I opened my book to page 209 and chose to review the term Negotiation. A strategy where each side wins. At the end of the conversation if enough comprimise isnt made often a mediator will be used to even the ground. In most cases this is another member of the group who is impartial but understands both sides. In a dance crew if two lead coreographers want to do a different dance, one dancer who knows both can be the middle man listening to both sides ensuring each coreographer is heard. "Negotiation implies a commitment to the process and to both sides bargaining with openess and fairness in a good-faith effort to reach mutually acceptable agreement." Honestly, in a work setting this is hugely important , sports teams, and in the classroom setting when deciding on group projects ect.The oposite of negociation would be competition. Competition style speaks for itself, which is marked by self-interest. Although when we think of competition it seems to be unhealthy in work settings, in some cases it can be benficial. An example of this would be when everyone on the team plays by the rule and it adds excitement to the situation.

The first things that come to mind when I think of concepts I gained are equifinaliry and the transformational managment style. Though these concepts have nothing to do with one another, for me I'd like to take away, and remind myself the two for the rest of my life. Equifinality means we can do things differently and get the same result, there is no universal way to get an answer, outcome, increase, or response. In the work setting it's important to remember we all come from different backgrounds our culture and the diversity we bring will only enable and enhance each group experience and outcome if we allow it to, Also, the term transformational management came to mind because I will strive and do strive to be this kind of employee, Someone who lays down the rules, obides them, and leads by example. In the future I hope to have a strong folowing of employees who see my dedication and thus work harder, creating a better work environment for everyone. I could go on and on, but for lack of time right now- Ill stop! Loved this course my favorite by far, the most applicable~!

The small group communication project was awesome. I enjoyed observing a different aspect of the company I work for, who up until now, I'd only seen around, and had little knowledge of the workings of their group. It opened my eyes to management styles, and I felt throughout the paper I spent a great deal of time explaning what the leader was doing and how her actions affected the group - in my opinion. I absolutely loved the project and definitely think anyone going into business or working on a team needs this experience. In a sense it's working at a daycare prior to having a child. Although it's an analogy - a term gained from this couse also- it really applies. After doing the project I feel better inclined as a manager to see what leadership styles I'd prefer such as( transformational). In this process of watching, it allowed me to see how meetings could be enhanced and looked forward to , rather than a duty. When the group get's enthusiastic and has synergy it provides a better overall work environment. Something I would change, is allow students to read other submissions at the end of the course. I think we could all gain something by reading another point of view. The three most striking memories that come to mind when recalling the group meetings was the lack of humor or emotion, lack of group synergy, and authoritarian style management which created cliques and a bit of nonverbal tension. Loved the project- !

I have definitely used the avoidance strategy by withdrawing from the group and the conflict is never fixed that way, I usually just quit. If avoidance is due to an individual’s lack of information, understanding, or any particular opinion on the substance of the conflict, it can be a constructive strategy. Collaborative conflict on the other hand is more healthy and the best way to address issues openly. However competitive conflict is a win lose situation, however can be a ‘fun’ debate and used most often when there is little time. I’ve used competitive conflict in a leadership class in high school. The group decided together and rushed to complete the project a particular way. Ultimately it worked out to our favor but I think if it hadn’t the group wouldn’t have been happy. If someone has a very strong opinion on how things should happen this could pose a problem. Collaboration is a win-win much like a compromise. This is the best way to solve a problem and best for each sides of the issue. At work, there are rarely ways for everything to go smoothly so between departments we talk about each groups needs and essentially decide on one goal. Many times people can feel ‘railroaded’ but we all understand it’s impossible to get EVERYTHING done without this happening occasionally. I would say collaboration wins over competition.

negotiations

 I thought negotiation was an interesting part of chapter 12.It ensures that through compromise each side ‘wins’ Successful negotiation involves planning and strategy and often a mediator is used to keep the ground level. The third party is not responsible for disagreements among the two sides, and each side needs to keep up their side of the bargain. At work I often experience this, and because there really is no way for EVERYONE to be happy we do this so each gets part of what they were looking to accomplish. There are five requirements of negotiation which are a. A thorough understanding of both sides of the problem b. a strong rational for ones own point of view c. a list of things that can be conceded without changing the ultimate goal  and last and probably most importantly respect of the sides perspective. I love that the book mentions respect, however unfortunately in business, which can be quite cutthroat, it’s sometimes trumpled.

In response to the first question for chapter 11, I prefer the colloquium form of presentation. What comes to mind is espn sports when four or five announcers debate things like best play of the week or players. I enjoy watching this, and would love to be one of the presenters because each person is given equal time to speak, without being interrupted by other speakers, because a moderator is present. A panel is also enjoyable. I think I’d prefer the colloquium because there isn’t much room for argument with a moderator to break up disagreements. In past communication classes Ive participated in this form of presentation and encouraging the audience to get involved was fun, it took the attention off me, which I liked but allowed me to answer questions which felt empowering and gave me the drive to work toward being a teacher. I’d say the panel is also a great form of presentation.

Five cultural barriers to creativity requirement for conformity, expectations of efficiency, arenas for competition, expectations of politeness and following rules. The text makes a great example that because we are raised with many rules, and expectations on how to behave it becomes hard for us at times to think outside the box. I find these a problem each and everyday especially the expectation to be efficient. It seems we are given too much work and not enough time, and because we want to please (be competitive) it becomes ingrained in us to do so. This is why classes like art and music are essential because being creative is taken from school settings, even at recess you see kids simply imitating other kids, rarely being their ‘own person’ It takes a strong individual to be themselves and often called weird when they’re creative, which is because they aren’t the norm, but it’s necessary in  a creative sense ‘thinking outside the box.”