Carli's Journal

In observing interpersonal communication, one meaningful scenario involved two colleagues, a woman and a man, who were secretly in a relationship while working in the same department. Although they attempted to keep their relationship concealed, disagreements between them were noticeable and often sparked curiosity or suspicion among the rest of us in the workplace. This situation aligns with the "Grapevine" communication concept, defined as the informal, person-to-person spread of information within an organization, which often relies on assumptions rather than factual communication (Adler & Proctor, 2023). Because the woman and man’s interactions sometimes seemed tense, it left room for speculation and assumptions to develop among other employees. The hidden nature of their relationship and its impact on the workplace highlights how “impression management” can be challenging when trying to balance professional and personal roles.  Impression management, as described in...

 This week at work, I observed a conflict between two coworkers, Alex and Taylor, regarding how to prioritize tasks for an upcoming project. Alex, who has seniority, preferred a fast-paced approach to meet the deadline, while Taylor, an expert on the project's specifics, advocated for a detailed approach that might extend the timeline. The initial interaction was tense, as each tried to assert their perspective without much consideration for the other’s viewpoint. Reflecting on this scenario, I can relate it to Macmillan Learning's concept of "Power Dynamics" (Macmillan, 2022). In this instance, Alex held "legitimate power" due to their position, while Taylor had "expert power," based on their specialized knowledge. These types of power can create friction in collaborative environments when individuals rely on their respective sources of influence without compromise. The chapter also discusses the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) , wh...

 During a team meeting at work, a colleague was asked to give feedback on a project that wasn’t progressing well. Instead of glossing over the issues or giving vague suggestions, they candidly admitted that they were behind schedule because of poor time management and some personal challenges. While this honesty could have been seen as risky in a professional setting, the team responded positively, offering support and solutions to help the colleague get back on track. The honesty set the tone for the rest of the meeting, leading to more open and constructive dialogue among the team members. This scenario emphasizes the importance of honesty in professional relationships. In many workplace environments, there’s a tendency to avoid difficult conversations or admissions of fault, especially in group settings. However, as seen here, transparent communication about mistakes or struggles can create a more supportive and understanding atmosphere. The colleague’s willingness to be upfront...

Recently, I observed an interaction between a couple while riding public transit. They sat close together, sharing earbuds to listen to music. Their communication was subtle and non-verbal, involving soft touches, shared glances, and occasional whispers. At one point, the woman rested her head on the man’s shoulder while they both gazed out the window. They were in their own world, yet present in a public space. This interaction illustrates several layers of intimacy. First, there’s non-verbal communication at play—touch, physical proximity, and eye contact are all ways people signal closeness without speaking. Intimacy here isn’t just about romantic gestures but the comfort and ease between the couple in sharing personal space. Scholars like Burgoon and Hale talk about intimacy as a multidimensional concept that involves emotional, relational, and sometimes physical closeness. In this case, the couple’s body language and quiet interaction reflect what researchers describe as “relation...

 Last weekend, I was at a family gathering where my younger brother Corbin was talking about a big decision he's facing about his career. He was explaining his thoughts and feelings about whether to pursue a job offer or continue with further studies. My parents, excited about the job offer, kept chiming in with their opinions, which clearly made Corbin feel overwhelmed. Instead of fully listening to his concerns, they were focused on persuading him to take the job. Recognizing that Corbin wasn’t being heard, I decided to step in using active listening skills. I waited for a pause and then asked, “Corbin, how are you feeling about each option? What’s weighing on your mind the most?” By asking open-ended questions and listening without interrupting, I gave him space to express himself. After reflecting on what he said, I paraphrased his thoughts, saying, “It sounds like you’re torn between wanting stability and still exploring your passions through study.” This validation made Corbi...

