Part One: Working Style
Working Style Based on the Energy Assessment
Based on the results of the energy assessment, my working style reflects a balance between thoughtful exploration, enthusiasm, and careful evaluation. My highest score appeared in the Explore energy category at a Deliberate+ level, indicating that I prefer to approach ideas cautiously and with intention rather than impulsively. This suggests that I value reflection, long-term implications, and creativity when addressing tasks or challenges.
In addition, my Excite energy was rated as Abundant+, demonstrating a strong tendency toward enthusiasm, sociability, and positive engagement with others. This energy supports my ability to motivate people and maintain morale in group settings. My Examine energy was also rated Deliberate+, reflecting a careful and analytical mindset when evaluating information or making judgments. In contrast, my Execute energy scored at a Deliberate level, indicating a moderate preference for action that may require additional time to commit to decisions.
Primary Strengths in Working Style
One of my most prominent strengths is creativity. The high rating in Explore energy highlights my ability to generate original ideas and approach problems from multiple perspectives. I am particularly attentive to long-term outcomes and tend to think beyond immediate solutions. This strength allows me to contribute innovative approaches in both academic and professional settings.
Another key strength lies in interpersonal engagement. My elevated Excite energy reflects my ability to connect with others through humor, optimism, and genuine interest. Even in stressful or complex situations, I am able to maintain a positive tone that helps ease tension and foster collaboration. I enjoy meaningful interactions and often gain insight by learning about others’ viewpoints and experiences.
Challenges Within My Working Style
Despite these strengths, decision-making remains a notable challenge. My lower Execute energy suggests hesitation when finalizing decisions, particularly when multiple options are available. I tend to analyze advantages and disadvantages extensively, which can delay progress and reduce efficiency. This pattern can occasionally lead to procrastination, especially when projects feel overwhelming or lack clear direction. Recognizing this tendency has helped me understand the importance of balancing analysis with timely action.
Preferred Learning Style
My learning preferences align with a multimodal approach. I learn most effectively through visual demonstrations and hands-on experiences rather than through reading alone. Interactive discussions, real-life examples, and collaborative learning environments help sustain my engagement and deepen comprehension. This approach allows me to connect abstract concepts to practical application.
Manifestation of Working Energies in Daily Life and Teamwork
In daily life and team-based environments, my Explore and Excite energies are most visible. I often step forward to assist others, contribute ideas, and support group objectives without assuming an authoritative role. My leadership style is rooted in modeling behaviors rather than issuing directives, and I frequently use humor to maintain a positive atmosphere.
In collaborative work, I perform best when paired with individuals who demonstrate strong Execute and Energy traits. Partners who are organized, decisive, and detail-oriented complement my creative strengths by managing structure, deadlines, and logistics. This balance allows teams to function more efficiently and productively.
Summary of Working Style Characteristics
| Working Style Aspect | Description | Associated Energy Group |
|---|---|---|
| Creativity | Generates innovative ideas with long-term focus | Explore (Deliberate+) |
| Interpersonal Skills | Maintains optimism, humor, and engagement | Excite (Abundant+) |
| Decision-Making | Tendency toward overanalysis and hesitation | Execute (Deliberate) |
| Learning Preference | Visual, hands-on, discussion-based | Mixed |
| Leadership Approach | Leads by example; avoids directive control | Explore & Excite |
| Ideal Team Partner | Organized, decisive, detail-oriented | Energy & Execute |
Part Two: Communication
Recent Communication Experience and Role
A recent communication experience occurred during a discussion with my wife’s family regarding complex relationships with extended relatives. As someone not directly involved, I assumed the role of a neutral clarifier. I asked questions to distinguish facts from assumptions and encouraged participants to avoid premature conclusions. This approach reflects my preference for accuracy and sincerity, as I aim to promote fact-based dialogue while minimizing unnecessary conflict.
Variations in Listening Style
My listening style shifts depending on context. In personal settings, particularly with my spouse, I strive for authentic listening that prioritizes emotional presence and openness. However, my effectiveness can fluctuate based on mood and stress levels. In professional environments, I rely more heavily on empathetic listening, balancing emotional understanding with objectivity to ensure productive outcomes during serious or sensitive discussions.
