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Definition: The connection between two or more people that ensures a certain level of clarity and respect while working with one another.

 

Criteria: 

• ​One should always be cognizant of others' thoughts and opinions

• Reaching out to another person when there is a lack of clarity or a misunderstanding

• Prior to making decisions, examine the group and ensure that everyone is informed

• It is far better to either ask or say than it is to assume or be unsure

• Listening is also part of communication, perhaps even the most important part.

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Artifact:

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Evaluation of Artifact: 

        This email is a representation of the communication that was so important throughout my job this past summer. I worked in the coastal bend division, while my boss worked in the Houston office of the company, so it was crucial that I frequently communicated with him and vice versa. If there was ever any confusion, I made sure to either call or email as soon as possible, so that I was able to do my job thoroughly and with complete confidence. 

       Whether it is an emotion, a question, or a thought that concerns another person or a group of people, I will always try to bring it to the surface. Being a strong communicator requires patience, as well as confidence when approaching others. It is important to see others’ perspective prior to disagreeing with them. Listening makes others feel important and cherished when seeking clarification, and asking questions enable one to fully accomplish that.

       While it is at times difficult to be sure that I am always communicating to the best of my ability, I think it wise to note that that is why I listen first. Majority of the time, the questions that we ask or the confusion that we encounter, could be resolved by simply being a good listener. I have learned just as many valuable lessons from not listening, as I have from actually listening. Listening is not always audible either, as sometimes it can be done by clearly reading an email from one's manager. Being an intern at TXU Energy this summer taught me to not be afraid of communicating when you're confused or uninformed. I have found that it is when we fail to communicate at all, that we should really be fearful.

         Tomorrow holds a promise for improvement and presents me with an opportunity to better my skills as professional. Today, however, holds true to who I am in this very moment and what I know about myself. With this knowledge, I plan to pave the way today for a better tomorrow, rather than constantly relying on tomorrow's promise for improvement. In order to ensure this, I will actively pursue opportunities that are beyond my comfort zone. I will take more risks by asking questions not solely when I am confused, but also when I want to know more; I will satisfy my curiosity, rather than bridling it. In a potential professional career, I plan to carry out these objectives by constantly striving to learn more through avid listening and connecting with others. This sets the foundation for a thriving working environment and for a more fulfilling learning experience as well.

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