Diversity in the Workplace

Article found by searching "diversity in workplace" using rod library
There are four basic communication styles: expressive, systematic, sympathetic, and direct. Our communication styles affect how others' react to and perceive us. Knowing your communication style and knowing how to manage others' communication styles can reduce conflict, increase productivity, and improve teamwork in the workplace.
Generally, diversity training and seminars about generational differences seek to increase cultural awareness, reduce conflict, and promote teamwork. Being aware of cultural and generational differences can improve employee productivity, enhance the work environment, and contribute toward greater understanding of one another. Knowing how to adapt their communication styles to complement someone else's style will enable employees to sustain productivity and create a harmonious work environment.
Furthermore, recognizing your communication style can help you to understand how your actions are perceived by others. Centuries ago, the Greek physician Hippocrates studied people's personality types. Instead of using basic terms that today's researchers associate with certain personality types, Hippocrates determined one to be sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic, or choleric. Although he believed that certain body fluids such as blood, phlegm, bile, and black bile determined one's temperament, he was on to something.
Conflicting situations are bound to occur in the workplace, but unlike Hippocrates, we can take an active approach by being aware of others' communication styles and then adapting our style to find that balance.
There are typically four basic communication styles. Today, researchers use the terms expressive, systematic, sympathetic, and direct. Modern researchers have also differentiated the terms personality and communication style. In fact, communication styles are probably more determined by our needs at a given moment than by our personalities, which tend to be constant traits.
For example, someone who is generally a nice person could be having a bad day. Or, a generally positive co-worker could be experiencing symptoms of depression following the loss of a loved one. Temporary occurrences like these don't reflect our personalities but can affect how we communicate with one another.
We can avoid conflict and misunderstandings by paying close attention to how those around us communicate. Communication can be verbal or nonverbal, in the form of body language. If you sense an imbalance, then adjust the way you're communicating either verbally or physically. For example, if you sense that the person you are speaking to is nervous because you're standing over him, then try sitting down.
The basic communication styles
Here is a list of the four basic communication styles and an explanation of how certain types are perceived. You may want to take an assessment to learn your general style. Following the assessment, take into consideration that no one style is better than another. You may also discover that your style is a mix of all four styles.
1 Expressives tend to have high energy, speak quickly, and focus on the big picture. They generally find conflict or differences in opinion invigorating. Others can perceive expressives as overly cheerful, vain, or unpredictable.
2 Systematics focus on the facts and details, and not the big picture. They're generally not comfortable with conflict. Others can perceive systematics as unemotional or nonchalant.
3 Sympathetics like to focus on people and relationships. They are good listeners and generally concerned with everyone's needs. Sympathetics typically don't like conflict. Others can perceive sympathetics as soft-hearted or overly helpful. They can also appear to be procrastinators when distracted.
4 Directs generally keep conversation brief and are often involved in many things at once. They tend to see the big picture and are more focused on the outcome than on smaller tasks. Directs can appear self-confident, intimidating, and opinionated.
Communication styles in the workplace
Discovering your communication style is the first step. Now you need to learn how to adjust your style according to the situation. Expressives, for example, tend to be hyperactive. When dealing with an expressive, it's necessary to remain calm, speak slowly, and control the pace of the interaction.
Systematics are characterized as orderly, but careful when carrying out tasks. Sometimes they can be overly cautious. For example, a systematic who is learning a new computer skill may be hesitant to touch his keyboard out of fear that he will break something. When dealing with systematics, be patient, be their guide, and give them confidence to complete tasks.
Sympathetics are nurturing and born socializers. However, they may spend too much time socializing instead of focusing on more important matters. When you encounter sympathetics, share their concern and be supportive, but inform them that you must stay on task and that you've got work to do.
Lastly, directs are generally pressed for time. They're usually not concerned with the details but just want to know the facts, and they want to know them in a hurry. Because they usually run from meeting to meeting, they are sometimes seen as lacking emotion. Don't take this perceived lack of emotion personally. In the presence of a direct, be direct but detailed, and politely speak up if you feel that her demands are unreasonable. It's better to let directs know up front if you'll not be able to meet their request, than for them to find out later.
Experienced training professionals know all too well how their communication styles affect learning, and that the interactions that take place during training can have an effect on desired outcomes. When it comes to training, practicing good communication techniques is a must, and knowing your communication style certainly helps. Training professionals can teach their good communication practices to the rest of the organization in an effort to maintain or restore balance where conflict, productivity, and teamwork are lacking.


