This document describes a breakthrough in communication between a graduate student and their manager. Initially, the student struggled to understand the manager's communication style and would zone out during meetings. Through learning, action, and adaptation on both sides, they were able to improve their understanding. The student spoke directly with the manager, and they each made changes to address the issues. As a result, the student now clearly understands goals and priorities, can communicate effectively with the manager, and no longer zones out. Their work performance improved as tasks now get completed and issues resolved, and the student received additional responsibilities and attention.

1. BreakthroughBreakthrough
inin
CommunicationCommunication
ByBy
SCU Graduate Student inSCU Graduate Student in
Gender and EngineeringGender and Engineering

2. AgendaAgenda
ComplainComplain
LearningLearning
Actions takenActions taken
Adopt-AdaptAdopt-Adapt
BreakthroughBreakthrough
ImpactImpact

3. ComplainComplain
I never get what she says.I never get what she says.
I can not figure out which is the mostI can not figure out which is the most
important task to carry out first.important task to carry out first.
I am used toI am used to “data driven”, directed orders.“data driven”, directed orders.
I zone out many times during her meeting,I zone out many times during her meeting,
she uses too many words.she uses too many words.
I am ignored & marked as Mr. Confused.I am ignored & marked as Mr. Confused.

4. LearningLearning
HerHer “more words” can lead to creative“more words” can lead to creative
ways of achieving workplace goals.ways of achieving workplace goals.
Concentrate on one clear example forConcentrate on one clear example for
specific instruction.specific instruction.
““Zoning out” is normal for man.Zoning out” is normal for man.
Open the communication channel.Open the communication channel.
Discuss with her about it.Discuss with her about it.

5. Actions TakenActions Taken
I met and spoke with her, clearly conveyedI met and spoke with her, clearly conveyed
my issues and concerns to her.my issues and concerns to her.
She listened to me attentively, and gaveShe listened to me attentively, and gave
me many practical solutions.me many practical solutions.
After each meeting, I meet her personallyAfter each meeting, I meet her personally
& clarify my doubts.& clarify my doubts.
Regarding help, if she is busy I ping herRegarding help, if she is busy I ping her
after a few hours.after a few hours.

6. Adopt-Adapt (my side)Adopt-Adapt (my side)
After learning her style of communication-After learning her style of communication-
I am focusing more on specific examples.I am focusing more on specific examples.
To avoid zoning out during meetings, ITo avoid zoning out during meetings, I
actively participate in all theactively participate in all the
conversations.conversations.
To clarify my doubts, I communicate withTo clarify my doubts, I communicate with
her more often.her more often.
To seek help from her, I often request forTo seek help from her, I often request for
1:1 meetings.1:1 meetings.

7. Adopt-Adapt (her side)Adopt-Adapt (her side)
To avoid my confusion, she directs clear-To avoid my confusion, she directs clear-
cut tasks to me.cut tasks to me.
To offer help, she stops by my deskTo offer help, she stops by my desk
several times a day.several times a day.
To help me understand her, she uses lessTo help me understand her, she uses less
words and more examples.words and more examples.

8. BreakthroughBreakthrough
I clearly understand my goals, I can setI clearly understand my goals, I can set
priority to my tasks.priority to my tasks.
I am able to understand her and clearlyI am able to understand her and clearly
communicate with her.communicate with her.
I no more zone out during the meetings.I no more zone out during the meetings.
I get help from her whenever I ask for it.I get help from her whenever I ask for it.

9. IMPACTIMPACT
Mr. Confused to Mr. ReliableMr. Confused to Mr. Reliable
My tasks get done.My tasks get done.
My issues get resolved fast.My issues get resolved fast.
I get special attention during meetings.I get special attention during meetings.
I am given additional responsibilities.I am given additional responsibilities.

10. Thank youThank you