 In a recent encounter, I noticed how emotions play a critical role in shaping our interpersonal interactions. While having coffee with a friend, we discussed some challenges at work. My friend expressed frustration about a project, raising her voice and using rapid hand gestures to emphasize her point. According to Macmillan’s "Reflect & Relate," emotional expression is influenced by factors such as culture, personality, and social norms. My friend’s emotional outburst reflected her need for emotional release, but I recognized how I had to manage my own emotional response carefully to maintain empathy and avoid escalating the situation. Instead of matching her heightened emotional state, I used active listening, maintaining eye contact and nodding, which helped her feel heard. As suggested in the text, this demonstrated emotional intelligence, particularly in regulating my emotional responses and understanding hers. By choosing a calm tone and validating her feelings wit...

 This week, I observed a meaningful interaction while waiting in line at a café. A woman was visibly upset with the barista over a mistake in her order. Initially, it appeared to be a simple misunderstanding, but the woman’s frustration escalated. Reflecting on this interaction, I realized it showcased concepts from Macmillan's  Reflect & Relate —particularly selective perception and fundamental attribution error. The woman’s frustration seemed to stem from her selective perception; she likely focused solely on the mistake rather than the barista’s friendly demeanor or the busy environment. This concept from the text explains how we filter information based on personal biases, which was evident here. Furthermore, she appeared to commit the fundamental attribution error by blaming the barista’s competence without considering external factors, like the rush hour at the café. Watching this unfold reminded me of the importance of taking a step back and considering situational ...

 A few months ago, I had an experience that taught me a lot about patience and the importance of understanding different cultures. I was working on a group project with a few classmates, and we were on a tight deadline. I tend to be very organized and goal-oriented, while one of my group members had a much more laid-back approach to deadlines and meetings. I couldn’t understand why she wasn’t taking things as seriously as I was, which frustrated me. At first, I vented my frustrations to others, thinking she simply didn’t care about the project. However, one day, I decided to approach her directly and have an open conversation. It turned out that she was from a different cultural background where collaboration and relationships were prioritized over strict adherence to deadlines. She explained that in her culture, building rapport and trust within a group is considered more important than simply completing tasks quickly. This perspective completely shifted my understanding of her ac...

Today, while hanging out with friends, I realized how crucial interpersonal communication is in building and maintaining our connections. It’s more than just talking; it’s about how we understand and relate to each other. During our time together, I noticed how much more meaningful conversations became when we practiced active listening. Instead of interrupting or thinking about what we’d say next, we focused on what each person had to share. It felt like everyone was more present and engaged, which made the time spent together even more enjoyable. Another thing that stood out was how non-verbal communication shaped the atmosphere. A simple smile, nod, or even leaning in while someone was speaking made the conversation feel warmer and more connected. It’s interesting how much we can express without saying a word. I’ve become more aware of my own body language, realizing how much it can influence the energy of a conversation, either positively or negatively. Hanging out with friends als...

Today, I found myself reflecting on who I am and where I’m headed. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, moving from one task to the next, but I rarely stop to just think about myself. Not in a superficial way, but in a deeper, more thoughtful sense. Who am I, really? Beyond the roles I play for others—daughter, friend, partner, coworker—what do I want for myself? What are my desires, my boundaries, and the things I truly value? I’ve been feeling like parts of me have been shaped by what others expect or need from me. But what if I stripped all of that away? Who would I be without those influences? There’s a part of me that craves more quiet moments like this—moments to just  be  and reflect. I want to be more intentional with my time, my energy, and the relationships I nurture. I want to figure out what makes me feel fulfilled, not just what keeps me busy. It’s interesting, the more I think about myself, the more I realize how much I’ve grown but also how m...

 Today, I’ve been reflecting on the nature of cross-sex friendships and how people often debate whether guys and girls can truly be "just friends." Personally, I believe that boys and girls can have genuine, platonic friendships without romantic feelings getting in the way. Friendships are about shared interests, trust, and mutual respect, and gender shouldn’t inherently change that dynamic. I’ve had male friends who I’ve never seen romantically, and we’ve built amazing bonds based solely on our personalities and the connection we share. That said, I also understand how sometimes these friendships can evolve. As people grow closer and spend more time together, deeper feelings can emerge. Some of the best relationships start as friendships because you get to know each other in an authentic, unpressured way. In these cases, the relationship is built on a solid foundation of trust, communication, and understanding—things that are crucial for any romantic relationship to thrive. ...