i-Program: Intersect

The very first i-program that I attended was intersect. This program focuses on interpersonal development by providing the skills and knowledge to make you more successful in communicating in groups, organizations, and with individuals. During the program I was required to reflective and deliberate on how I interact and communicate in various activities.

The first activity that I did was a small activity where I got to know the group that I will be involved for the day. It was here that I learned the importance of ice breakers in order to open members up and allow for easy communication. I also learned about the importance of creating group norms that everyone understands. During this time I reflected about what makes me similar and different to other members of the group. This helped me identify how my role fits in the group. I came to the conclusion that in order to have good group dynamic we must understand each other strengths, support and also show and voice appreciation, establish rules that every member agrees upon, and carry out collective thinking that involves every member.

My favorite activity that we did was called the “Starburst” candy activity. In this activity people were divided in large groups who were assigned different communication styles such as people who go off topic, awkward talkers, shy talkers who do not make eye contact, fast talkers who interrupt you, and the calm and friendly talker who could be easily understood. The point was to start a conversation with different communication style groups and trade Starburst for the colors you want. This activity even though was very fun and hilarious it was very difficult to carry out. It was hard to try to converse with so many different communication styles. I was assigned to be the group who was the shy talker who does not make eye contact, and it was very hard for me to start a conversation with someone because I could not make eye contact with them and was allowed only allowed to say a few words. As a result, the conversation did not head in any direction; it usually came to a complete stall. It was made clear at the end of the activity that the best communication style was the one in which the speaker was friendly, smiled, and talked in a consistent pace in a calm and clear manner. However, I also learned that in real life we will be faced with various different speaking styles and that we have to be flexible and accommodate others.

It was in Intersect that I that my personal listening style was evaluative. This type of listener needs an environment where decisions are made. Also, we make decisions on what is being given to them and less on the emotions others are showing. As a result, we either accept or deny an idea completely, there is no gray area. Some behavioral indicators that we exhibit are the following: responding selectively, tend to look for facts, and does not accept something as true just because an expert says so. As a result our weakness is that we only see things as right or wrong, and do not see a middle area. Also, we do not like to see emotion when someone is presenting an idea, instead we want facts. Listing for details comes to us naturally, however if we start to suspect something is not correct we will become easily distracted. To prevent this, I have to be more patience with others, show emotion while communicating, ask question to make sure that we have a common understanding, and give others a second chance. Another interesting observation is that while asking question this type of listener looks calm but to others might see us as impersonal. To prevent this from occurring I should try to be more affectionate and show emotion and understanding through body language or facial features. I have used all these lessons and applied them when I worked in multiple group projects or while discussing ideas at work. It also had a crucial impact on my personal life. I have noticed that now people perceive me as more caring and discuss more personal manners with me. It is probable because I now try to be more patience and allow people to explain themselves to me. Also, I make sure that I involve my whole body when communicating to make sure that I do not come off as impersonal. In a group environment I now take account of all things, connect events, and make sure facts and outcomes are known by all members before a decision is made. However, I also make sure to delegate work and assign people work based on what they think they can do. I now try to encourage other members more but also enjoy conflict because it’s where the most interesting ideas and work is done. I know lead my days by three simple communication rules: Patience, Reflect, and Feelings.