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Pearl Diving Writing Assignment #1

Delaney Lloyd

University of Maryland, College Park

ENCE 424: Communication for Project Managers

Dr. Shana Webster-Trotman

February 25, 2023

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Introduction

As a Mechanical Engineering major, I am used to technical assignments that require a lot

of calculations but very little communication or general involvement from anyone else. I feel
comfortable in these engineering classes because it is what I’m used to. I’ve taken many
engineering classes that dive into complex mathematics and scientific explanations that would go
over most people’s heads, but that’s where I feel comfortable. If you ask me to solve a
differential equation, I’m confident in my knowledge and my abilities. But, if you ask me to
present in front of a small class, I’m nervous and unsure all of a sudden. The last time I took a
communication class was in a fully virtual environment and every assignment that I turned in
was pre recorded due to COVID. Being an effective communicator is such a crucial skill to have
in the workforce, but I have not had much exposure up until this point in my academic career.
Communication for Project Managers (ENCE 424), aims to fill these gaps in my knowledge
through readings, videos, and in class activities and discussions. In the following paragraphs, I
will explain what I’ve learned about the topic of communication thus far. In order to effectively
articulate my points, I will often share personal anecdotes and important quotes from the
readings.

Filling the Pool of Shared Meaning

The first topic that I found particularly interesting in the readings was filling the pool of
shared meaning. Crucial Conversations highlights the importance of creating a safe space when
you are communicating. No two people are exactly alike; everyone has different opinions,
sensitive topics, and previous experiences which all inform the way we communicate with each
other (Patterson et. al 21). I’ve had several experiences in which I didn’t feel comfortable or
welcomed in a conversation because of how others were communicating their ideas. During the
fall of my freshman year, I was on an introduction to engineering design team. We had three
prompts to pick from: we could design a bridge, create an app, or we could create a Solidworks
model of our own open ended design. When my group discussed which prompt we wanted to
work with, one of the members said that building a bridge was “dumb and boring”. I knew I
wanted to build a bridge for the project, however I no longer felt comfortable voicing my
opinions. Filling the pool of shared meaning starts with each member feeling comfortable
voicing their opinions, even if they go against the grain. As Crucial Conversations explains, it is
detrimental to withhold information out of fear of judgment (Patterson et. al 22). My example
was rather minor but this idea is incredibly important and there can be serious ramifications if it
is not taken seriously. The text describes a situation in which a whole team of medical staff failed
to speak up which resulted in a catastrophic error (Patterson et. al 22).

A team should use their diverse backgrounds and opinions to their advantage in order to
accomplish the end goal. If there is pressure to suppress your ideas and conform to the group, the
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diversity that each member brings to the table is lost. In order to create a pool of shared meaning,
I always encourage others to speak out and challenge my ideas if they disagree. Even if I
completely disagree with what they think, their ideas and opinions are incredibly valuable in
order to ultimately achieve our goal. On project teams, I often use phrases such as “I believe we
should do xyz, but if anyone else thinks differently, feel free to chime in”. It’s a simple way of
speaking but I’ve found that it goes a long way in encouraging others to voice their thoughts. I
want the diversity of ideas to match the diversity of the group.

Importance of Body Language

Furthermore, another topic I found fascinating was the importance of body language
during a presentation. This idea was not completely new to me, but I didn’t know just how
influential it was. I knew that it was important to dress professionally, articulate your words, and
speak slowly during a presentation. However, in A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking, I was
shocked to read that “the audience derives a mere 7 percent of the speakers’ meaning from the
words they utter. The balance comes from the speakers’ use of voice (38 percent) and body
language and appearance (55 percent)” (O’Hair et.al 134). Over half of our judgment is directed
towards something that is completely unrelated to the topic of the presentation. It was incredibly
interesting to see the numerical breakdown because I put so much pressure on myself to say
exactly the right words when I present. I’ll practice over and over again to ensure that I know
exactly what to say and I’ll hyperfixate on this when it comes time to present. Now, this aspect is
still important, but I realized I’ve been overlooking other essential factors of a good delivery. I
wear fidget rings during class so I can redirect my energy and still be able to focus on the
professor. However, I’ve subconsciously been doing the same thing when I present. I’d play with
my rings so I felt more comfortable when I was in front of the class. After this was brought to
my attention, I started to leave my rings in my bag so I could stand tall and make natural gestures
to imply that I am confident and knowledgeable.

