The image below provides a great explanation of the different aspects of teamwork. If one applies these aspects, they will become a more effective and productive group member.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
There is No I in Team
This upcoming Tuesday, my group for MCOM has a huge project due. This project includes a full business report, a handout, and a 15 minute presentation. Because this project is so large, our group has found that there is no way to get the project completed without relying on each other. Sometimes working in a team can be a frusterating experience. And sometimes people would prefer to work alone. However, sometimes we have no choice in the matter. Sometimes we are required to work in a team. Working well in a team is a skill that every single individual should try to develop. This skill is one that comes in handy in all aspects of life.
The image below provides a great explanation of the different aspects of teamwork. If one applies these aspects, they will become a more effective and productive group member.
The image below provides a great explanation of the different aspects of teamwork. If one applies these aspects, they will become a more effective and productive group member.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Take A Survey
I have recently been learning about business reports and business problems. When a company identifies a problem, they must go through several steps to come up with a viable solution. One of these steps includes gathering data. There are several ways one can gather data. One can use telephone surveys, online surveys, questionnaires, or personal interviews.
I decided that it might be fun to have you guys take a survey that I made. Sorry, but you can only take this survey if you are currently a BYU student. Just copy and paste the link below, and you should be on your way. This survey is short, you should be able to take it in about 2-5 minutes. You will be asked a few simple questions about your experience here at BYU. Enjoy!
I decided that it might be fun to have you guys take a survey that I made. Sorry, but you can only take this survey if you are currently a BYU student. Just copy and paste the link below, and you should be on your way. This survey is short, you should be able to take it in about 2-5 minutes. You will be asked a few simple questions about your experience here at BYU. Enjoy!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8M6PSSV
Monday, March 17, 2014
Team Presentation
During class this past week, my team had to give a presentation. Overall I thought the presentation went well, but there our things that our team can improve on and things that I can improve on individually.
I felt that I knew my material well. I was clear and concise and I did not ramble on for too long. That being said, I felt that I could have been more animated in my presentation. I could have used more hand gestures and facial expressions. I need to keep my audience more engaged.
Our team did well together. We had a good hook to our presentation that drew the audience in. We also practiced a few times beforehand to make sure the presentation was running smoothly. I thought we transitioned well between each individual. As a team I think we could work on paying better attention when each person presents. We must be careful not to glare at the person speaking, but we also must be careful not to let our eyes wander around the room.
I felt that I knew my material well. I was clear and concise and I did not ramble on for too long. That being said, I felt that I could have been more animated in my presentation. I could have used more hand gestures and facial expressions. I need to keep my audience more engaged.
Our team did well together. We had a good hook to our presentation that drew the audience in. We also practiced a few times beforehand to make sure the presentation was running smoothly. I thought we transitioned well between each individual. As a team I think we could work on paying better attention when each person presents. We must be careful not to glare at the person speaking, but we also must be careful not to let our eyes wander around the room.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
CLOUD Nine
One of the most useful things I have learned in my MCOM class is the concept of writing a CLOUD paragraph. If one applies this concept, their paragraphs will be more clear, compelling, and successful.
Coherence: Make sure that each paragraph flows in logical order. It should tie in to any paragraphs before it, and each sentence in the paragraph should flow in a logical order. Try using transition words between paragraphs and sentences to help coherence.
Length: Do not make a paragraph to long. It will look hard to the reader and will be difficult to read. Try not to have paragraphs that are longer than six to seven lines.
Organization: Write paragraphs in a top-down order. This means that a writer introduces their topic in the beginning of the paragraph, and then the rest of the sentences support the topic that was introduced in the first.
Unity: Make sure that all sentences in each paragraph pertain to the topic. Do not start discussing topics that were not covered in the introduction sentence.
Development: A paragraph's main point must contain proper development and support. Include statistics, examples, stories, and explanations.
Using CLOUD paragraphs can greatly improve your writing. Hopefully the reader will be on CLOUD nine after reading your work.
Coherence: Make sure that each paragraph flows in logical order. It should tie in to any paragraphs before it, and each sentence in the paragraph should flow in a logical order. Try using transition words between paragraphs and sentences to help coherence.
Length: Do not make a paragraph to long. It will look hard to the reader and will be difficult to read. Try not to have paragraphs that are longer than six to seven lines.
Organization: Write paragraphs in a top-down order. This means that a writer introduces their topic in the beginning of the paragraph, and then the rest of the sentences support the topic that was introduced in the first.
Unity: Make sure that all sentences in each paragraph pertain to the topic. Do not start discussing topics that were not covered in the introduction sentence.
Development: A paragraph's main point must contain proper development and support. Include statistics, examples, stories, and explanations.