When I hear the word diversity the first thing that comes to my mind is a difference in race. For years this visible, cultural difference has been the cause of many conflicts. After reading this most recent article my eyes have been opened to just how many meanings diversity actually has. In the workplace the number one issue diversity brings to the table is varrying communication styles. There are four basic types: systematic, direct, sympathetic and expressive. The way we communicate is everything. Once you discover how your personality is perceived by those around you, you will have a better understanding on what kinds of people you should surround yourself with and how to handle those in which you do not see eye to eye.

This article has the potential to affect any age who reads it. The author breaks down the four main styles of communication. Expressive is generally energetic, focus on the big picture and find conflict when others disagree in opinion. systematic are opposite and focus on fine details. Sympathetics love people, they listen well and care about others well being. Finally, directs are involved in many things at once, they are more concerned with the final outcome of things rather than smaller detailed tasks. The author goes into depth one step further with each of these topics and describes how to adjust your own personal style depending the situation you are put in.

It is my belief that diversity is what keeps our world from falling into black and white. As literal as that sounds, I don't mean it in a way of Caucasions vs. African Americans. I mean in every aspect. Without the shy, smart, energetic, optimistic personalities, without Mexicans, Asians, Africans, jews, christians, muslims our lives would lack varrying experiences and ideas. It is completely necessary we all get a taste of as many walks of life as possible during the remainder of our existence on earth. Opening your eyes to those who share different opinions or racial backgrounds is what strengthens the heart to grow. Diversity is visible everywhere, not just in the workplace. Take a look around.

Defining Hate Crimes

The 1960s was a very ugly time for America. Whites and blacks were kept seperate by law. Although both groups were claimed to have been treated equally, history shows us blacks were generally looked down upon with disgust by whites. This division of people was created based solely on the fact that blacks were different and different meant they didn't deserve the same rights as the "normal" white people.
Unfortunately today this lack of acceptance does not just have to do with race. Religion, gender, disability and sexual orientation are other factors that come into play as reasons to hate. Since the beginning of time this strong emotion has driven people to do stupid and crazy things. When these crazy things happen to break the law they are defined as a hate crime. Now how, do you ask, is a hate crime any different from a normal crime? The answer is, a criminal must be "motivated by hostility as a member of a group (as one based on color, creed, gender, or sexual orientation)." in order for a normal crime to be transformed into a hate crime.
It has been said that "hate crimes are message crimes." They are trying to communicate a message to a certain group that they are unwelcome. My question is why? I am a very strongly opinionated person and if someone challenges an idea of mine I will fight to show my beliefs, but I still find a way to listen and accept what others have to say no matter how much I disagree with the words leaving their mouths. How someone could disagree with such passion to harm other people in order to prove a point is beyond me.
I have a very hard time coming to grips with this concept. If not all, I would guess a large amount of crimes committed are driven by hate. Unless the criminal admits to acting out to specifically target a certain "type" of person I believe most hate crimes would be hard to prove. America has come a long way since the 60s but still has a ways to go. It is my hope that someday everyone will take the examples that others have left before us and learn from them.

In today’s lesson you are asked to analyze a song for its representation/expression of a social issue. You are asked to choose a song that addresses a social issue in its lyrics. The song may be aimed at a person, event, institution, social pattern, etc. You will then analyze the representation of that issue in the song, research the social issue, and use your research to support your argument in agreement with or opposition to the song artist.