I’ve learned a lot from the readings, but I’ve also appreciated the time in class in order to
see how these things translate into the real world as well. I had never heard of the confidence
pose before, but now I’m noticing it in the world around me. I was watching Shark Tank the
other day and a large number of the entrepreneurs would hold that pose when they were asked
follow up questions. It makes a huge difference because I thought they looked more confident
and composed when they were holding that stance. Another thing that I’ve noticed during class,
whether that is through talking to people or watching presentations, is that most people have a
bad habit when it comes to presenting. Most of the time people don’t know they’re doing it until
someone points it out. For example, I didn’t notice I was fidgeting with my rings until a friend of
mine pointed it out. For a lot of other people, it would be something like swaying, speaking too
quickly, or being too quiet. In my opinion, you can learn a lot from a textbook, but having that in
class experience is crucial in order to connect the dots and truly improve.
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The Communication Skills Gap

Lastly, I found the concept of the communication skills gap interesting while I was
completing the readings. Five Stars explains how communications skills are crucial for success.
Gallo describes a working professional named Sam whose work “advances Moore’s Law, the
famous 1965 prediction that computing power would double every 18 months” (28). Most people
would think that such an intelligent person would be leading his division, however, as the Vice
President pointed out, “He’s a terrible communicator. He takes too long to get to the point. He
can’t deliver a clear and compelling presentation. He’s not inspiring” (Gallo 28). Sam isn’t
reaching his full potential because he has poor communication skills. It’s one thing to know the
information, but if you aren’t able to effectively communicate your ideas and inspire those
around you, it is difficult to acquire leadership positions.

I found this topic particularly interesting because I often fall back into the mindset of, if
I’m smart enough, I’ll continue to progress. When I take a step back and think about it,
communication is key. It doesn’t matter how smart I am if I can’t effectively articulate what I’m
thinking. The role of a leader is to inspire, encourage, and simply enough, lead. One’s ability to
lead is heavily dependent on their ability to connect with those around them. It sounds
counterintuitive, but I would rather work for an individual who may not be the smartest person in
the room if it meant that they are an effective communicator. While I could consider myself to be
intelligent, I recognize that my communication skills are not the strongest. The idea of the
communication skills gap has inspired me to improve these skills. Simply participating in class
discussions was a great starting point for me. It is a low risk environment, but it still encourages
me to think about my posture, tone of voice, hand gestures, eye contact, and more. I appreciate
the setup of this class because it has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and learn
about what it means to be a good communicator.

Networking

Communication for Project Managers (ENCE 424) not only teaches us about public
speaking and professional communication, it also educates us on the importance of networking.
Networking is something that many people overlook, not just college students. I created a
LinkedIn account during the fall of my freshman year in order to connect with my peers and
make connections that will last even after the class is over. As a part of this class, I’ve connected
with Dr. Shana Webster-Trotman, Gouri Thampi, Jaelyn Boyden, Ulises Rodriguez, Siddharth
Sharma, Katie Whitehead, Etienne Jackson, Joy Nash, Alvaro Nunez, Oldyne Canel, Francesco
Rocha, Linh Nguyen, Daniel Ficca, and even more classmates.

