Introduction
Dealing with people is the skill individuals start developing in their early childhood, and this process usually never ends. Every person has certain communication and behavioral styles that have an influence on the way they interact with others. Some try to exercise power and control everyone while others are submissive and let others lead them. In this entry, I would like to concentrate on such areas as influencing people.
Dealing with Family Members
I have always been a sociable person who has many friends and tries to make everyone happy. When dealing with my relatives, I tried to make sure that I never question their authority and never make them dissatisfied. This is especially true in my relationships with my parents. I have to admit that I did not always think that their recommendations were really what I needed. I also use this communication style with teachers, peers, neighbors, and other people I meet. The class discussion on dealing with people made me think about the weaknesses of my behavior.
Something I Learned
I would like to note that the class discussion helped me understand my style better. Previously, I never thought I was that submissive and relationship-oriented. I believed I was an illustration of analytical style associated with the focus on details, information, routine, and decision making. I thought my empathy was a manifestation of my democratic leadership style. Obviously, I was wrong as I am an exemplary amiable person.
Other people’s views and attitudes are often more important than the task. I remember myself criticizing this approach, but I realized I had mainly used this style when dealing with different people. Due to my style, I often used such forms of influence as liking, social proof, reciprocity, and authority. Fortunately, the discussion involved the analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the styles and influence forms we mentioned as well as recommendations that could help us to become more effective communicators.
The Way to Apply My Knowledge
During the class, we were encouraged to think about the ways our knowledge could be applied in our personal, academic, and professional lives. From now on, I will try to acknowledge and make visible all my contributions. I will also be the one to choose who I will and should repay and why I should do this. This rule will mainly apply to my relationships with peers and friends. I will not be shy to mention my input and its effects.
As for my relationships with my parents and other people who have authority, and I will check the credentials of experts and question people’s authority. I will ask questions and express my viewpoints, I will also try to pay more attention to establishing my own authority. I am often an expert for my relatives in certain areas, but I never pay attention to this, which is wrong. I will definitely divide my attraction to individuals from the established goals, tasks, and these people’s input. Finally, I will try to remove any uncertainty when I am asked to do what others are doing, but I will definitely pay people’s attention to what similar people do whenever I need to persuade them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to note that the knowledge I gained during the class is valuable and will change my life to a certain extent. I believe I can become a more effective negotiator, and I will become a happier person as I will achieve more goals I set for myself. As for my relationships with my parents, I will try to hold a stronger position and will try to use the instruments we discussed. Of course, this does not mean I will become an assertive person who focuses on my personal goals and ignores others completely. I will balance the styles and forms of influence mentioned in this reflection.