D235 Reflection Paper on Interprofessional Communication in Healthcare
Student Name
Western Governors University
D235 Interprofessional Communication and Leadership in Healthcare
Prof. Name
Date
D235 Reflection Paper on Interprofessional Communication in Healthcare
Part One: Working Style
A1: What Are My Working Style Results?
According to my 5 Dynamics report, my working style reveals a combination of energies: explore effortless, excite deliberate, examine deliberate+, and execute effortless. The explore dynamic shows an effortless intensity, indicating that once I begin investigating an idea or concept, I naturally follow through and develop effective solutions. The excite dynamic has a deliberate intensity, meaning I prefer to share ideas and engage a team actively to foster enthusiasm and collaboration around a project. The examine dynamic also reflects deliberate intensity, which resonates with my approach to tasks. I am naturally curious, often questioning the underlying reasons and gathering detailed information to guide decisions. This approach involves a back-and-forth process of analyzing and categorizing my thoughts. Lastly, the execute dynamic with effortless intensity means I can carry out planned tasks efficiently, avoiding interruptions or setbacks.
| Dynamic | Intensity Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Explore | Effortless | Naturally pursue ideas and develop solutions |
| Excite | Deliberate | Share ideas, engage group for enthusiasm |
| Examine | Deliberate+ | Investigate deeply, analyze information systematically |
| Execute | Effortless | Complete tasks efficiently without disruption |
A2: How Do I Reflect on My Working Style Results?
Two significant strengths stand out in my working style. First, the effortless intensity in explore means I generate ideas and answers to “how” naturally during initial stages. This initiates a positive cycle of success and satisfaction. Second, the effortless execute energy enables me to achieve goals and complete projects timely, which boosts team confidence and cohesion.
My working style aligns closely with how I manage college courses or workplace projects. Contrary to procrastination, I immediately review task requirements and organize my thoughts to meet expectations effectively. However, I face challenges when overwhelmed by excessive information in a short time. To manage this, I take breaks and use repetition, especially during live lectures, to reinforce understanding. Additionally, I learn best when fully engaged in the moment, often sitting near the front of class and recording lectures to capture essential details.
A3: What Working Styles Do I Prefer in Teammates?
The ideal teammate would possess a balanced combination of all working styles. I value collaboration with individuals who can brainstorm freely, share ideas openly, and communicate without bias. It is essential for each member to feel included and respected. If disagreements arise, I encourage open communication to integrate diverse viewpoints and reach a consensus that benefits the entire team.
Part Two: Communication
A4A: What Is My Listening Mode?
During my nursing career, I encountered a sensitive conversation about end-of-life care involving a resident’s family and a hospice nurse. The atmosphere was somber yet professional, as we coordinated care respecting the family’s spiritual beliefs. I practiced listening to learn by attentively gathering facts and nuances to develop an appropriate care plan.
A4B: How Did Listening Impact My Learning?
Through attentive listening, I gained a deep understanding of the family’s values and final wishes, despite their beliefs differing from my own. This comprehensive understanding allowed me to accommodate their specific requests while ensuring all parties reached a mutual agreement.
A4C: How Has Listening Affected My Relationships?
Adopting a listening style that allows others to express their feelings uninterrupted has improved my interpersonal relationships. By grasping the emotions behind messages, I can respond thoughtfully and foster genuine, open communication.
A5A: What Is My Speaking Mode?
I recall an incident where a coworker defended calling out of work but going out socially, causing conflict when pictures surfaced on social media. My attempt to share a different perspective was met with resistance. In this situation, my speaking became less about accuracy and more about managing conflict, reflecting a defense mechanism rather than open dialogue.
A5B: What Have I Learned from Speaking?
In challenging conversations, I strive to reflect on all viewpoints to guide the discussion toward a constructive resolution. Although not every situation resolves perfectly, encouraging direct dialogue between conflicting parties often leads to better mutual understanding. Acting as a mediator is not always effective; sometimes, enabling the parties to communicate directly is preferable.
A5C: How Does My Speaking Affect Relationships?
My communication style adapts to the audience. In professional settings, I maintain clarity and respect, ensuring my message is easily understood. When speaking with family, I soften my tone and avoid jargon, offering explanations as needed. With colleagues, I uphold professionalism while respecting diverse perspectives, aiming to relate to their needs and foster empathy.
| Audience | Speaking Style | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Soft tone, simple language | Clarity, comfort, offer explanation |
| Co-workers | Professional, respectful tone | Team cohesion, mutual understanding |
| Professional | Clear, direct communication | Efficiency, goal achievement |
A6: How Do I Apply the Laws of Conversation?
I approach communication with the intent to build meaningful exchanges, analyzing my audience to foster trust and avoid misunderstandings. If bias or miscommunication arises, I consider emotions and body language to realign the conversation toward positive engagement and value creation rather than waste.
A7: How Will I Use New Communication Tools?
I intend to apply these communication techniques professionally and personally to cultivate respect and trust. Understanding physiological needs and avoiding unproductive debates helps maintain constructive dialogue. I will consciously use the Ladder of Listening framework to enhance mindfulness and emotional intelligence during interactions.
D235 Reflection Paper on Interprofessional Communication in Healthcare
Part Three: Course Reflection and Future Application
A8A: What Have I Gained from the Course?
This course enriched my communication skills by teaching me diverse listening modes, mindful conversation techniques, and the importance of professional speaking to foster positive relationships.
A8B: What Challenges Did I Face?
Understanding and interpreting my 5 Dynamics learning style was particularly challenging, especially applying the theoretical concepts to my personal experiences.
A8C: What Is the Most Valuable Course Content?
The most impactful learning was mastering professional communication and recognizing how conversations can quickly shift from constructive to wasteful. Realizing how speech affects perceptions and relationships was eye-opening.
A9: How Can I Help Others Using These Skills?
I aim to assist others by demonstrating compassion and facilitating meaningful dialogue, encouraging professional and respectful communication, especially since many people lack essential social skills.
A10: How Will I Sustain These Skills?
In my role as a unit manager at a long-term care facility, I plan to integrate positive communication habits daily. This includes encouraging team feedback, actively listening to residents, collaborating across departments, and maintaining professional dialogue with colleagues.
A11: What Areas of Communication and Leadership Do I Need to Improve?
I acknowledge the need to enhance my communication to sustain authority and professionalism in leadership. I aspire to emulate my nursing director’s effective communication style—speaking confidently and clearly without interruptions to ensure team understanding and collaboration.
References
Noona, A. R. (2023). Interprofessional Communication and Leadership in Healthcare – D235 Reflection Paper. [Instructor: Ali Hernandez].