In addition to networking through LinkedIn, I’ve been making connections in other ways
as well. As a junior, I’ve spent a lot of time looking for internships. At the beginning of this
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journey, I didn’t focus on creating a network. I quickly realized that blindly sending in
applications wasn’t the most promising strategy. After learning more from this class, I began to
pivot my approach by putting the applications on hold while I focused on growing my network.
The first thing I did was connect with other students in my classes. After all, we are all engineers
who are looking for internships or maybe even jobs for after we graduate. Through this, I was
able to learn about where my peers were applying and what connections they had to engineering
companies. I was able to get in touch with several current employees at companies that were
interesting to me. I was able to create relationships and connections that later helped me when I
was applying for the job. Not only that, but I was able to learn more about my peers and the
different career paths that they were taking. It was helpful for my application process, but it was
also interesting to see how everyone has a different idea of what the future holds for them.

Furthermore, I am from Madison, New Jersey so I’ve been trying to expand my network
in that region. In addition to utilizing school resources, career fairs, and conversations with my
peers, I started talking to my family from home. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from this
class, it’s that there is potential to network everywhere. My grandfather worked at Rutgers
University for 50+ years before he retired. He’s been able to refer me to several professors,
counselors, and other resources which has allowed me to have several great conversations. I’ve
learned that most people are more than willing to help someone if they have a mutual
connection.

Through these conversations, I’ve been able to share a little about myself, but most
importantly, I’ve been able to learn about these individuals and the paths that they’ve taken. As
Faulkner and Nierenberg explain in Networking for College Students and Graduates,
appreciation and caring are two crucial parts of networking. They write, “Showing sincere
appreciation always makes a lasting impression. People want to do business with people (and
hire people) they enjoy being with and will seek them out” (Faulkner, Nierenberg 69). I am very
appreciative of the people who are willing to have a conversation with me, whether that is a
regular conversation, video call or simply an email exchange. I actively make sure to
demonstrate and effectively articulate my appreciation so the person I’m talking to doesn’t feel
as if they are simply being used for their resources or connections. This has looked like sending a
follow up email or simply thanking them for their time and willingness to speak with me. This
idea is closely related to another key attribute of an effective networker as Faulkner and
Nierenberg describe: caring. They write, “Often, the very act of caring will produce unexpected,
positive networking results” (Faulkner, Nierenberg 74). No one likes feeling used. I’ve found
that appreciation and caring go hand in hand when networking. These are two key factors that
are often overlooked when people are laser focused on the end goal of getting a job or whatever
else it may be for them.
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DISC Personality Assessment

There are many tests online that provide insight into one’s personality type. I took the
DISC Personality Assessment and my results were compliance (44%), steadiness (42%),
influence (9%), and dominance (6%). I definitely expected compliance and steadiness to be my
top two results but I was shocked at how big the gap was between those two and influence. I’ve
always considered myself to be an organized and methodical person, therefore I strongly agree
that compliance was my most prominent personality factor. I’d consider myself to be very logical
and detail oriented. I work best when I plan ahead and I have a set routine. Since I am so
methodical in almost everything I do, I like to take my time to think through decisions and hear
every side of the story before I jump to conclusions about anything. This is why it didn’t come as
a surprise that steadiness was a close second. On the other hand, I tend to avoid confrontation
and conflict hence why dominance was the least prominent personality trait. I was surprised that
influence was only 9% because I am a strong empath. I can easily relate to other people and I try
my best to be there for the people I'm close to. That being said, I am an introvert so it is very
draining for me to talk to people that I don’t know well. I don’t thrive on communicating with
new people and I like to recharge on my own. Upon reflection, it makes sense that influence was
lower than I expected. While I might think it is a big part of who I am, I don’t get to demonstrate
that side of me often.

It is incredibly important to be self aware in general, but it’s also important in order to be
an effective communicator. This personality assessment helped me understand how I come
across to others. As a project manager, I think it is helpful to be organized and timely. These are
characteristics that I possess and I will be able to use them to my advantage. On the other hand,
these qualities can lead to perfectionism. At times, my perfectionist mindset can lead to anxiety.
If anything is out of line or unexpected, it can be anxiety inducing. That being said, it’s important
for me to be open to new ideas and not expect everything to go exactly my way. Furthermore,
with dominance being last place at 6%, that goes to show that I tend to avoid conflict. This is a
potential weakness for communication as a project manager because it’s important to talk
through different ideas. The conversations around disagreements are arguably some of the most
important ones to have. Now that I am aware of my personality type, I have the opportunity to be
more mindful in order to become a better communicator.