Song: I Believe (Obama Tribute)
Artist: R. Kelly
Genre: R&B/Soul
Time period/year of release: 2009
What is the issue being addressed by the song? Political Diversity/Acceptance
What is the song artist’s point of view or opinion? The victory of Obama becoming president shows just how far America has come since the days when blacks and whites were treated as separate rather than equal.
Cite song lyrics (or music video images) to support and fully develop the artist’s perspective.
What are contextual factors surrounding the writing of this song? (Were there any major social events taking place around the time of the song’s writing? Examples: war, oppression, economic crisis, social liberty success or struggle.) This song was made in regards to the Presidential election of 2008. "Got to the mountain and lead the path for me your victory made history and now I believe." In this example of lyrics he is describing how Obama's victory has shown minority that the world is changing and anything is possible.


Research (Include a list of resources at the end of your paper)
Use online resources to research the social issue discussed in the song. Collect facts and statistics, identify key people and events, and summarize the public’s attitude towards the issue.
What is the issue?
Who is affected?
Identify the varying perspectives of the public towards the issue. (Who is supportive, opposing, what are their views and arguments)
What is the severity of the issue? (How many people affected, how much damage, etc.)
What is the significance of the issue? (What’s the big deal?)
Is this a moral, political, economic, ethical issue?
Is there any one in control of the issue, or who has strong influence over the issue?
What has been done or is being done to address the issue?
Is the issue being resolved or becoming more controversial?

Critique
Did you find information in your research that supported the artist’s point of view? Identify parts of the artist’s opinion that were supported by your research and explain how they were supported using the information from your research.
Identify parts of the artist’s opinion that were not supported by your research and explain how your research opposed the artist’s view.
Do you share the artist’s opinion on this issue? Why or why not? Support your arguments with your research.

Paper
Part I: Song Analysis (2 pts.) Part III: Critique (4 pts.)
Part II: Research Summary (4 pts.) Part IV: Resources Page

Fort Hood

1. What are your thoughts, feelings, etc, as you read these articles?
After reading this article, I can't help but feel very sad for everyone involved. In the past I have researched details about the massacres that occured at Columbine, Virginia Tech and The Texas Clock Tower. I am shocked to see we have yet to learn. Violence will never be a smart solution to any problem.

2. What role do you think terrorism played in this massacre, if any? Why? Do you think that there was an terrorist organization behind the shooting?
It is so hard to say if this was an act based on race, religion or just plain insanity. I visited a memorial museum recently about the acts of terrorism that took place on 9/11 and sadly I must admit learning about that tragic day forever placed a biased opinion in my mind about people who share the same "muslim" look.

3. What role did racism or religious persecution play in this incident? Why?
If this man were of a different race, white for instance, he would instantly be placed in the psycho category. However, since he was muslim he was instantly judged based on what his own personal beliefs may or may not be.

4. Do you think a lot of Muslim Americans have the same feelings as this man? Why or why not?
Some probably do, but definitely not all. I think there are a lot of innocent Muslim Americans who just long for peace and the right to be able to walk into an airport without instantly being judged.

5. What do you think the military could have done to prevent this from happening? Why do you believe this? Were there signs that this man had the potential to do something like this? What were they?
In this particular situation I am not so sure there is much the military could have done to prevent this shooting rampage. He was a quiet man who was professionally trained to keep people from snapping and doing exactly what he did.

6. Talk about the leadership of Kimberly Munley (the woman who stopped the shooter). What did she do? How would you have reacted in the same situation?
Kimberly began shooting at the man who snapped because after witnessing what he had already done she knew someone needed to take control. She was shot 3 times in the process but eventually was able wound the shooter enough to end his rampage. I think I can safely say I would have never been able to step up and do the same. Knowing my life was on the line would be too much to have to handle.

7. What does this incident say about race relations in America? Specifically with Arab-Americans and Muslims? Is there a reason that Muslims and people from the Arab world feel a certain way about America?
I don't believe our country will ever view Arab-Americans and muslims the same since the attacks on the world trade center in 2001. Unfortunately that day a picture was painted that anyone of that certain descent was dangerous to our society. This triggered an incredible hate war and because of all the innocent people who were killed in search of the man who planned 9/11 I'm sure most Muslims and Arab people share a hate and sense of danger for Americans as many of us do for them.

