Saturday, April 18, 2009

This bird has flown...

Where the Redfern Grows was a very dynamic team that used a variety of methods in order to complete the client project. Many of our methods could not have been utilized if not for modern technology. Much of our communication was engineered through Blackboard and its functions. For example, every member of the group uploaded certain parts of the project that they completed to the file exchange. Here, all electronic files that were involved with the final product were accessible to all members of the group. This was especially useful when we needed certain common files for everyone's individual portfolio. Another means of technological help was the group e-mail function of Blackboard. Our group loved e-mail and we usually communicated via the group e-mail when we did not meet. We did not hold any virtual group meetings, but we did communicate ideas back and forth and shared these ideas in a virtual setting.
The group project centered around a video production which used other technologies to complete. I was able to teach myself how to use the iMovie software available on Mac's. It was a lot of fun producing the video and I am happy I now know the processes involved.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

A Momentary Lapse of Reason

Ethics are vital to being successful in the workplace. You must act consistently and respectfully in accordance with your work environment. I think that if you do not use ethical language, outside perceptions of your respect will decrease dramatically. In turn, you will not be convincing, and people will be less likely to listen to what you are trying to communicate. Throughout history, there has been numerous exceptions to people responding to unethical language, and it is usually due to fear of the consequences if they do not respond accordingly. The German document we analyzed in class is a perfect example of how unethical language was used and used effectively at the time. Now, as we look back at it, we have a hard time figuring out what he was trying to say, and once we figured out the meaning of his words, we were absolutely shocked. I suppose that what I took away from this most was that people can use words in such a way that is seemingly innocent, but could have a darker deeper meaning. I will now be more aware of the power of words and communication because there can always be another underlying meaning to what is written or spoken.
I believe that there are certain characteristics in communication that need to be established in today's workplace. In order to fit my set of ethical principals, communication must be concise and simple. Using elementary language, nothing is left to interpretation. My theory that in order to define big words you use small words, so you should try to use as many small words as possible. Therefore, the reader does not need to define any words in the communication cycle. I will try to communicate effectively using this method in the business world.