n last week's journalyou were asked to complete Step 1 of learning skills.This week you will continue designing your Action Plan process by completing the following steps:

Step 2: Assess Reality. Now that you have identified the interpersonal job-related skills that you want/need to develop, talk to relevant individuals to acquire specific feedback from them about your performance regarding those skills. Obviously, you will need to select individuals who have observed you performing the skill you have chosen (e.g., an employer, co-worker, spouse, friend, other colleague, etc.) How does the feedback you obtain relate to the assessment results that you received? What feedback is surprising to you? What are your overall feelings about the feedback?

Step 3: Develop an Action Plan. An action plan is a series of steps to achieve a goal (DuBrin, 2012). Once you have completed Steps 1-2, locate the chapter in the textbook that relates to the skills that you have identified and begin researching developmental activities to assist you in improving that skill. Visit websites, read books, visit the library, etc. to further acquire information and strategies for developing the skills that you have targeted for improvement. Using this information, wirte Action Plan for the interpersonal job-related skills that you have selected to develop. Make your Action Plan the first entry in your journal. Each week you will write bout the steps you have taken to achieve the actions you have laid out in your plan. Be prepared to work diligently on your journal and Action Plan throughout the duration of the course.

REFERENCE:

WEEK 1 SOURCE-

Template for Goal Setting - Your Name :

Skill/s to learn/enhance	Assessments used to determine skill status	Goal or Goals (positive, specific, concise, realistic)	Short Term with anticipated date of completion	Medium Term with anticipated date of completion	Long Term with anticipated date of completion	NOTES
Communication	I notice I struggle with listening and tend to interrupt others before they finish speaking I received feedback from my colleagues who informed me that my communication is confusing and unclear	Goal is to have a strong relationship with my team by actively listening and communicating with them effectively.	Improve listening skills and improve and make sure to clarify when asking questions- Deadline goal-1 month from today	Effectively communicate with my team members and receive feedback. Deadline Goal- 3 months from today	Build a stronger foundation filled with trust and strong communication with colleagues. Deadline goal- y months from today	Keep a journal of important instances of successful communication and collaboration for self-reflection.
Managing Conflict	I avoid confrontation which sometimes makes situations worse	Be comfortable with handling conflict and being able to address any issues appropriately and professionally.	Improve my thought process on handling conflict by focusing on behavior and events versus personality. Deadline goal- 1 month from today	Effectively increase my communication skills which will build confidence and help address on work through issues at the office. Deadline Goal- 2 months from today.	Improve my overall view on conflict and understand that sometimes conflict is needed for a big issue to be resolved and that it's important to not judge or avoid a problem just because it is uncomfortable. This will improve the overall morale at the office by decreasing tension and unwarranted issues.	Document any conflict and their resolve - in return can prevent or help other conflicts. Also provides self-reflection on the improvement made and certain details to overcome other issues.
Ability to understand and empathize	I received feedback that I am sometimes dismissive during conversations and not compassionate	Build stronger relationships with my colleagues by understanding and empathizing with certain issues.	Improve my ability to not be dismissive when someone is talking about something important to them- deadline goal 1 month from today	Slowly get to know my co-workers to be able to better understand their personalities to help empathize with anything they are struggling with- Deadline goal-3 months from today	Be a more compassionate and empathetic individual to have stronger relationships with my colleagues.	Practice on changing your mindset by not jumping to conclusions quickly.

ACTION PLAN (websites, library, social media, books, etc.)
Goal Identified Above	Identify Action Item or Step-	Write bout steps you have taken	Notes/Entry Concerning Progress	Date Explored/ Accomplished
Goal is to have a strong relationship with my team by actively listening and communicating with them effectively	Read an article on effective communication and active listening - while also listening to podcasts about communication and active listening.	I have read a few articles that helped me understand how to incorporate active listening skills into my conversations and how to make sure my communication is clear. I have tried these techniques- which include not interrupting, listening without judging, and staying focused. I have also controlled my emotions, and made sure I was clear on expectations with my coworkers to avoid any confusion on assignments.	I will continue to read articles and listen to podcasts in hoping that it will keep me focused on making sure I stay engaged with my team.	Reading articles at least once a week, and listening to podcast. NOTE: Podcast-Think Fast Talk Smart
Be comfortable with handling conflict and being able to address any issues appropriately and professionally.	Watch other handle conflict at work, but gain advice through TedTalks, podcasts, and articles	Watched a TedTalk about being productivity at work and conflict. Also read about handing conflict at work by communicating effectively, prioritizing the areas of conflict, and finding solutions to resolve the conflict.	Concerned about the ability to be confident in addressing any issues. However, will continue to increase my other skillsets to help my confidence grow.	Watching TedTalks weekly and listening to Podcast a few times per week. NOTE: Podcast- Conflicted Managed
Build stronger relationships with my colleagues by understanding and empathizing with certain issues.	Listen to podcasts, TedTalks, and read articles to help improve my empathy skills. Also, watching others interact at work.	So far, I listened to a few podcasts and watched TedTalks that helped me understand the importance of understanding individuals wants, needs, and dreams so that I can sincerely be understanding with certain issues or problems within the work place.	It is challenging to learn a new set of skills that does not come completely natural. However, I will continue to watch others at work relate to one another, while also reading and watching videos.	Watching Individuals at work interact every day and listening to a podcast at least 1 a month of being empathic. NOTE: Podcast: Handle with Care

All references for articles and TedTalks are listed below.

References:

Bosworth, P. (2019, February 13). The power of good communication in the workplace. Leadership Choice; Leadership Choice. https://leadershipchoice.com/power-good-communication-workplace/

Elting, L. (2023). If You Want To Learn The Art Of Effective Workplace Communication, These Are The Skills You Need To Hone. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizelting/2023/06/26/if-you-want-to-learn-the-art-of-effective-workplace-communication-these-are-the-skills-you-need-to-hone/

Kaye, S. (2018, September 19). Why we need more empathy in the workplace. Www.ted.com. https://www.ted.com/talks/shola_kaye_why_we_need_more_empathy_in_the_workplace_jan_2018

Kutch, J. (2019, October 30). What productive conflict can offer a workplace. Www.ted.com. https://www.ted.com/talks/jess_kutch_what_productive_conflict_can_offer_a_workplace?hasSummary=true

Porath, C., & Boissy, A. (2023, February 10). Practice Empathy as a Team. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2023/02/practice-empathy-as-a-team

UC San Diego. (2018, January 5). How to Handle Conflict in the Workplace. Ucsd.edu. https://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/supervising/conflict/handle.html