Leadership Article #2

"Know You Are More Than Enough", the title is what drew me to read this article. Strong self esteem and confidence is something I have struggled with my entire life. The article focusses on inspiring the reader to love yourself for who you are, not what you have. The author makes a great point "the majority of the the probems we create for ourselves in life, stems from a weak self-image." I could not agree with this more! Everything in life truly begins and ends in your hands and the attitude you have while trying to complete a task determines your success. I believe this article is used to motivate rather than to inform.

This idea of self worth is one which has taken me a long time to grasp. I am finally at a place in my life where I am satisfied with the person I am. I have always been one to wonder what else is out there. Ever since I can remember I have taken what I've been given for granted. I have a nice house, my own car, lots of nice clothes, food provided daily and a set of parents who have been happily married for quite some time. Yet I would often find myself searching for just a little bit more. Until just recently I started approaching my issues in a little different way.

I can normally relate anything I do, see or hear to a song in some way. This time the line that came to mind was one from the song Desperado by The Eagles. "It seems to me some fine things have been laid upon your table, but you only want the ones that you can't get. " If you are ever feeling down and low start by searching yourself for the heart of the problem. Too often people throw their issues onto others shoulder's because at the time that seems like the easiest escape. However, this only results in the problem being buried away until it has grown to be uncovered again. You must find happiness within what you already have if you ever want to be able to move on to bigger and better things.

Leadership Article Summary

Karen Engels
11/3/09
Article Summary


“Yes, reading and math are important. But what matter most is what kinds of human beings are reading the books and doing the math.” this line is what hooked me in to reading the remaining 10 pages of this scholarly article. The author of this paper, Charles C. Haynes, goes on to give multiple examples of random acts of ethical behavior. The most interesting case to read was one about a man whose parents were survivors of the Holocaust. He told a story of the day the jews were being separated in Auschwitz.
A guard asked for anyone who was a welder to step to the front. Out of impulse this man’s father stepped forward, he had never welded a day in his life but he believed that if he could complete the task given to him he would have a better chance of staying alive. Each “welder” was asked to produce a piece of work to inspect. The German foreman in charge gave this man’s father a perfectly finished project helping him pass inspection, because of this cover up he survived the camp without ever speaking a word to this kind German man.
These acts of leadership are what make our world a better place. These are the kind of stories children need to be learning about. Hearing of these situations could inspire anyone to become more morally correct. In this paper the act of learning how to become ethical leaders is referred to as schools of conscience and the quote I started off the first paragraph with truly explains it all.
Of all the articles I have had to read this semester, I would say this one dealing with educational leadership has been my favorite to work with. I can’t put my finger on the exact reason why this article had such a large impact on me, but I think it has to do with the fact that the information within the paper relates directly to my life. I know I am not alone in saying that some of the knowledge I have gained from school is completely pointless and doesn’t connect me to the path of my future. Certain careers in this world don’t call for advanced math techniques, some don’t call for a background in earth science, but all call for ethical leadership. This is why educating our youth to “develop moral habits of the heart” is so important. It is one specific characteristic everyone will need to carry with them in the long run

High School Football Charge

1. I think to be charged on a criminal level for this is a bit ridiculous! What happened was obviously no accident, it was cruel and out of line but probably not enough to be put on this kids permanent record. I think all punishments need to come through the school. The boy should not be able to play sports again or atleast not football. As far as being suspended or expelled I think the punishing has to stay within sports.

2. The main reason I answered the first question the way I did is because I believe there is a certain expectation of putting your health on the line when getting involved in a contact sport. personally I am a very physical player and always perform expecting the same amount of aggression from my opponents. Although this incident was clearly done on person I would say a large percentage of injuries come from other players getting too rough. Bottom line is sports are just kind of dangerous.

3. From each stakeholder perspective I want you to answer the following:
Here are the stakeholders: both players, each players parent, police (or state), teammates of both players, the coach, the athletic director and principal. FROM EACH OF THESE PERSPECTIVES I WANT YOU TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS SO YOU SHOULD HAVE 9 different stakeholder perspectives!!

