My blog assignment this week, is to think about the similarities and differences between how I evaluated myself as a communicator and how others evaluated me based on the personality quizzes we took this week. And the one thing that I learned about myself that surprised me the most is, despite the fact I like to speak publicly, no one really knew that. I think the reason why they don't know this about me is that I never have to opportunity to engage in public speaking which means my talents are being wasted. It's sad that one of the things I am dearly passionate about in an "unseen" to the people I love.
Other than that, the other insights about communication I gained this week are (1) No matter how much you try to consciously try to change the way you perceive people before you get to know them, you always will. They way your mind has set up it's schemas to help you string things together will always be there and cannot be erased. However, that doesn't mean you have to be ignorant and continue to judge people. It just means you have to continue to give it conscious effort! Having this bit of knowledge might help my professional work and personal life because it will force me to me continually be aware of my thoughts, my words, and my actions making me always think twice about the other person. The good thing is I already do that in my everyday life, lol.
The second (2) insight about communication I gained this week is that most women try to find a common ground when connecting to other women. We look for a link to connect us or disconnect us, but we try to find a link never-the less. This knowledge might inform my professional work and personal life, because now I know why i'm always looking for "the good" in a woman I meet. I'm looking to see if she's another me. But I should be learning who she is!
