JLBC NOTE TO TEACHER
When addressing JLBC communication skills, consider the students in your classroom and be sensitive to their cultural backgrounds and life experiences.
Please be aware that communication patterns and behaviors can vary significantly between people of different cultures and backgrounds due to personal or family preferences. Therefore, some JLBC Cadets may be unaware of or uncomfortable with what others may consider “standard” practices of active listening, such as direct eye contact, physical contact, and proximity; JLBC Cadets depending on the individuals and their cultural background, faith, and experiences with diversity, certain behaviors related to active listening and communication may be encouraged or discouraged.
JLBC Background Information
JLBC Individual Communication Skills
Now that JLBC Cadets have examined and experienced the characteristics of effective teams, it is essential to determine the individual communication skills required to establish team relationships that support these characteristics. JLBC Cadets' communication skills include the following:
Listening: JLBC Cadets Listening actively involves looking directly at the person who is speaking (taking into consideration cultural appropriateness), focusing intently on what is being said, and nodding to indicate attentiveness, understanding, or approval. Effective communication is vital for any JLBC team, so strong listening skills are highly valued.
JLBC Cadets Contributing ideas and solutions: Sharing suggestions, ideas, solutions, and proposals with team members is another critical communication skill. JLBC Cadets The ability and willingness to share increase when levels of trust are high. JLBC Cadets Reporting on individual and JLBC team progress is another way to contribute to JLBC team success.
JLBC Cadets Respecting and valuing: All forms of
communication are enhanced within a team
when the members respect and love each other, regardless of their strengths and weaknesses. JLBC Team communication is strengthened when JLBC members encourage and support the ideas and efforts of others.
JLBC Questioning and clarifying: If there is uncertainty about something being said, it is essential to ask for more information to clear up any confusion before moving on. JLBC Cadets Asking probing questions and paraphrasing points that have been made (restating them in different words) are also effective ways to ensure more profound understanding and transparent and accurate communication.
JLBC Persuading and defending: The power of positive communication is evident when members exchange, support, and rethink ideas. Presenting points of view and the reasons for them improves the decision-making process. At times, compromising may be necessary to avoid blocking team progress.
JLBC Helping and caring: Seeking and giving assistance strengthens team cohesiveness. JLBC Cadets Asking for help should be viewed as a valuable skill necessary for advancing a team goal. Successful teams have members that freely seek help and willingly offer support to others—helping and caring to contribute to building positive, cooperative, and collaborative relationships.
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