BHO2002 International Human Relations and Goal Setting

At the end of each lecture, a reflective journal exercise will be presented based on the theoretical concepts covered in the lecture. The reflective journals require students to put the theory into practice in order to demonstrate mastery of a range of generic interpersonal skills, which are necessary for building and maintaining effective working and interpersonal relationships.

Week1: Goal Setting

Week2: Giving effective criticism

Week 3: Active listening: Learning how to paraphrase.

Week4: Improving communication skill

Week 1: Goal Setting

In the first week of our course module, we have learnt about the goal setting theory, which is important ingredient of building upon the self-esteem. I have learnt that the goals need to follow the SMART principle, which implies that the goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound (Locke and Latham 2013). A goal should satisfy these characteristics or else it is not a goal itself. It is also important to formulate wise goals so that the personal as well as professional characteristics are satisfied.

I have understood that setting up of goals is important for getting good performance. I have also learnt that it becomes convenient to follow easy goals rather than following complex ones. I have made clear goals about my professional life. I have set the goal that I would earn a management position in my organization, after some years of experience. I strive to be in a specific position, which can be measurable. This goal of mine can be achieved and it is realistic also. I wish to achieve this goal within 5 years of my career. There can be some difficulties on the path of achieving goals such as lack of focus, which should be handled by increasing my motivation level.

Week 2: Giving effective criticism

It is important to use effective feedback method while dealing within a team (McKimm 2013). I have learnt that it is important to give adequate feedback to the people and it is also important to focus on the situations rather than focusing on the person. I have learnt in my course module that it is important to give constructive feedback to persons. The criticism should not be done in an insulting manner and should be done in a manner that improves the team productivity.

I have always engaged in positive ways of giving negative feedbacks to someone. In such situations, I begin in a positive manner and keep my emotions out of the conversation. I am careful about my tone of voice and make sure it is not rude. I also abstain from using negative language and engaging in personal attacks. I also focus on the behavior rather than the particular person. I always encourage self-critique in my team and use positive body language when engaging in giving criticisms.

Week 3: Active Listening: Learning how to paraphrase

I have learnt in my course module that active listening is one of the most important skills for gaining professional success. I have learnt that there are differences between the active listening and the hearing (O'Sullivan Shamma and Lalor 2015). The hearing is a voluntary, effortless and accidental exercise whereas the active listening is intentional and focused. I learnt that it is important to hear, attend, understand and respond to successfully complete the steps of listening. There are three components present in active listening such as selective listening, empathetic listening and responsive listening.

I have always engaged in active listening skills when communicating in my personal life as well as professional life. I try to put myself in other person’s shoes and tries to get their view points while engaging in communication process. I give various kinds of feedbacks while engaging in active listening such as evaluative, interpretive, probing, supporting and understanding. I have respected the feelings of others and considers their views while making important decisions.

Week 4: Improving Communication

The verbal communication is considered as one of the most important system of transferring information from one person to another. There are changes of the meaning of communication and it can range from denotative as well as connotative meaning (Wierzbicka 2016). The denotative meanings are concerned with accurate as well as specific interpretation, while on the other hand, the connotative communication strives to add emotional or judgmental attributes. Communication is important for gaining professional excellence.

I have applied the knowledge gathered during the sessions. I have expressed my feelings verbally in both direct as well as indirect ways. I have always expressed my feelings in the workplaces especially when I feel that there are injustices made to me. I have made open ended questioning to my supervisors in matters where I am not enough confident. I have learnt that communication also includes active listening, respect and patience that needs to be displayed. I am patient in my endeavors and do not bother others when I am eagerly waiting for something. I do not solely speak every time and listen carefully to the viewpoints of others too.

References

Locke, E.A. and Latham, G.P. eds., 2013. New developments in goal setting and task performance. Routledge.

McKimm, J., 2013. Giving effective feedback. Clinical teaching made easy: a practical guide to teaching and learning in clinical settings, 41.

O'Sullivan, J.A., Shamma, S.A. and Lalor, E.C., 2015. Evidence for neural computations of temporal coherence in an auditory scene and their enhancement during active listening. Journal of Neuroscience, 35(18), pp.7256-7263.

Wierzbicka, A., 2016. 23 Two levels of verbal communication, universal and culture-specific. Verbal Communication, 3, p.447.