1. My interpersonal communication plan
1. A self-diagnosis rubric with the sum of the answers and their interpretation.
1.1. I seek adequate blocks of time to engage in peaceful dialogue to solve conflicts in
a productive way - YES
1.2. I usually communicate clearly, directly, and respectfully with my bosses and/or
directors - YES
1.3. I usually communicate clearly, directly, and respectfully with my co-workers - NO
1.4. I usually listen carefully and respectfully to understand my managers and/or
directors - YES
1.5. I usually listen carefully and respectfully so I can understand my co-workers - YES
1.6. At work meetings, I try to listen carefully, with understanding and respect for all
involved - YES
1.7. I set aside periods of time to establish my goals and evaluate my performance -
YES
1.8. I dedicate sufficient time to establish goals and evaluate my collaborators’
performance - NO
1.9. If I need to bring a matter to a colleague’s attention, I do so in a clear, direct,
respectful way - YES
1.10. I give positive recognition to my colleagues well done activities to motivate
them to keep improving – NO
Interpretation of self-diagnosis result - 6 to 8 answers checked “yes” indicate you have
good communication, but it could improve.
2. Answers to all the reflection questions.
2.1. What positive behaviours could you identify in the way you communicate?
I am usually clear, direct, and respectful with all my interlocutors (boss, peers, and
team). My own goals and my team goals are clear and the way we should pursue
them is openly discussed and agreed. Precise and transparent feedback is also
our practice as most of us have problem-solving profiles.
2. 2.2. What behaviours of yours do you feel need improving?
Being too pragmatic but not disrespectful I am sometimes too incisive not taking in
account the personal situation and mood of my interlocutors. In short, I use mostly
direct assertiveness rather than smooth assertiveness.
I should also spend more time congratulating my team on their well-done work.
2.3. How do you think your way of communicating affects people and results?
In a positive way for people and results. During my career I’ve always receive good
feedback from my bosses and from my teams.
2.4. What factors do you think influence the way you communicate with others?
My problem-solving profile that makes me focus much more on addressing
problems, achieving rather than blaming people.
2.5. What conclusions can you make based on these observations that will allow
you to improve your communication as a leader, both in the work
environment and in your personal environment?
I would like to move from direct to smooth assertiveness and the DESC script
seems to be a useful technique. I already use properly the D and the S but I should
improve on E and C.
3. The behaviour chosen for improvement.
While addressing to my interlocutors I shall better express my thoughts and
feelings about the facts and then summarize their consequences.
4. Actions to improve the chosen behaviour.
I will set communication strategies using the DESC script.
I will place a memo card with DESC script on my desk to help me while
preparing meetings and writing emails.
I will provide positive feedback to my team more often.
