Communication_&_Collaboration

Effective Communication and Collaboration Working effectively within a group or team requires communication and collaboration, yet each individual that makes up that team can have various learning styles and personality styles which can lead to conflicts within the team. According to Howard Gardner, a Harvard University professor, there are eight types of learning styles: Interpersonal, Verbal-Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Visual-Spatial, Intrapersonal, Musical and Naturalistic.(1) According to an assessment called the Keirsey Sorter there are four personality types: Thinker, Organizer, Giver and Adventurer. The three learning styles I chose are the interpersonal, the logical-mathematical, and the intrapersonal. I think if these three learning styles were put in a group together that they would be able to communicate together and accomplish their goals with very little conflict. When it comes to a group or team effort, I would take the Interpersonal learning style and mix it with the Organizer. This style is going to work great in a group because they are a very social type that likes to communicate with others, but they are also good listeners so they will be good at seeing other’s points of view. This organizer is going to take notes, manage their time, and be efficient. The interpersonal learning style is a good leader who is also a peace maker, which is good at conflict resolution. Resolving conflict in the group situation is a great asset when it comes to collaboration. The Interpersonal style is also ‘good at getting to the root cause of communication problems’.(2) Then add the Logical-Mathematical learning style with the Thinker personality style to the mix and you get a person who will analyze any information, gather information, and help solve problems. This combination is going to brainstorm ideas and come up with new ways to approach issues which will help the group in their collaboration when they come to a standstill. Finally, I would take the Intrapersonal learning style and mix it with the Giver personality style. This learning style can set goals, express feelings and ask questions if there is something that is confusing. Setting goals is important to getting assignments done in a timely fashion. Expressing feelings when there is conflict is helpful in order to help the others in the group understand how their communication or decision making is affecting other members. This combination is going to be able to negotiate conflict honestly. They keep others in the group motivated towards the outcome of the goal. In conclusion, I believe that the combinations that I have put together will be able to work together to achieve the goals set by the group by the deadline given. I also believe that they will be able to communicate effectively with each other whether verbally or written because of their different learning styles and personality styles. References (1)Gardner, H. (1983). Multiple Pathways to Learning. New York, NY: Basic Books. (2)https://www.about.com. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.about.com