MGMT 535 - Week 8 Blog

 As I reflect on all that this course presented in the way of communications, I think I see some growth in my potential communications style. In the beginning of the course we were presented information on culture. As a military brat and subsequent military officer, stationed all over the world, I have always been aware of cultural differences and my role in making myself fit expectations. However, I never thought to look at my internal communications within my everyday life and job as an avenue to bring that same awareness and focus to cultural differences, etc. It's even more appropriate as I now have a female asian, direct supervisor! I will tell you that in the beginning it was not easy. However, I actually called her at the peak of my frustration and admitted a realization, that pretty much broke a barrier (and I don't know which one) that now allows for open communication. What I told her, is that it is my fault for not recognizing the change that was being directed from above and that she was just an agent of change. I also sent her the Ted Talk video from class that spoke to employees already being motivated but that it was the managers job to realize from which perspective were they motivated. I was motivated to protect what works. My colleague (the one I would have to take to lunch) was motivated by trying new things. When my boss realized what she was working with and my perspective, it seemed to all click for all of us. I'm not sure if I had any internal biases towards Asian women but when I humbled myself and we spoke, she was very appreciative that I took the time to communicate my feelings with her. 

From a managerial perspective, I still need to figure it out. I'm not a manager in my day job, but I am a "respected" community service organization executive director. I think, in this touchy/feely region that is Seattle, my direct military style leadership and communication on one hand is admirable because I can get hard things done...but is probably detrimental on the other hand...because I have no desire to sit down and have coffee and chat...about solutions. I've learned that in Seattle, only those from here have an underlying connection. Everyone else is an outsider...and the Seattle "Freeze" is real. Because I could care less about relationships...I am probably making it harder on myself. In that respect the class provided some information that I must rethink and put into practice. I will tell you, that I'd love to quit my community service role...but everyone else says if I quit, they go home as well and the only people that will suffer are the community members who have no way to fight or anyone advocating on their behalf against injustice and inequity.

So with all of this, I will state professor, you did a damn good job with this course. When you can teach old dogs new tricks...or at least have them realize they are old dogs...you've accomplished the goal.

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