Communication and the Impact of Diversity Diversity is defined as “The state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization.” Culture refers to the learned patterns of thought and behavior that are passed from generation to generation. Diversity and culture are two different things and identifying how they differ is key to understanding how they impact communication. To effectively communicate, cultural differences must be recognized, addressed, and understood. If these key components are accomplished, successful communication will follow. At the Valor House the client base is veterans. However, veterans come from all walks of life. White, African American, Filipino, Asian, Mexican, men,
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I would agree with seasoned social workers that active listening is the most important communication tool used in the helping process. One aspect of active listening is re-stating or paraphrasing what is said in their own words. By doing this the client knows the social worker is paying attention and it also helps clarify thoughts and ideas. While actively listening it is important to remember details, ask questions, and summarizes what is being retold. Additionally, there are several other non-verbal skills that can be utilized. Smiling conveys to the client I am interested and listening to what is being said, slightly leaning forward also indicates active listening, and mirroring my client’s facial expressions reflects accurate emotional responses. Active listening skills impact all phases of the planned change process. Active listening skills have the potential to define a working relationship with a client; either positively or negatively. In the engagement phase I am establishing and maintaining a meaningful working relationship with my client. A key component of building that relationship is trust. The primary skill used to build that trust is actively listening. Making sure my client knows his/her concerns are being heard, that he/she is the focus of our work, and that I will advocate for their need is …show more content…
I am still learning how to manage long periods of silence and use it as a tool. There have been situations where I have asked questions not directly related to my clients need to avoid periods of silence. Reflecting on those times, the questions have been asked to serve my agenda and not my clients. I am learning that periods of silence are necessary to effectively communicate. Complex topics and issues need to be digested and that takes time and occasionally silence. Through personal self-control I am learning to let the silence sit until the client is ready to move forward. However, I do have a fear that the silence will become a tense competition of who will speak first. I am inexperienced in dealing with long periods of silence so every opportunity I have dealing with it is a learning experience. I would self-report that I am not as effective as I need to be. Some of my current techniques are inappropriate and potentially harmful to my relationship with clients. I believe recognizing silence is part of social work and an acceptable form of communication is essential to dealing with it in a more professional
I would agree with seasoned social workers that active listening is the most important communication tool used in the helping process. One aspect of active listening is re-stating or paraphrasing what is said in their own words. By doing this the client knows the social worker is paying attention and it also helps clarify thoughts and ideas. While actively listening it is important to remember details, ask questions, and summarizes what is being retold. Additionally, there are several other non-verbal skills that can be utilized. Smiling conveys to the client I am interested and listening to what is being said, slightly leaning forward also indicates active listening, and mirroring my client’s facial expressions reflects accurate emotional responses. Active listening skills impact all phases of the planned change process. Active listening skills have the potential to define a working relationship with a client; either positively or negatively. In the engagement phase I am establishing and maintaining a meaningful working relationship with my client. A key component of building that relationship is trust. The primary skill used to build that trust is actively listening. Making sure my client knows his/her concerns are being heard, that he/she is the focus of our work, and that I will advocate for their need is …show more content…
I am still learning how to manage long periods of silence and use it as a tool. There have been situations where I have asked questions not directly related to my clients need to avoid periods of silence. Reflecting on those times, the questions have been asked to serve my agenda and not my clients. I am learning that periods of silence are necessary to effectively communicate. Complex topics and issues need to be digested and that takes time and occasionally silence. Through personal self-control I am learning to let the silence sit until the client is ready to move forward. However, I do have a fear that the silence will become a tense competition of who will speak first. I am inexperienced in dealing with long periods of silence so every opportunity I have dealing with it is a learning experience. I would self-report that I am not as effective as I need to be. Some of my current techniques are inappropriate and potentially harmful to my relationship with clients. I believe recognizing silence is part of social work and an acceptable form of communication is essential to dealing with it in a more professional