Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

Even though, I have been a manager in my department for nine months now, I have an employee that still compares to the manger before. I have tried to comprise, listen and give her my viewpoint of who I am and what I do and that I’m nothing like the manger before me. The manager before would yell at her associates; hound them like they were little children who don’t understand. She is the type of manger that does not respect most of her employees unless you were her favorite. At times, I feel she needs to move to her department and work back under her, because of the control the other manager has, but she is good at what she does and she has a respected amount of cliental. When I first took the position, I told each associate that I’m not there mama and we are here to serve customers and work as a team. I told them, I will respect, and listen and honor any request or any situations that may occur, however, all I want is respect and in open mind to any task that I may need done. What am I to do about this employee that refuses to listen and still compares me to the other manager?  My store manager already knew about her attitude so talking with him has failed he figures by me being a manger I can figure something out but I can’t, I don’t know what else to do.

Who Am I as a Communicator?

The similarities I have are actually the same. I am known as a people person. I do listen to others and follow the platinum rule; however I do not get the same response back I return by others at times. If you were to acknowledge or know me you would say the same. The best way to improve communication is to identify what needs to be communicated, establish an organizational culture of opened doors, collaborative sharing and giving support. 

3 Strategies of Effective Communication

Yes, I communicate differently with other people from different groups and cultures. With my family, communication opens the door where we understand, trust, and respect each other. When a member of my family feels the need to talk to someone who will listen to them when life gets rough, they feel more secure in the family they are in. Being able to trust and rely on family can make for a happier family environment where both the parties can feel healthy, safe and secure as well as loved. With my neighbor’s it’s hard to describe, but we have mutual respect for each other’s property, but when it comes to listening to another we all seem to have different opinions about what is right and what is wrong. My colleagues at school, the feelings are mutual as well, we give viewpoints and express how we feel about certain situations, however, we understand one another. With my co-workers, I have to set myself as an example, because I am a business manager in the department store, I work in. However, I listen, I treat them like I want to be treated, and I put everything in writing that goes on as well as make myself available to them. Regardless if its family, colleagues, neighbors and co-workers, three strategies I would use to be more effective in all aspects is by me listening, respecting, and understanding each and every one of them.

Communication on Television

As I sat here on Tuesday, I began to watch the television show, called “It’s worth what” starring Cedric the Entertainer. Viewing the show with no sound, I could tell that the two contestants were probably married or either boy friend and girlfriend. As they were guessing the price of the different antique items, I could tell that they had feeling for one another due to their body language as well as showing empathy as they trusted each other on their judgments to win the prize money. As I continued to view the show without words, I also noticed the disappointment in their facial expression, as well as their posture when they received the correct answer for the antique car. Re-watching the show with words did approve my assumptions. They were a couple who was engaged to be married. She trusted his judgments as well as him trusting hers. When they did answer some the question correctly he politely hugged her and kissed on her forehead, indicating thank you. The words they expressed and the facial expression of excitement proved that they were happy and continent with one another.  My overall assumption however, would still remain the same regardless of what television show I watch. We can make assumptions on many different things but the vibes, facial expressions, the tone of a person voice, the words they say and how we listens portrays the character of being a communicator.

What is Communication?

Michelle Obama is a competent communicator. She demonstrates the ability to express her feelings and the rights of others. She portrays being direct, open and honest, and clarifies her needs to other people.  I would want to model some of Michelle Obama communication behaviors, primarily because her values and beliefs interest me. As an educator we have to be open, honest, direct and understanding and she portrays the image of an educator. However, being an effective communicator takes real skills. Communication skills have to be developed, honed, and added to on-going basis. Communication is the heart of our interpersonal skills and the more we are aware of this the better we will be.