Blog #3 (Appendix and Chapter 7)

I have always found it difficult to write a proper cover letter and resume. I’ve heard so many conflicting theories on suitable methods of creation that it has just seemed to overwhelm me. I really enjoyed reading chapter seven out of the book because it gave me a structure that I can go by.  The area of most usefulness was the section on “functional resume guidelines.” It applied most currently to my needs as I am seeking to apply for various internships this summer.  Aside from the section that involved creating a strong resume, I found the information of the section to be very interesting and effective. I never thought of the importance of learning to interview others properly since it was something that was neither here nor in the relative future. I found it useful however for my own personal search to find what I should expect from interviews and interviewees. Overall this was an extremely useful chapter that applies directly to my professional needs.

Blog #2 (Appendix and Chapter 3)

The focus of this weeks readings leans towards various grammatical rules and composing professional business messages. The purpose for writing or composing a professional message is to inform in some manner or persuade the recipient. The chapter gave an insightful ideal about OABC (opening, agenda, body, closing) which then describes each in detail to help better express the ideas and persuasions you are trying to articulate. Usually my weakest part of a letter is the opening which I focused on when discussed within the chapter. It gave small bullet points to help drive the ideas home; “background information about the topic, justification or reason for the text, statement of authorization indicating who ordered or authorized the writing, and an attention getter or hook”. If this is prepared properly the readers mind will then be ready to receive what the body of your message is. This will then lead into a proper agenda, which can quantify, identify, organize, or symbolize. This then would lead into the body of the message which includes the 4 Cs: clear, correct, complete, and compelling. After using your informative and persuasive messages, you close with a summary and conclusion. Overall, I found this to be extremely helpful in directing my thoughts when writing a business message. As you probably can tell I am not the best writer and having a guideline that helps define each point in the message really helps to organize my thoughts into more consistent ways of expression.

Blog #1 (Chapters 1 & Appendix)

I really like the idea that successful managers or individuals communicate objectives clearly, at the very least to the point of recognition by those on the receiving end. I have been in numerous settings and received many tasks without actually understanding what was expected one me. It is the responsibility of those in a leadership position to look at the current trends, the larger picture, interpret future change and then communicate it efficiently enough for the individuals being led to work out the details in a manner that is acceptable. Breaking down management functions into four categories (planning, organizing, monitoring, leading) clearly defines the tools to be efficient and effective managers. I consider the most successful leaders to be those who can decipher a situation and communicate appropriately to the individual(s) a set of steps to achieve the goals. Just as mentioned in Chapter 1, understanding cultural backgrounds and communicating through language barriers can be difficult. I have experienced this in my life while serving a mission in Florida speaking Spanish to individuals living there. It is one thing to understand the language, which is difficult to begin with, but to understand the ethnic cues that are associated with their specific culture.  Throughout the chapter there is numerous examples of characteristics and qualities that make for a better overall leader or manager. Though it would be difficult to encompass all of them immediately, it would be beneficial to evaluate myself and determine those that I can most progress upon.