mnliteracy.org
VISTAEARLY SERVICE TRAINING:
Effective Communication
at Your Host Site
August 20, 2018
Debbie Cushman, Associate Director
Minnesota Literacy Council
Your Presenter
Agenda
1. Why discuss?
2. Personal style
3. Identifying challenges
4. Assorted thoughts / tips
5. Q & A
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Why Discuss Communication?
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1. Stress and conflict happen
2. Awesome things happen too
3. To be intentional about exercising
communication muscles
4. We work with…
people!
4
Avoid Unwelcome Surprises
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Personal Communication Style
• Method – verbal / nonverbal / written
• Personality – introverted / extroverted
organic / structured
talker / listener
slower / faster
Activity – Personal Preferences
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1. Work in pairs
2. Identify 3-4 preferences
3. Be ready to report back
INDIVIDUAL
KSAOs
Experience
Personality /
StyleTraining
Non-Work Issue
Challenge Identifier 1:
INDIVIDUAL
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POSITION
New / Outdated
Too Big / Too
Small
Too MuchVariation
Lack of Clarity
GeneralDesign
Challenge Identifier 2:
POSITION
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VISTA
SUPERVISOR
DEPARTMENT
ORGANIZATION
Challenge Identifier 3:
SYSTEM
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Activity - Scenarios
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1. Work in pairs
2. Identify 2-3 possible challenges
3. Be ready to report back
Goal S
ettin
g
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Pa
reto
Princip
le
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Bell
Cu
rve
(n
orm
al dis
trib
ution)
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Para
norm
al
Dis
trib
utio
n
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Urg
en
t-Im
po
rta
nt
Ma
trix
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Tips
• Active listening
→ listen like there will be a quiz later
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Tips
• Curiosity
→ show genuine interest in coworkers and organizational culture
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Tips
• What’s the headline?
→ what do others really need to know
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Tips
• Have actual conversations
→ don’t over-rely on electronic communications
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Tips
• Seek advice
→ check in with trusted advisors
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Questions?
Debbie Cushman
Associate Director
(651) 251-9095
22