Using CLOUD paragraphs can greatly improve your writing. Hopefully the reader will be on CLOUD nine after reading your work.
Image Credit: blogs.vmware.com
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Is Letter Writing a Lost Art?
We live in an age full of technology. Much of the communication we do is either online, or on a cellular device. Some people think that writing letters is a lost art, but it is actually still often used in the business world. There are three main ways to format business letters. One can use the full-block format, the modified-block format, or the simplified format. It is important to be able to recognize when each of these formats should be used.
The full-block format is probably the most well-known and classic format. In this format you use one-inch margins and have single space text. You leave multiple spaces between paragraphs and letter parts. The letter should be centered vertically on the page and the name, date, and pages number should be included on each page.
Image Credit: www.austinschools.org
The modified-block format is similar to the full-block format. Differences include moving the date, complimentary close, and sender's name close to the center of the pages. One may also indent the body paragraphs.
Image Credit: www.isenberg.umass.edu
The simplified format is another variation of the full-block. One may want to use this format when writing to a group or committee, or when you are unsure of a recipients gender. In this format one omits the salutation and instead adds a subject line. Instead of including a complimentary close, simply capitalize your name and title.
Image Credit: www.docstoc.com
The full-block format is probably the most well-known and classic format. In this format you use one-inch margins and have single space text. You leave multiple spaces between paragraphs and letter parts. The letter should be centered vertically on the page and the name, date, and pages number should be included on each page.
Image Credit: www.austinschools.org
The modified-block format is similar to the full-block format. Differences include moving the date, complimentary close, and sender's name close to the center of the pages. One may also indent the body paragraphs.
Image Credit: www.isenberg.umass.edu
The simplified format is another variation of the full-block. One may want to use this format when writing to a group or committee, or when you are unsure of a recipients gender. In this format one omits the salutation and instead adds a subject line. Instead of including a complimentary close, simply capitalize your name and title.
Image Credit: www.docstoc.com
Online Interview
One of the assignments for this week was to conduct on online interview with a partner from our class. My partner and I originally tried to do the interview over Google Hangout, but we had some audio issues so we moved over to Skype. Overall, I felt the interview went well. I felt calm throughout and was able to think clearly. I tried to include more PAR stories in my answers and tie in how my personality traits would help me be successful in the job.
There are still a few things that I would like to improve on. Sometimes I felt that I got a little bit tongue tied and had difficulty expressing what exactly I was trying to say. I think this can be helped through more practice. During the interview, I just had my laptop sitting on my lap. I realized that it would have been better to have it sitting on a desk or table. It would have kept the camera more steady.
My employer was Jessica Carter. I give her a 5/5 for being professional and helpful. She asked great questions and helped me feel at ease. Thanks Jessica!
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Right on PAR
Few things can be more nerve-wracking than a job interview. During an interview one feels pressure to impresses the interviewer but still must portray them self accurately. In my MCOM class this week, we learned a helpful approach to answering possible interview questions. We were taught to answer with a PAR story, or a story that starts with a problem, contains an action, and shows a result. For example...
Problem: While I was growing up, my father's job required us to move often. This was difficult because often times I would feel hesitant to make new friends.
Action: As I grew, I realized that a being kind and having a positive attitude would bring beneficial friendships to my life. I made extra effort to involve myself in extra-curricular activities and to make new friendships.
Result: During high school I was able to develop many long-lasting friendships. I learned truly how to communicate with others and how to show others that I care about them. I also had the opportunity to serve on my student council and learn leadership skills.
By using a PAR story, the interviewer is able to see how the interviewee deals with a difficult situation. It shows strengths that the interviewee has, and allows the interviewer to get to know the individual through a personal story. It would be a good idea to come up with a few possible PAR stories to use before you go in for an interview. And remember, practice makes perfect! Try doing a mock interview to help you prepare. That way you will seem natural during your interview and the interviewer thinks you are right on PAR.
Problem: While I was growing up, my father's job required us to move often. This was difficult because often times I would feel hesitant to make new friends.
Action: As I grew, I realized that a being kind and having a positive attitude would bring beneficial friendships to my life. I made extra effort to involve myself in extra-curricular activities and to make new friendships.
Result: During high school I was able to develop many long-lasting friendships. I learned truly how to communicate with others and how to show others that I care about them. I also had the opportunity to serve on my student council and learn leadership skills.
By using a PAR story, the interviewer is able to see how the interviewee deals with a difficult situation. It shows strengths that the interviewee has, and allows the interviewer to get to know the individual through a personal story. It would be a good idea to come up with a few possible PAR stories to use before you go in for an interview. And remember, practice makes perfect! Try doing a mock interview to help you prepare. That way you will seem natural during your interview and the interviewer thinks you are right on PAR.
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