One of the key skills that I have worked to develop within communication is being able to effectively work with and communication cohesively with the other LC’s within the office on program pieces. Before coming into this work environment, I wasn’t that familiar with all the forms of communication that could be used within coworkers to get things done. I’ve been able to adapt with, and effectively use different applications within the world of technology and hope to continue that development. One communication skill that falls under the umbrella of technology is the skill of managing emails and other correspondents as timely as possible and updating my calendar continually in order to meet the needs for a dynamic work environment. Before starting the position, email for me was primarily used for classes. Having been in the position a year now, I’ve been able to develop my skills of using email to maximize work within the office and through different committees that I’ve served on.
A key component of the LC position is the skill of facilitation, one co-requisite of that skill is having the ability to effectively communicate with any co-facilitators and the audience. One of my strengths within communication through facilitation has been able to work with my co-facilitators throughout a facilitation in order to meet the needs of the room and to help bring out insightful dialogue from the participants. In programs such as the ethics dinner, even though I wasn’t formally the moderator, I used the skills I learned from being an LC to help guide the conversation to new depths in regards to substance abuse across cultures. When working with the other LC’s in planning and executing facilitations I have had the ability to develop what is means to help support one another throughout a facilitation, and if someone forgets something or isn’t able to take a lead, being able to properly communicate and work off each other so that the facilitation goes as smoothly and effectively as possible. At the beginning of the year I didn’t have well developed communication skills, but being able to either lead or observe facilitations every week has afforded me a chance to try out different facilitation styles and work on being the best facilitator possible for the L-TEAM and when going to different classes or organizations within the Mason community.
With communication being a key skill needed within the LC position, my development for it has gone well, especially since communication is a strength shown on my Meyers Briggs Inventory and something that I am currently studying here at Mason.