For this project, I choose my workplace as a place to discover new insights and understand my own thoughts and meaningful themes of communication, collaboration, and connection. I work as a bookkeeper for a company that offers vehicle dash cameras, but I am also responsible for other operations. For example, I receive and repack the products, interact with customers, and check their vehicles in case of any concerns. The series of photographs I made for this project reflect various locations of my workplace, including the open space area we work in, washroom, and a client’s car. In addition, there are gifts from customers, communication with the customer and my colleagues, and the COVID-19 awareness area.
The first theme I would like to discuss is communication with our customers. Whenever customers need help, I am ready to deliver the necessary assistance. My company provides all the opportunities to personalize the interaction with clients, which means that we can focus on a human touch while answering customer questions, installing the devices, and addressing any concerns. While sitting at my desk after the working day, I understood that I like the way I communicate with customers, and it gives me the motivation to improve in this field. At the same time, I interact with our business partners, which is also useful for my business communication skills. My workplace positively impacts how I use language and intonation to speak with partners and customers. I have noticed that my flow of thoughts is concise and clear. The use of phone applications, such as WeChat and WhatsApp, allows for connecting with clients timely and comfortably. This also ensures a connection with customers and partners since communication becomes enjoyable and fast.
Collaboration is the second theme that seems to be told by my workplace if this place could speak. In my point of view, my workplace encourages cooperation with colleagues since we all work in the same room and are expected to resolve the emerging problems collectively. For
example, when a customer comes to our office with a concern, we provide a check-up. After the device was checked for the latest updates, it can be transferred to a colleague as it is quite convenient. In this case, the process of service provision becomes faster and more efficient. If a device is confirmed to have any deficiency, it is to be replaced immediately, which is another sign of a good service. I believe that cooperation results in effective problem-solving as employees integrate their knowledge and skills, which creates a talent pool. More to the point, while several people work on resolving a problem, it allows for looking at the bigger picture. For example, based on the cooperative work, we suggest improvements that can be considered by the company’s leaders.
Reflection on the Process of Putting the Creative Component Together
The reason that resonated with me to choose my workplace for this project is that I spent much time here, feeling committed and satisfied with my performance. When I made photographs, I tried to provide various perspectives on this place so that the details of the environment would be clear. This creative allowed me to reflect on the connection between the workplace and my current position in life. I have understood that I am quite successful in communicating with clients and cooperating with my colleagues. The gifts that are sometimes presented to us by clients also prove my conclusions. While making and composing photographs, it was surprising to discover that my colleagues wanted to contribute to the project and suggested some ideas. For example, one of them stated that it may be useful to include the pictures of the hygiene area, and the other one agreed to participate as a model. I consider that the creative work was thought-provoking and useful to encourage my self-reflection skills.
Insights Learned
Based on these reflections, I believe that what really matters in my life is helping people around me to resolve their challenges and make them happier. It seems to be my passion to build proper relationships with my clients and ensure that they receive the best service possible. In turn, I feel great when my goals are achieved, and we work together with my colleagues. The importance of cooperation and collaboration seems to lie in supporting and developing each other, promoting professional knowledge and skills.
However, I have also understood that my current knowledge and skills should be improved since I know little about the strategies and theories of communication. It seems that I should pay more attention to teamwork organization and effective performance, as well as customer experience improvement. It is clear to me that I need to move beyond my comfort zone and advance my current professional level. Since I enjoy my existing job expectations, I consider that I should develop in this area, focusing on education and practical implementation of theories learned. Additionally, I think that self-reflection tasks are important for looking back and identifying future perspectives. Therefore, I plan to use the method of self-reflection further in my life.