SPC1017-Group2-Zachary Saenz-Blog Post #2

 Reflection Blog #1 - Gabriela Tejedor             Chapter 3, 9, 10            May 21, 2025

Types Of Communications: My Thoughts and Reflection

There are many lessons to be learned in class; that being said, the most important thing is that everyone should have a great foundation of communication. We use communication in everyday life. I learned about three main types of communication, which are Intercultural Communication, Communicating in Groups, and Leadership Groups. Each one showed me how important good communication is in different parts of life. These topics helped me think about my own experiences and how I can grow as a communicator, especially in school and in future jobs.

Chapter 3: Intercultural Communication: Group 1

    Chapter 3 was all about intercultural communication. Group 1 did a great job explaining how different cultures communicate in their own unique ways. I never really thought about how something simple like eye contact or how we greet someone can mean something totally different in another culture. For example, I always thought making eye contact was a good thing, but now I know that in some places, it’s actually considered disrespectful. That really opened my eyes.

    I also learned about ethnocentrism, which means thinking your culture is better than others. I’ve definitely seen people act that way before, sometimes without even realizing it. This made me more aware of how important it is to stay respectful and open when talking to people from different backgrounds. I want to be someone who practices cultural relativism, where I try to understand things from the other person’s point of view instead of just judging based on my own way of doing things.

    One thing that really stuck with me was the difference between high-context and low-context cultures. I think I fall more into the low-context side, where we say things pretty directly. But now I understand that in high-context cultures, people rely more on body language and what’s “unsaid.” This helps me be more careful and observant when I talk to others, especially when I don’t know their background well.

    This chapter made me think about the times I’ve interacted with people from different cultures, like in school or when traveling. I realize now that good communication means being more patient, asking questions, and not assuming we all mean the same thing when we speak or act.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED

Chapter 9: Communicating In Groups: Group 2

    Chapter 9 focused on group communication. I could relate to this a lot because I’ve been in many group projects before, and they’re not always easy. My Group 2 explained the five stages of group development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. I realized I’ve been through all of these in past group work, even if I didn’t know what to call them at the time. Sometimes a group feels great right away, and other times it’s full of arguments or confusion. Now I understand that’s just part of the process.

    I also learned about group roles. Some people are task-oriented and focus on getting things done, while others help with group harmony and support. I think I usually fall into a supportive role. I try to help everyone feel comfortable and make sure things go smoothly. After learning about all the roles, I realized how important it is for everyone to contribute their part and respect each other’s strengths.

    Something that really made sense to me was when the group talked about conflict. Before, I thought arguments in a group meant things were falling apart. But now I see that conflict can actually help bring out better ideas as long as everyone is respectful. That’s something I’ll remember next time I’m in a group project and there’s disagreement. It’s not always a bad thing.

    We also talked about decision-making, like voting, compromising, or reaching a full agreement. I think agreeing early on about how to make decisions can really save a lot of time and stress.

    This chapter reminded me that group communication is not just about getting things done. It’s about listening, sharing ideas, and helping each other succeed as a team.

Chapter 10: Leadership Group: Group 3 

 

    Chapter 10 was about leadership, and I really enjoyed this one. Group 3 explained the different leadership styles: authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire. I realized that leadership doesn’t always look the same. Some leaders make all the decisions, some let everyone help, and others are more hands-off. I personally like the democratic style the most because it allows everyone to speak up and feel involved. I’ve had group leaders in school who were either too controlling or too distant, and I could see how the group’s success depended a lot on their style.

    One of the most powerful things I learned is that leadership isn’t just about giving orders. It’s about helping people, being responsible, and showing care for the team. Emotional intelligence also stood out to me. A leader who understands their own emotions and the emotions of others can create a much better environment for everyone.

    It also surprised me to realize that you don’t need a title to be a leader. Even if you’re not the one “in charge,” you can still lead by example, solve problems, or support others. That made me think of a time when I helped my group stay on task during a project without being the official leader. Looking back, I guess I was leading in my own way.

    This chapter helped me feel more confident about stepping into leadership roles in the future. I used to think leaders had to be loud or super outgoing, but now I know there are many ways to lead. What matters most is communication, respect, and making sure the team works well together.

What it takes to be a great leader | Roselinde Torres | TED

Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman ► Animated Book Summary

Conclusion

Learning about intercultural communication, group communication, and leadership showed me that communication is more than just talking. It’s about listening, understanding, and knowing how to connect with different people in different situations.

    I didn’t realize how much communication affects everything we do, how we solve problems, work with others, and even lead. Now I see that learning to communicate better can help me not just in school, but in life. I want to keep growing in this area and be more aware of how I talk to others, how I listen, and how I can build better relationships through communication.

    These chapters helped me reflect on my own experiences and gave me tools to do better in the future. Whether I’m in a group project, meeting someone from a different background, or taking on a leadership role, I now feel more prepared to communicate positively and respectfully.