We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and in an attempt to identify our weaknesses, each member of our group consulted with co-workers, family and friends. We were in some cases shocked at the feedback received. However, further analysis showed how these assessments tied into our personal profiles, which were previously arrived at using the DISC Analysis Test. Jackie's influence profiles were shown in her habitual interruption and needing to be heard. Elizabeth's assessment as

Arlene's best friend defined her poor communication skill as not allowing people to repeat themselves and quick to bring that point out. In a situation where someone says the same thing several different ways and truly annoys her, she responds by simply not paying anymore attention. Whether she understands the point they are trying to make or not, she avoids asking questions which she feels will prolong the repetition. Among friends she prevents this by simply saying, "you've said that before," and they move on.

Elizabeth, unlike Jackie, does not enter into conversations hastily; others deem her a confident speaker with a commanding presence when she speaks, but because she tends to shy away from the spotlight she is seldom heard as a result. Also, when in a combative environment, rather than increasing the force of her presence she tends to state her case and step back. The only surprise in this analysis to her was the notion of her having a commanding presence.

Second, now that each team member is aware of their (and the others') weaknesses, it will help them to better understand each other when they are communicating. For example, if Louie knows that Jackie has a tendency to interrupt what he is saying to make her own statement, than he is less likely to lose patience and think that she is being rude. Likewise, if Elizabeth knows that Louie has a habit of finishing other people's sentences she'll be less likely to lose patience with him. The point here is that by knowing each other's weaknesses, the team members can overcome them. They can help each other be better communicators during the course of their meetings and learn from each other's mistakes.

Inscape Publishing, Inc. (1994). Personal Profile System: A plan to understand yourself and others. Escondido, CA: The Ken Blanchard Companies

Louie and Arlene seem to have a lot in common when communicating with people. They both dislike having long drawn out conversations, just the facts are most important. They would probably ask the same questions that would help them to better understand the speaker's thoughts and be able to draw their own conclusions. Louie also seems to share with Jackie when it comes to filling in what the other person will say before they say it, while Elizabeth waits until she has all the information before she replies.

Louie has paid close attention to his communication skills and has observed and made note of how he interacts with others. The conclusion he has come to is that he has the habit of tuning out what people are saying if he thinks they aren't getting to the point quickly enough for him. He does this with his family as well as his co-workers. He does it most with his wife, whom he feels has a tendency to babble

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Approximate Word count = 1852
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)