Victim
1. I would feel very unlucky that I happened to fall victim to my opponents anger.
2. I would like the player responsible to never have the privelege of setting foot on the field as a player ever again.
3. I would not press charges. I would just make sure he wasn't allowed to committ this same act twice.

Headbutter
1. I would just be kicking myself over how poor of a choice it truly was. I would be embarrassed that I couldn't hold back from acting on my initial impulse to headbutt my opponent.
2. I would take whatever punishment I got without any greif because the choice I made was so incredibly stupid I no longer have a say.
3. I would do everything in my power to show how sorry I was for the amount of pain and damage I caused.

Victim's Parent
1. I would feel terrible for my child and very angry at the player who was responsible.
2. I would want the school to suspend him from the team for the rest of his high school career.
3. I would not press charges even though it was a terrible choice on his part it was just a game.

Headbutter's Parent
1. I would question what was going through my son's head at the time and feel terrible for the person who suffered because of my child's actions.
2. I would not want the victim to press charges because of one stupid choice my son made I wouldn't want it to affect the rest of his life.
3. I would work hard to make sure nothing like this ever happened again to my child.

Police
1. I would feel sorry for everyone involved. Especially both boy's parents and each boy's team.
2. I would want the victim to reconsider pressing charges because violence is somewhat expected in football games.
3. I would do whatever I was told. If the victim decided to go through with the charges I would work to make sure he was paid every bit of money he was fighting for.

Victim's Teammate
1. I would feel terrible for my teammate and be extremely angry with the person who caused his injury.
2. I would want that boy to be punished in whatever way possible.
3. I would stand by whatever decision my teammate made about pressing charges because regardless of my opinion he is part of my team and it is an issue we should face all together.

Headbutter's Teammate
1. I would be extremely angry with my teammate because it would most likely mean I would never get the chance to play with him again.
2. I would not want him to be charged or punished because I would want to continue playing with him on my team.
3. I would deal with whatever choice was made because it is not necessarily my business to get involved with. I would have no power in this situation to change any outcome.

Headbutter's Coach
1. I would be extremely disappointed in my player because I know I would not teach them to play that way.
2. I would not want my player to be kicked off the team permanently because I would miss his athletic ability.
3. I would punish him in every way possible when it came to practice. I would make him never want to purposely inflict pain on an opponent ever again.

Headbutter's Athletic Director
1. I would feel terrible for the victim and be very disappointed in the football player responsible.
2. I would not want there to be charges placed because the negative attention makes everyone on this side of the story look bad.
3. I would want the boy to be punished in a way that he would never even think of committing the same sort of mistake ever again, but I would still fight for him to be able to play again.

Article Summary

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/3306

A man watched a kitten crawl into his backyard and for whatever the reason, this man thought the best way to get rid of this aggrivating animal would be to torture it. He duct taped the helpless kitten entirely from its' neck down. Once reality set in and the man responsible realized the seriousness of what he had just done, he panicked and stashed the kitten in a nearby yard. When a neighbor heard the animal meowing in agony he went outside and took the kitten in to an animal hospital to recover. The man at fault for harming the kitten was caught and charged with a pretty hefty fine. Luckily with a little time and a lot of patience the kitten was saved and is now living happy good as new.
I came across this story when surfing through numerous "funny" animal snap shots on msnbc.com. Something that really stood out to me was the popularity of this article. It didn't effect anyone except for the man responsible for abusing the kitten, the rescuer and the cat itself yet this story caught the eye of hundreds of viewers. People enjoy these types of stories for many reasons, it is out of the norm, justice is served, or a hero is made. Personally I enjoy reading them because they are much different than the average news you see taking over the headlines.
As I said earlier I discovered this article when shifting through different animal pictures. Every image I saw was either funny, cute or just kind of weird. The picture of the kitten duct taped from head to toe was none of the above. It made me angry and gave me a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. The person who thought duct taping that cat either thought it was humerous or that the animal deserved to be punished and I know for a fact there are many different ways he could have gone about handling getting this stray animal out of his yard. I have a cat. His name is Puck and I've had him for almost 12 years now. He is one of my very best friends I don't know what I would do if I ever found him all wrapped up in duct tape. I am just glad to see the man responsible is paying the price for this crime.

