Communication_&_Collaboration

Communication and Collaboration Paper Communication and Collaboration will be essential throughout a person’s life. From their childhood to an adult or using verbal and nonverbal skills. When creating a strategy for communication and collaboration you must evaluate learning and personality styles. Each individual possess specific characteristics and will have particular interests. The way your mind processes information is your learning style. Multiple Pathways to Learning-focuses on learning strengths and preferences and is based on Professor Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory. He defines intelligence as the ability to solve problems or fashion products that are useful in a particular cultural setting or community. His theory focuses on eight intelligences that all people possess. They are: Verbal Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Bodily-Kinsethetic, Visual-Spatial, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Musical and Naturalistic. Personality assessments can tell people more about themselves. The Personality Spectrum-is based on the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI) helps evaluate how people react to others and different situations. The assessment puts the material into four personality types; Thinker, Organizer, Giver and Adventurer. Lets take a look at three of the learning styles. First is the Visual-Spatial learners that learn by using their eyes, by focusing on facial expressions, gestures and body language. It is also common for them to remain focused on the material being presented. To effectively communicate on the part of the Visual-Spatial learner will involve detailed note-taking and making charts, taking photographs, using maps, handouts and other visual aids. Second would be the Verbal-Linguistic learners, who learn primarily through listening. They are individuals who prefer to thoroughly discuss materials and often pay close attention to the pitch, tone, words and speed of which instructors present their information. Verbal-Linguistic learners often will not find meaning in notes, visual aids or written works until they hear them explained or associated with sounds . Some effective communication tips would be to rewrite notes, outline chapters or teach someone else. Third, there is Bodily-Kinesthetic learners, which involves the need to touch and feel elements of their surroundings in order to retain information. People who depend on Bodily-Kinesthetic learning can become easily agitated or distracted and can't keep focused due to their need for further instruction and to physically get their hands on items relating to the material in front of them. Strategies to effectively communicate should be to use move fingers under words while reading, act out scripts of material or pace and recite. Now we can take a look at three of the personality styles. In the assessment, My strongest personality type was a Thinker. I enjoy problem solving and developing systems and models . Thinkers, also enjoy exploring and discovering new ideas. We think on a abstract, analytical scale. We are also know for seeking the truth. Some tips when collaborating with others; Thinkers should look to work independently, design new way to of approaching issues and try to minimize repetitive tasks. Next I was an Organizer. They usually focus on social arrangement, placing emphasis on traditions and family. We are know for taking our responsibilities to heart and have a strong sense of dignity, culture & history. Loyalty is to be a strong point with Organizers. In the communication setting, Organizers should use a planner to schedule task, rewrite notes, make flashcards or request feedback. Another tip is to look for a stable enviorment and try to have tasks defined in clear concrete terms. Lastly, another of my personalities was being an Giver. Their personality type is one that creates an authentic, honest person which is most important to them. We have a peaceful nature , romantic side, and despise deception and hypocrisy. In a group setting, Givers study with others and teach materials to others. They try to find ways to express thoughts and feelings clearly and honestly. Always putting energy into our most important relationships. Also should seek out subjects that involve helping people. As presented in this paper, people communicate in many different ways when they are in a group. The key to working together effectively , is being able to adapt to the team member’s learning styles and personality types. Knowing how you learn will help you achieve you goals and find strategies that move you toward you goals. Use you experiences as learning tools to build your skills for future endevours.