Effective Communication for Today's Leader MOOC

1. Project: My interpersonal communication plan
Effective Communication for Today’s Leader
Roberto Martínez
edX - Tecnólogico de Monterrey
June 8, 2020
Objective
To classify how I communicate through a self-diagnosis, with the objective of
designing an action plan to improve some of the areas that could be improved.
a. Self-diagnostics and results interpretation
Behavior Yes No
1. I seek adequate blocks of time to engage in peaceful dialogue to solve conflicts in a productive way. !
2. I usually communicate clearly, directly, and respectfully with my bosses and/or directors. !
3. I usually communicate clearly, directly, and respectfully with my co-workers. !
4. I usually listen carefully and respectfully to understand my managers and/or directors. !
5. I usually listen carefully and respectfully so I can understand my co-workers. !
6. At work meetings, I try to listen carefully, with understanding and respect for all involved. !
7. I set aside periods of time to establish my goals and evaluate my performance. !
8. I dedicate sufficient time to establish goals and evaluate my collaborators’ performance. !
9. If I need to bring a matter to a colleague’s attention, I do so in a clear, direct, respectful way. !
10. I give positive recognition to my colleagues well done activities to motivate them to keep improving. !
Total number of answers 8 2
Table 1: Self-diagnosis
In the case whether 6 to 8 answers are checked “yes” it indicates a good communica-
tion, but it could improve. It is important to remember that the work environment is
characterized by peace and the assurance of achieving results.
1

2. b. Analysis and reflection
The following questions for reflection help the analysis of the results obtained from
previous evaluation:
1. What positive behaviors could you identify in the way you communicate?
Through this self-evaluation it was possible the identification of certain behaviors
in the way I communicate. On the bright side, my trends depict me as a respectful
listener and a clear communicator. I give positive recognition to my colleagues
and also feedback in a concrete and respectful way. In my opinion I am an em-
pathic listener and communicator which is a very important part of having great
dialogue.
2. What behaviors of yours do you feel need improving?
In my view, the main factors that need improvement are the ones that involve
time managing, such as number 7 and 8. Both of them require commitment to
establishing goals.
3. How do you think your way of communicating affects people and results?
A successful exchange of ideas can be performed by effective communication and,
if so, a good strategic development of the different outcomes that may come. Also
a key factor is getting to know your co-workers strengths and weaknesses as well
as keeping a positive work environment.
4. What factors do you think influence the way you communicate with others?
Among the considered factors the following can be found: attitude, emotional
state, stress, anxiety, etc. Others can sense if you are not feeling well and so inter-
actions may be affected by it. Insecurity has a major effect in the communication
way. If you are not confident enough of words, the message may not be clear.
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?
Although a good level of communication has been registered, also a clear area
of improvement has been arisen. Therefore the brief analysis made through the
questions of reflection had lighten up the path to elaborate a structured plan for
communication enhancement in the next sections.
2

3. c. Identifying behavior to improve
After a thorough analysis by way of reflection, the determined behavior to be improved
is time dedication to establishing goals either for the performance of oneself or of
collaborators.
d. Behavior improvement actions
As a response for the lack of communication on the above mentioned area, the following
set of actions are posed as a solution and improvement for the described problem:
• Uphold commitments: the most basic element in achieving goals is a consistent and
effective discipline. This step can be done and reviewed immediately.
• Maintain good order and timetable: one of the key factors for the establishment of
stable goals is the creation of reliable deadlines and milestones. In this case it is
required reminders for later review on action success.
• Do not spare in preparations: proper goals in communication can not be achieved
instantaneously neither on short time. For instance, every evaluation on co-
workers performance need deeper reflection to be assertive.
3