Self-assessment
of Communication Skills
In this
assignment, you will develop an understanding of how good listening is crucial
to effective communication and career success. In addition, you will perform a
personal assessment of your communication skills and style.
As a
student studying healthcare administration and leadership in healthcare, you
should be developing your own personal development plan to include a personal
assessment of your communication skills.
Listening
is an integral part of the communication process. Communication in the
healthcare setting is vital. This includes communication between doctors and
patients, doctors and nurses, clinicians and administrators, and so on.
Based on
your learning, create a 3- to 4-page Microsoft Word document that includes
answers to the following questions:
Which topic of conversation makes
you uncomfortable? What is the topic? Do you know why you find it difficult to
talk about this topic?
What do you do when you become
uncomfortable during a conversation? Do you withdraw? Do you try to change the
topic? Do you speak louder or softer? Do you begin to gesticulate?
Have you had an occasion to talk
to a very persuasive or very aggressive person? If you and this person hold
different opinions, can you hold to your position? Are you easily
led in a conversation?
Are you flexible in a
conversation? If a comment made by someone takes the conversation in an
unexpected direction, can you adjust quickly? Can you assimilate new
information, reassess your position, and continue the conversation?
When entering into a
conversation, do you attempt to eliminate potential distractions and
interruptions?
Do you consciously avoid having
important conversations in high traffic public areas where environmental
distractions are likely possible? Why?
Do you put your cell phone in the
silence mode when you are likely to have conversations? Why?
Do you listen without
interruption and sufficiently control the conversation to minimize
interruption? Why?
When engaged in a conversation,
do you give your undivided attention to the matters being discussed? Why?
When engaged in discussion, do
you develop reflective questions pertinent to the conversation? Why?
When engaged in discussion, do
you make conscious eye contact? Why?
When involved in conversations,
are you cognizant of body language, both the individual you are conversing with
and your own? Why?
Do you have an understanding of
body language gestures and posturing?
In a
self-assessment summary, provide a list of your communication strengths and
weaknesses. Also, provide a plan to address the weaknesses identified