Response: Modules 17 and 18

Module 17 focuses on the importance of good listening skills in the workplace. Listening is more than just perceiving sounds; it requires decoding and interpreting them correctly. In order to be good listeners, we need to pay attention to the speakers, focus on them, avoid making assumptions, and be aware of the facts and feelings. The lecture emphasizes the need for us to be active listeners. This means that we need to show the speakers that we understand them, ask questions, and offer them help to solve the problems. It is even more crucial to be an active listener when we disagree with others. If we find out their objections, we can be better prepared to overcome those objections.

            I find useful the lecture’s suggestion that before a meeting, it would be a good practice to make a list, either mental or on paper, of the questions we may have on the topic. As a result, we will look for the answers during the conversation. It is important to focus on the content of the conversation rather than the delivery, because the information is what we should be more interested on. Another good advice is not to be afraid of asking questions or seeking clarification, which will prevent us from making wrong assumptions.

            Module 18 offers advice on how to work and write in teams. In order to work effectively, teams need to adopt ground rules for their members, such as starting on time, coming prepared to meetings, and listening to and respecting each other’s opinions. Teams obtain better results if they first analyze the problem carefully, and then search for solutions. Teams achieve their goals if their members play positive roles and actions, such as asking and answering questions, pulling ideas together, and encouraging participation. The leader or leaders in a group have various responsibilities. They generate and evaluate ideas and text, resolve conflicts, set deadlines, and monitor the group’s progress.

            Collaborative documents need planning, writing, revising, editing, and proofreading like any other individual document. However, collaborative writers need to consider the team’s opinions.

            I find useful the advice of discussing controversial points in two different meetings. In the first meeting, all group members express their points of view. In the second meeting, the group reaches a decision.