Communicating as a Professional
After graduating from high school, I attended a vocational school for clerk-typing. After receiving my certificate, I worked in two different types of offices. Both required me to read, write, revise, or edit documents, reports-correspondence that needed to be completed professionally. While writing, speaking, listening was a requirement, I’ve always found that my greatest asset was my interpersonal skill. I work well with my co-workers and have always had the knack of giving customers satisfaction. The goal of any effective communication process is understanding what is written. Since I’ve been here at TNCC, I’ve been challenged and I love that! I had to do a lot of critical thinking to learn to produce my desired effectiveness for reading and writing.
Communicating quickly by use of shortcuts on the internet may not produce the desired effect when communicating information that employers are looking for when considering applicants for employment as professionals. Recently while reading articles by Susan Adams and Kyle Weins on the use of grammar in the workplace. I realized that there are several valuable reasons for using good grammar in the professional place of work. With the increased use of technology implemented by young adults, employing the use of good grammar has suffered a great loss. Due to the utilization of short cuts that young adults tend to use instead of making complete sentences when communicating the information that is used in the office (Adams). Secondly, being employed as a professional, the employee should want to present any information, whether it is written or oral, with clear and concise statements that include proper grammar and punctuation. Third, these undeniable characteristics signify the image of being the professional employee needed to represent any employer. Finally, I have to agree with Mr. Weins on his zero tolerance approach when it comes to the using of good grammar (Weins). It should be non-negotiable. A practice that the professional has great skills in and able to use good grammar proficiently. It should be a valued skill as well as a qualification of the employee professionalism. These qualities will let the employers know the type of employee he or she has hired. I commend companies who wish to train or have the resources available to employees for the needed skill in the use of good grammar, but if they are already qualified in this area it will save the company money in the long run.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook for Administrative Assistants there are several skills that are needed for the professional to be able to communicate successfully. These expertise are; speaking, listening, writing, and interdependence. The handbook points out that the professional should be able when speaking convey all information effectively. Especially, when sending any information through written documents or emails. Communications should be able to provide with the use of grammar correct data to the company, staff, or their clients’. When an employee performs the duties of active listening he or she should make sure that they are paying attention to what is being said, take time to understand, and listens without interruption. The skill of Interdependence while collaborating is also very important. This is what holds the team together and positively enhances success usually resulting in accomplishing goals and team success. Another skill, mentioned in the handbook is the art of non-verbal language. This useful technique could be as simple as a smile. At the end of the day when that employee knows what they have done has made a difference to someone; whether it’s the company, a co-work, or a client.
To communicate successfully as a Professional will require me to develop skills I need proficiently. I plan to productively complete English 111 with Mr. Dollieslager. I will practice, practice, and practice the use of conventional grammar in all my writings. Implementing these practices in all my speaking and writings that I will have to communicate to others. When active listening is necessary, I will take notes that will be beneficial to me. Effective listening allows us to learn, communicate, and succeed in our profession .Taking editing and proofreading AST 107 next semester will also add to being able to communicate successfully. During the summer (2015), I plan to take a public speaking course. I know that this addition will definitely add to my ability to communicate professionally.
I am currently enrolled at Thomas Nelson Community College seeking to earn an Associate’s Degree as an Administrative Support Technician. The Occupational Outlook Handbook states that only a high school diploma or equivalent in this field is needed for entry-level position for most employers. After receiving my degree, I will be able to demonstrate to any employer the level of competency. I will be able to communicate any form of information effectively as a professional.
Works Cited
Adams, Susan. "Why Grammar Counts at Work." Forbes. 20 July 2012: Oct. 29, 2014.http://www.forbes.com /sites/susanadams/2012/07/
why-grammar-counts-at-work/>.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.” Secretaries and Administrative Assistants.” Occupational Outlook Handbook 2014-15. Nov. 5,
Weins, Kyle. "I Won't Hire People Who Use Poor Grammar. Here's Why." Harvard Business Review: HRB Blog Network. 20 July 2012: Oct. 29, 22014.
(<http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/07/i_wont_hire_people_who_use_poo.html.