Application: Problem-Solving with Communication

As you know, communication is a complex process that serves many different purposes. In fact, the most competent communicators place high value on the process, i.e., what is said and how it is said, in order to optimize the outcomes for everyone rather than to fulfill the goals of any one person. That is the true definition of "communication competence."

Part 1

For this Application Assignment, you will consider what it means to have communication competence as you apply what you have learned in this course to problem solving in your own life. Begin by thinking of a problem/challenge you have encountered in your professional or personal life that involved lack of communication, inaccurate communication, poor communications skills, and/or issues that can arise when communication is not what it needs to be.

Begin by summarizing the problem or challenge. What did not go as well as it should have? Who were the people involved? What was the context or situation?

Look back on this situation and consider everything you have learned in this course regarding effective communication, listening, and collaborative skills. How could you have approached this problem differently? Armed with what you know now, what would you do differently? In other words, how could you use what you have learned to solve the problem/meet the challenge through effective communication strategies and skills?

Part 2: Add a Communication Goal

This week, use what you have learned throughout the course to add at least one communication goal to the list you began in Week 4.

Assignment length: 2-3 pages.