many aspects of music. They may often participate in school activities such as choir or band. This learning style may prefer studying in an environment offering familiar sounds, which may offer cues for remembering. They may be seen tapping their fingers on the table or humming to themselves during a test. This learning style can be best used to compile data needed for a group project. The organizer personality types see themselves as well organized. Generally prefer order in their lives. They thrive for perfection and often expect the same from others whether in a group or their family. Organizers are dependable; often preferring to work alone. Partly because of their pursuit for perfection, they believe in order for the work to be done correctly it is better to do it themselves. An organizer fits well within a group as one who will, “make it happen,” so to speak. One who’s thought and commitment are ingredients to getting the job done. Page 03 Communication and Collaboration Strategy The giver personality type is a very caring and social person. One who is easily approachable and often is the first to lend a hand or offer assistance to those in need. They generally have innate people skills and value making lasting friendships. This personality type fits well in a group setting as one who will study with others, mentor and teach, one who will try to maintain balance or peace within the group. Lastly, the thinker personality type is analytical, organized, and systematic. A thinker is one who often prioritizes tasks, and if in charge, welcomes input from his peers. A thinker has an innate ability to solve problems. This personality type is open to new ideas and suggestions within a group. By identifying the learning styles within the group, one can identify their strengths and weaknesses. Build upon those strengths and weaknesses with an understanding that each person may have a different and unique personality, offering a different perspective or outlook on how a task can be completed. Use these personality traits to resolve conflict and bring harmony back to the group. In doing so, the result will give us the ability to communicate and collaborate within the group. References: Carter, C., Bishop, J., & Kravits, S. (2007). Keys to college studying: Becoming an active thinker (2nd ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.