Conflict Management Styles Assessment

I took another online test called the Conflict Management Styles Assessment.
Collaborating and accommodating were tied as my preferred communication styles, each
receiving a score of 10. The conflict management style I would like to work on is competing. I
can be a pushover at times which is not always the best thing. I’m able and willing to share my
opinions during most conversations, however I tend to give in when I receive pushback from
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others. It’s difficult for me, but I think it’s important to stand up for what I believe in. I think
being aware of my tendency to withdraw from conflict is a good thing. Now I will be able to
recognize instances where I have the opportunity to engage in a conversation instead of
retreating. My main worry is that I’m going to hurt someone’s feelings or frustrate them. In order
to avoid this, but still work on the competing conflict management style, I can ask questions.
Instead of giving in and dropping the conversation, I will ask the other person questions in order
to point out aspects of their stance that I don’t like. I think this is a natural way of continuing a
conversation and holding my ground without seeming too forceful.

I am a member of Engineering Without Borders here on campus. My team is designing a

wind turbine that will be installed in Kiryabicooli, Uganda in the future. Last semester, we were
discussing what type of bracket we wanted to use in order to mount the turbine to the roof. My
suggestion was different from what most of the group wanted to do so I quickly dropped it and
said that we could go with what they wanted. At the time I didn’t think it was worth the debate
since over half of the group seemed really set on their decision. In the end, the group’s choice of
material wasn’t sturdy enough and we ended up going with my suggestion. I accommodated with
the group in order to avoid conflict. I should have had a conversation about why I thought the
material would’ve been better, but instead I opted out. The accommodating personality style can
hinder my ability to have conversations that center around disagreements. As it is described in
Crucial Conversations, I accepted certainty of a negative outcome in order to avoid the
possibility of an uncomfortable conversation (Patterson et. al 38). In order to avoid this in the
future, I can work on changing my binary thoughts, either I go completely silent or I’m overly
aggressive until I get my way, into a more complex solution (Patterson et. al 40). Crucial
Conversations describes this process in a very insightful way. I tend to view things as black and
white which can hinder my success. If I change the way I think about the problem and solution, I
will be more successful in the long run. If I work on changing my mindset, I won’t be as worried
about having a conversation. There is a middle ground, I just have to change the way I view the
situation in order to truly understand this.

In comparison, my accommodating personality style has been beneficial at times as well.

Most people tend to think that being overly accommodating is a weakness. While this is true at
times, I also think that it can be a strength. This usually shows up in my personal relationships. I
love going to the gym because it gives me time to decompress by myself. At the beginning of
this semester, my friend asked me if she could start going to the gym with me because she was
too anxious to go alone. I’ve always worked out by myself and I value this time alone, but I
recognized that she needed my help in order to feel comfortable trying something new. I told her
we could go together and I would teach her how to lift. In this situation, I felt comfortable having
a discussion about how I preferred to go alone but I would be happy to go to the gym with her. I
felt my reasons for accommodating were justified as we were able to have a great conversation
about why she felt the way she did about the gym and how I used to feel the same way. We both
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learned more about each other by having this conversation. Crucial Conversations suggests
trying to find a shared purpose during a time of conflict (Patterson et. al 86). I could have easily
avoided the conversation and slightly resented my friend for invading my alone time, but instead
we had a productive conversation and found common ground on the fact that we both think
trying something new can be anxiety inducing. Instead of harboring resentment, I appreciated the
fact that she felt comfortable asking me for help. My accommodating personality style led me to
better understand her feelings and ultimately learn more about her.

