Critical Thinking 1) Good communication skills are essential skills for both our daily and professional lives

Communication Exercise

Question 1: Communication skills

Communication skills are vital when it comes to job environment because it enables all business operations to run smoothly. Without proper communication, it would not be easy to understand each other even while working. It is thus crucial as an employee to have good communication skills even before looking for a job because that's what organizations are looking for. Good communication skills do not only help us in our professional endeavors but also in our personal lives. Becoming a good and effective communicator comes with learning good communication skills and the characteristics of a good communicator. There are thus various characteristics of a good communicator.  

Good communicators are active listeners who are attentive and listen with a great understanding of others' perspectives (Chen, 2017). Before responding to someone, it is vital first to understand what they are saying while paying critical attention to their perspective. A good communicator also utilizes the correct body language like gestures and facial expressions while communicating. Good communicators also know how and when to tell the truth; hence must be honest and reliable. Good communicators are very proactive when it comes to having great convincing power. As a good communicator, one should know how to persuade others and influence them to buy their ideas.

There are many benefits that a firm enjoys by employing workers who possess good communication skills. First, a pool of employees with good communication skills makes an organization produce high-quality products and services for its clients. Second, good communication skills enable employees to fully express themselves at all times, thus resulting in employee satisfaction and motivation towards achieving great heights. Third, an organization with employees having good communication skills has a practical problem-solving framework. It becomes easier to arrive at solutions to any arising conflicts when there is good communication between the victims. Organizations should thus focus on hiring employees with good communication skills if they aim at reaching exponential growth.

Question 2: Communication skills

            While pursuing my professional career, I have learned that it is vital to learn to be an effective and good communicator. Managers in the current business world are looking for employees who can realize success through good communication skills (Maguire et al., 2016). I have been practicing to be a good communicator, and thus I have both strengths and weaknesses in communications skills. One of my strengths when it comes to communications skills is being an effective listener. I do listen actively to others while in conversation and am also able to understand people's perspectives even before reacting to any discussions. I can also realize that we come from different ethnicities and cultures; thus, I always welcome everyone's opinion. Other strengths include; being reliable, proactive, and goal-oriented in professional settings.

            However, I have some weaknesses in good communication, and one of them is honesty. I often have many difficulties telling the truth, especially when I am aware that the truth will hurt others. I understand that it is essential to be honest, especially at work, but it becomes difficult sometimes to let out the truth. Additionally, anything involving my friend, I'd instead not tell the truth to land them in trouble. Of course, it is good to protect people we care about, but I am well aware that honesty is critical and a good communication feature that managers are looking for while selecting and recruiting employees.

            Dishonesty prevents me from being a good communicator because sometimes hiding the truth does no good but escalates problems. I must learn to be responsible and accountable for my actions. The same applies to everybody regardless of present relationships. If someone is found in the wrong, it is only reasonable to be accountable and suffer the consequences; thus, I should not protect anyone from the truth. This is vital both for my personal and career development. Onwards I will practice honesty and try always to tell the truth no matter the situation.

Question 3: Informal letter

Yousef

23 Ban Benito Road

CA, 94005

October 16, 2020.

Hi Chris,

I hope you are doing fine, especially during this challenging moment of the Covid-19 pandemic, bro. It’s been quite a long time before we talked, and life here is just amazing. I must admit that I miss home ever since I joined college. My life here in Africa is just different and amazing, too, because I have gotten to explore various things and activities with my friends that have given me a new taste in life. How are mum and dad doing back at home? Have you stopped drinking yourself out, big brother?

I have not forgotten my aim while I joined the college, and I promise I am working hard to achieve good grades while I will be coming back home during this year in December. I have missed you guys and sometimes wish you were here to guide me like you used to. I am still holding up and hope that you guys are doing well and well-taking care of yourselves. I have fully adapted to the culture here, and bro life is fantastic when exploring new things. My friends here have taught me the importance of having a global mindset towards life. As we work to achieve great things in life, you acknowledge that everyone is equal despite ethnic and racial backgrounds. One should be able to make an impact in every environment and accommodate every culture present. There is so much to learn from others that are interesting and impactful in life.

I have secured a chance in one of the most known organizations here for my internship experience. Luckily, I found accommodative people who have a global mindset just like me, and I must admit that I have the best experiences here. I have gained many skills and values that will help me build my career while enhancing my values. For instance, my supervisor has always taught me ways of becoming a good team member and leader at the same time. Working in a team was not my thing, as you know, bro, but now you will be surprised how I am a good team player (Chen, 2017). Being a good team player entails having good communication skills like active listening and understanding. Other than that, I do miss home and everything about you and the whole family, bro. Sometimes I stare at our pictures and wish that I were there with you people.

I would love it if you passed my greetings to dad and mom at home and tell them that I miss them so much. I still follow what they taught us while growing up; hence they won't have to worry about anything. I also want to wish you a happy birthday in advance, bro, as you are approaching it, and I pray that you live to accomplish all your goals in life. Enjoy your life and take care while celebrating your 27^th birthday; it’s so sad that I won’t be available this time around. However, make sure to send me pictures of the party.

Your affectionate brother,

Yousef.

Outline

Topic: Communication Exercise

The following sections are covered in the paper

1. Question 1

• Communications skills are vital when it comes to job environment because it enables all operations of the business to run smoothly.
• Good communicators are active listeners who are attentive and listen with great understanding of others’ perspectives (Chen, 2017).
• There are many benefits that a firm enjoys by employing workers who possess good communication skills.

2. Question 2

• While pursuing my professional career, I have learned that it is vital to learn to be an effective and good communicator.
• However, I have some weaknesses when it comes to good communication and one of them is honesty.
• Dishonesty prevents me from being a good communicator because sometimes hiding the truth does no good but to escalate problems.

3. Question 3

• Sample informal letter