Dr. Kemp stated, "Now more than ever before, to be successful in our lives and our work as transnational leaders, we need to recognize the importance of diversity as a key factor for our success. Each of us must develop an awareness of the paradoxes that thwart our best intentions in communicating and working effectively with others."
People are the most important part of any organization. In order for that organization to be successful, a leader must be transnational and lead people in that organization perform to their fullest potential, this requires diversity at many levels - diversity in thinking, communicating, organizing, and in collaboration. The complexity of developing an awareness of the paradoxes that thwart our best intentions is indescribable. If transnational leaders need to be diverse in many levels, then there is a large margin for error. I believe that we can only grow into transnational leaders through reflection, through struggle and conflict, and when someone else mentors us to be better. Even when we are aware of our own actions, we never realize the impact they have on others. I would say that I am a very loving and caring person and for the most part try very hard to be open-minded and approachable. However, there have been times in which my actions were taken in a much different way.
Furthermore, I am learning that communicating and working with others effectively is extremely difficult. In the bible study I attend, we are reading Love & Respect and participating in small group discussions. Listening to the many other married couples, I realize that communication and understanding people is so much more difficult than I had ever perceived. Being around a variety of different people and cultures, I see the different challenges they struggle with. Had I not been a part of this bible study, I would have “assumed” that there communication struggles were similiar to mine. If we struggle communicating with people in which we know at a very deep level and love, what does that say about the communication we have every day with a variety of people in which we work?
In thinking about my own struggles, I think these are some barriers I need to continue to work on.
- Being a good listener
- Developing a better understanding of the differences and similarities of other cultures
- Appreciating difference and using that to gain the most from others
- Learning about people, how they work, how they think, and how they communicate
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Communication is always difficult. There are so many factors that play into communicating effectively some of which you don't control. You can have the best communication skills on the block but catch someone on a bad day and your great skills go out the window.
ReplyDeleteI have found that I had and really still have no difficulties communicating with kids but since becoming a supervisor of adults, I've realized just how difficult it really is, especially when communicating on difficult topics.
You mentioned that communication requires reflection, struggle, and conflict. Chris mentioned having the best communication skills and still being ineffective at times. I think the two go together. I also believe it is lifetime learning as we change, our venue changes, and the concerns of those with whom we wish to communicate change.
ReplyDeleteChris, that is a struggle for me also. Parents and staff are difficult for me to have honest yet understanding discussions with. No matter how hard we try, business is taken personally. I'm always up for advice on how to have those "fierce conversations." A little encouragement to push me to that point also helps.
ReplyDeleteTraci, Have you read Fierce Conversations? It is such a good book!
ReplyDeleteI agree, some for of motivation, usually the child's best interest is what I hold onto when I have to have difficult conversations. I have really noticed myself being a lot more vocal about issues I am upset with lately. I guess I have hit a wall and know that in order for true change to take place, I need to step up and say what every one is thinking, but to afraid to say!