Jung Personality Assessment

My results of the Jung Personality Assessment were Introvert, Intuitive, Thinker, and
Judger (INTJ). I think these results are an accurate representation of how I would describe
myself. I have always needed alone time to recharge. Social events are draining and I am
exhausted after a long day of classes. I love hanging out with my friends but I need my own
space in order to get my energy back. In addition, I love having deep conversations with my
friends that touch on a bunch of complex and thoughtful topics. The world isn’t simple so I don’t
try to think of it as such. Everything requires more thought and I often find myself asking “what
if” questions. However, I find it interesting that my imaginative and emotional side do not
translate into how I make decisions. When it comes to decision making, I prefer to use logical
reasoning and analysis rather than leading with my feelings. I still ask a lot of questions, but
generally speaking I tend to make everything a numbers game. If I want to do something I take
my time to analyze the options to see which one will have the better outcome. It’s hard for me to
get out of my head and lead with my heart. I believe that being a thinker and a judger are closely
related. It is easier for me to make decisions if I’m organized and I feel as if my life is controlled.
I tend to thrive when I’m organized and I have a plan for the future. The Jung and the DISC
personality assessment results were directly related. As a thinker and a judger, it makes sense
that steadiness and compliance were my two most prominent personality traits. All of these
revolve around organization, methodical thinking, and control. I try to make my life orderly and
predictable so I feel in control. This is reflected in steadiness and compliance.

Conclusion

There is an endless amount to learn about communication. It may seem like a simple
concept at the surface, but it is a complex topic that requires a lot of thought, insight, and
practice. By taking the three different personality assessments, I have a better understanding of
how I naturally communicate and insight on how I can improve my communication. I’ve already
been able to apply several skills that I’ve learned from this class in real life and I am excited to
continue to learn even more during this course.
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Conflict Management Styles Assessment

Rarely Sometimes Often Always

1. I discuss issues with others to try to find solutions that meet 1234
everyone’s needs.

2. I try to negotiate and use a give-and-take approach to problem situations. 1234

3. I try to meet the expectations of others. 1234

4. I would argue my case and insist on the advantages of my point of view. 1234

5. When there is a disagreement, I gather as much information as I can 1234

and keep the lines of communication open.

6. When I find myself in an argument, I usually say very little and try to 1234
leave as soon as possible.

7. I try to see conflicts from both sides. What do I need? What does the 1234
other person need? What are the issues involved?

8. I prefer to compromise when solving problems and just move on. 1234

9. I find conflicts exhilarating; I enjoy the battle of wits that usually 1234
follows.

10. Being in a disagreement with other people makes me feel 1234

uncomfortable and anxious.

11. I try to meet the wishes of my friends and family. 1234

12. I can figure out what needs to be done and I am usually right. 1234

13. To break deadlocks, I would meet people halfway. 1234

14. I may not get what I want but it’s a small price to pay for keeping 1234
the peace.

15. I avoid hard feelings by keeping my disagreements with others to 1234

myself.
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Style Corresponding Statements: Total:

Collaborating (questions 1, 5, 7): __3+3+4 =__10___

Competing: (questions 4, 9, 12): __2+2+3=__7___

Avoiding: (questions 6, 10, 15): __1+2+3=__6___

Accommodating: (questions 3, 11, 14): _4+4+2=__10____

Compromising: (questions 2, 8, 13) __3+2+3=__8___

DISC Personality Assessment

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Jung Personality Assessment

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References

Faulkner, Michael, and Andrea Nierenberg. Networking for College Students and Graduates.

Pearson Learning Solutions, 2017. Print.

Gallo, Carmine. Five Stars the Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great. St. Martin’s

Press, 2018. Print.

O’Hair, Dan, and Hannah Rubenstein and Rob Stewart. A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking.

Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019. Print.

Patterson, Kerry, et al. Crucial Conversations. McGraw-Hill, 2002. Print.