Reflection #6

Kristen Halbritter
Reflection #6: Chapters 11 & 12
November 16, 2016
COMM 320

Chapter 11

1) The Show "Parks and Recreation"

"What has the communication climate been like at places where you've worked?  What role did supervisors have in setting and maintaining that climate?" -Looking Out Looking In, page 347

For four summers I worked at Camp Cherokee. My most recent title was Waterfront Director/Boat Driver/Lifeguard/Counselor.  The communication climate at Camp was always laid back, open, welcoming and warm.  My supervisor set the climate.  He was not only our supervisor and boss, but he was also a friend that wanted both the staff and campers to feel relaxed and welcomed.  If there was a disturbance or issue among staff, he would sometimes mediate if made known to him.  

 

*I'm a huge fan of Parks and Rec!

2) Jonathan Martin and the Miami Dolphins

"Have you encountered bullying in the workplace?" -Looking Out Looking In, page 350

Personally, I have not, at least not in the workplace.  However, when I was in elementary school, I used to be teased about my stutter.  In a previous blog I mentioned how that may have effected my communication behavior and tendency to be shy and quiet. 

Chapter 12

1) The Movie "The Hunger Games"

"What lessons for managing interpersonal conflict can you learn from stories like these?" -Looking Out Looking In, page 381

What I get from this is that interdependence and collaboration with others is what keep us going day to day.  Many people consider themselves pretty independent, but we all rely on others whether we admit it or not.  I can't imagine being completely alone, doing everything by myself.  Keeping peace in relationships with little conflict is essential for our happiness.  Relationships that are constantly in conflict are draining, and people become unhappy because of it.  What I also get from a story like this is that if you value the relationship, solve the conflict because the survival of your happiness may depend on it.

2) The TV Show "Blackish"

"How do culture and social class affect your personal and professional relationships?  Are these factors sometimes a source of conflict- and if so, how do you manage them?" -Looking Out Looking In, page 400

They affect my relationships because the social class and culture I grew up in exposed me to people only of similar culture and social class.  Because of the "culture" I grew up in, I am friends mostly with Adventist people due to being exposed mostly to Adventist people as a kid.  However, my social class and culture would never prevent me from being friends with people outside of it if I were exposed more to them.  I am just not exposed to many people who are outside of my social class and culture.  Because of being at Andrews, I have friends who are from different parts of the US and people who live out of the country.  I have learned about the languages they speak and about where they live because of it.  

These factors are not usually a source of conflict, however, one conflict did occur between a friend and I because of a misunderstanding of perspective with a current social issue.  I managed it by talking it out and being open to learning from their perspective.