Example of Effective Workplace Communication
A productive communication moment occurred when my manager addressed an error I made in documentation related to a new workflow process. She approached the situation with clarity and respect, identifying the issue without assigning blame and offering constructive guidance. This blend of sincerity and accuracy encouraged an open response and reinforced mutual trust, demonstrating how effective communication can lead to growth and improvement.
General Communication Tendencies
Overall, my communication style blends authenticity with precision. I frequently ask questions, invite input, and use inclusive language to foster dialogue. With close family members, I tend to be more direct and candid, as seen when I encouraged my mother to advocate for herself professionally. I value conversations that are purposeful and meaningful, avoiding superficial exchanges whenever possible.
Managing Communication Challenges
At times, my desire to avoid conflict leads me to adopt communication patterns associated with pretense, which can reduce effectiveness and create misunderstandings. Recognizing this pattern has motivated me to apply strategies such as the ladder of listening, which emphasizes shared purpose and intentional engagement. These tools help shift conversations toward value-driven outcomes rather than unproductive cycles.
Communication Summary
| Communication Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Family Role | Clarifies facts; discourages assumptions |
| Listening Style | Authentic at home; empathetic and factual at work |
| Workplace Example | Constructive feedback led to productive dialogue |
| General Style | Accurate, authentic, inclusive, and purposeful |
| Challenges | Occasional avoidance; addressed through listening strategies |
Part Three: Reflection and the Hero’s Journey
Impressions of the Mindfulness Exercises
The mindfulness exercises were insightful and beneficial, revealing how frequently my thoughts are fragmented by competing stimuli. Focusing on individual senses helped improve awareness and presence, which extended into my communication habits. This increased self-awareness provided valuable insight into how I listen and speak during interactions.
Challenges With Mindfulness and Reflection
Practicing mindfulness was challenging due to constant distractions and an active lifestyle. Additionally, revisiting past conversations required intentional effort, as I generally prefer to move forward rather than analyze previous interactions. Despite this discomfort, reflection proved valuable in identifying patterns and areas for growth.
D235 Task 1: Interprofessional Communication and Leadership in Healthcare Reflection
The most valuable component of the course was the conversation meter, which promotes intentional engagement rather than reactive communication. This framework encourages curiosity, reduces bias, and supports conversations that generate value. Applying this model has increased my awareness of how purpose and mindset influence outcomes.
Application of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is especially relevant to nursing practice. Patient care requires prioritizing physiological and safety needs before addressing psychological, social, and self-fulfillment concerns. This model provides a structured lens through which healthcare professionals can deliver holistic and effective care.
Sharing Insights With Family
I plan to share mindfulness techniques with my family by demonstrating how brief practices can be integrated into daily routines. Introducing them to the energy dynamics assessment may also help improve mutual understanding, communication, and teamwork by highlighting individual strengths and limitations.
Habits and Skills for Continued Development
Moving forward, I aim to establish a consistent mindfulness routine, ideally beginning each day with a short practice before engaging with digital distractions. I also plan to apply the listening leader tool more intentionally by periodically evaluating my listening quality. Developing assertiveness and reducing appeasement behaviors will further support authentic and effective communication.
Reflection Summary
| Reflection Aspect | Key Insights and Actions |
|---|---|
| Mindfulness | Increased awareness and focus |
| Challenges | Difficulty with focus and reflection |
| Tools Gained | Conversation meter and listening leader |
| Professional Relevance | Maslow’s model guides patient care |
| Family Application | Teach mindfulness and assessments |
| Growth Goals | Daily mindfulness and assertive communication |
References
Brownell, J. (2012). Listening: Attitudes, principles, and skills (5th ed.). Pearson.
Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.
Rogers, C. R., & Farson, R. E. (1957). Active listening. In Communications in business today (pp. 49–53). D.C. Heath and Company.
Wittenbaum, G. M., & Stasser, G. (1996). Management of information in decision-making groups: Exchange patterns and outcomes. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 71(6), 1300–1311.