Response #4

1. The author has now gone into depth on what types of people cause epidemics to tip. He says there are people in this world who are born "connectors". In his mind a connector is someone who brings people together through their bubbly personality or friend seeking attitude. This point made has made me categorize the people I know sunconsciously. Without even thinking I have begun to wonder who in my friend group would fall into each of the categories the author has gone into depth to explain. I have yet to find my results and maybe it is because I am the kinda of person he is trying to describe and I don't even realize it.

2. Dr. Stone, my 10th grade chemistry teacher, is someone who I believe to be very intelligent and if faced with the opportunity would find a way to let you know that. One of the 3 categories my author places epidemic tippers under is called a maven. This is someone who looks at the finer details and knows basic facts about practically everything. In more extreme cases the "maven" is the "know-it-all". Dr. Stone truly does know it all but isn't one to boast or brag about it, she simply uses her knowledge to expand the thoughts of others.

3. I think it's very important for us to study leadership. This class is one of few subjects in school I actually apply to my everyday life. Without looking at others to inspire or set an example I would be stuck to my own ideas. I sometimes learn best by hearing what others have to say before running my mouth. It is good to hear other people's perspectives and views on certain topics even if I don't necessarily agree with what they have to say.

1. Reactions to the latest pages you have read. What have you found interesting so far? What do you agree/disagree with?

Now that I have passed the introduction of my book the author has started to break down the three main causes of epidemics. He uses the example of an outbreak of syphilis in Baltimore during the mid-1990s. Somewhere along the way something caused this outbreak to "tip" it went from some people carrying the disease to everyone and their dog having it. The author has done a great job of opening my eyes to the various way things can be spread and yet there is still no way of knowing the exact reason for such outbreaks.

2. What leadership traits has the subject of your book shown? Or what leadership traits has your author talked about being important? Use specific examples from the book including page number.

I can honestly say other then what I covered in my last post my book hasn't shown too many other examples of leadership. I look forward to the rest of my book relating more to how certain epidemics connect directly to the leader in play at the time.

3. Talk about a specific quote or passage that has stood out to you so far. What is it? Why do you feel it is important?

The quote that still stands out in my mind is "Little things can make a big difference." this is the one I used last blog but it makes the most sense to me out of everything I have read so far.

4. Give me an example of a time that you had to make an ethical decision. What was the situation? Who (no names necessary) was involved? What was the ethical dilemma? Ultimately what did you decide to do and why?

I have made many poor choices in the 17 years that I have been alive. I never think thoroughly about the consequences for my actions. I make decisions quickly based on how exciting or fun they may sound at the time. when I was younger I was faced almost daily with the choice of taking things from Kwik Star. My friends and I would get hungry, be walking around and with zero money stop into the convenient store on the hill. finally I was caught by my dad and that made all the difference.

I haven’t really gotten far enough into the book to judge my true opinion about it yet. I haven’t read so much about leadership but rather the impact certain fads go through. Like how the affect of one famous person wearing an ugly old sweater can make it instantly popular.

My views of what I thought leadership was haven’t been changed at all. I see leadership every day and know enough about it to spot one in practically any situation. This book has done nothing to alter my opinion of that, at least not yet.

When I was younger, I believe it was 8^th grade, we had an awards ceremony wrapping up our accomplishments at the end of the year. One of the awards was voted on by our classmates and though I don’t remember the exact title, it had something to do with being a positive leader. I had never seen myself as a leader, in fact I never really wanted to be one. I figured it would be easier to be seen as a follower so I didn’t have to worry about the choices I was making affecting others. Since that award I have truly grown to accept my position as someone people look up to. As stupid as it sounds I was honored to be the chosen one of the many.

“little changes can somehow have big affects.” (pg. 10) This is true in all situations. Sometimes the smallest of mistakes or decisions can be what causes an entire company to shut down or a life to be saved.

HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY :)