Understanding Self and Others: A Study on Team Dynamics

This assignment provides a comprehensive study on understanding self and others, focusing on developing interpersonal skills for effective teamwork. It covers various topics such as self-awareness, social cognition, metacognition, negotiation skills, assertiveness, and the Johari Window test. The assignment includes references from books, journals, and online resources, providing a holistic approach to team dynamics.

UNDERSTANDING
SELF AND OTHERS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Understanding self and others is a highly essential subject, which reflects upon
developing a better understanding when it comes to getting a hold on mindsets of self as well as
other individuals.
The report required filling up of several proformas reflecting upon personal skills and
competence. To attain that, 4 Skills have been used which were Negotiation, Written
Communication, Assertiveness / Conflict Resolution as well as Teamwork. All these skills were
reflected based on several factors, such as, their importance, current level of self competence as
well as their contribution in future growth.
Further, the report also required to determine several strengths and weaknesses from the
analysis above, which were identified using the analysis, supported by assessment of tool kits.
Finally, another purpose of this assignment was to formulate an action plan which was
directed towards improving the weaknesses presented within these skills. To achieve that, a
detailed action plan was developed, which focused upon SMART Objectives, and activities
undertaken each of its variables in context with ensuring development in that particular skill.

REFLECTIVE JOURNAL ENTRIES
Reflective Journal Entry Proforma 1
Core Skill
The skill that is to be developed in the proforma is Negotiation. This is a skill which means
settling differences through using influential and persuasive characteristics within an individual
(Komives, 2016). The main agenda of this skill is to avoid any sort of argument or dispute and
still reach on a common ground. This skill is used by individuals to understandably attain best
possible outcome for a certain subject matter and get the best out of every situation.
Importance of Skill and Reason for reflection
Negotiating academically and professionally is very important as it allows an individual to
better present their ideas and get an appropriate approval of the seniors as well as tutors
regarding adopting a different approach. The main reason for which this skill was chosen by
me to reflect upon was that I believe that an individual must be aware of how to negotiate as
they would be required to do so throughout their academic life as well as in their professional.
Moreover, negotiation is also required to appropriately keeping one's point of view firmly with
explanations and factual information to back it up. Without this skill, it would be quite hard for
an individual to ensure a common ground, which might induce challenging situations for them
in the same.
Current competence and ways of assessment
According to my Negotiation Skill Test (refer to Appendix 1), I believe that I am yet to
enhance my competence as far as negotiation skills are concerned. In addition to this, I am yet
to figure out the essentials and personality traits which are required by an individual while they
negotiate. Personally, I feel that there is a wide scope of improvement present for me within
this skill as I still fail to get a hold of this skill as presenting my opinions to a range of
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audiences. Furthermore, in my own opinion, I lack in defining and pitching my own approach
to my seniors, which again, is an area that requires work and improvement both.
Contradictions regarding analysis
According to me, there is a match between how competent I consider myself and how others
see me where this skill is concerned. As the score of Negotiation Skills Test is considered,
there are several essential aspects, like personality traits and judgements, which must be
developed and improvised in order to enhance competence within this skill (Negotiation Skills
Test, 2019). Moreover, as far as judgements of others go for this skill, I receive mixed remarks
from my peers in context with this skill, which matches my personal perception of this skill
with that of others.
Benefits and Importance of the skill in future
Negotiation could be very useful for me in both my future academic as well as professional
careers are concerned. For instance, it would allow me to pitch better deals with investors or
quote a better pricing, which would help me in enhancing the scope of success within my
workplace. In addition to this, academically as well as professionally, this skill would help me
in building appropriate relationships that would contribute in building a better portfolio, which
would further help me ceasing better and more appropriate opportunities in future (Catmur,
Cross and Over, 2016).
Reflective Journal Entry Proforma 2
Core Skill
In this proforma, the core skill which would be developed is Assertiveness / Conflict
Resolution. It refers to the skill which allows an individuals to have an opinion as well as stand
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up for viewpoints of others in an effective manner, i.e., without being aggressive (Swearer and
Hymel, 2015). It further enhances the competence of individuals to be confident as well as self-
assured about their mindsets and opinions. It also undertakes taking into consideration, one's
own or other individual's rights, wants, needs as well as wishes.
Importance of Skill and Reason for reflection
This skill is very important for an individual to possess as it helps in making a person a better
communicator. Furthermore, it helps in improvisation in decision making skills, which is very
crucial in order to contribute in making a smooth and appropriate working environment. The
reason I chose to reflect on this skill is that, in my opinion, this skill is quite effective in context
with communicating with others and create better professional relationships in the workplace as
well as academically as well. Furthermore, it allows an individual to reflect themselves and
their opinions in a better manner, which is important in contemplating a successful personality.
Current competence and ways of assessment
Regarding being assertive, as per my test scores, I am very much competent in being assertive
and I believe with time, I will be more competent within this skill, which, according to me is
quite satisfactory in terms of my career in both academic and professional front. Moreover, the
test results are very much based on all the factors associated with assertiveness and the desired
personality traits associated with the same (Assertiveness Test, 2019). Thus, I believe I scored
quite decent as per my current status within my career. I am very much assertive when it comes
to appropriately standing up for myself as well as putting other people's needs before me and
hence, I believe I am very much competent in this context.
Contradictions regarding analysis
I believe there is minute contradiction in the analysis of my perception of competence in this
skill and viewpoints of others. In context with the same, I have received few negative
feedbacks as well regarding this skills from my peers as I am quite effective in being assertive
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most of the time, yet I tend to push myself in context with performing the skill at par level.
Moreover, as reflected by my score, I am yet to become competent in this skill, which
contradicts my perception with that of the factual information available and thus, there is still
some scope of improvement in assertiveness skill.
Benefits and Importance of the skill in future
This is a very important skill to be possessed by me in order to enhance my decision making
and other communication related attributes both academically as well as at my workplace. In
addition to this, being assertive would also protect me from effectively enhance my
competence level in dealing with complex situations which requires me to put aside my
personal interests and ensuring a firm stand for other people. Thus, this skill is very much
essential in context with having a sound and prominent future growth (Hasson-Ohayon and et.
al., 2015).
Reflective Journal Entry Proforma 3
Core Skill
The core skill which would be developed within this pro-forma is Written Communication.
This is a skill which helps in stipulating important and significant information to people in
written format. This is acknowledged to be a imperative skill that can be used for person as
well as professional purposes in order to carry out development of one's personality. With the
help of this skill, the performance of staff can be substantially improved (Berkenkotter and
Huckin, 2016). This skill can be executed with the stipulation of mails, corporate memos,
business reports, business letters etc.
Importance of Skill and reason for reflection
It is usually seen that not every person is comfortable in interacting by way of oral
communication and this gives rise to the importance of making use of written communication.
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It can be used for professional purpose whereby crucial data has to be transmitted from one
person to another or among the whole organisational premises. With the help of written
communication, the essential aspects related to business can be easily communicated to a
number of people at one point of time (McCroskey, 2015). This helps in interacting with a
large base of people in a shorter period of time. I have chosen this skill for reflection as in my
opinion, written communication is essential to be possessed by me as it would aid me in
expressing my views and opinions in front of others in a clear manner. Further, written
communication is regarded more of professional than oral communication which is why it has
been selected by me to reflect upon, in this pro-forma.
Current competence and ways of assessment
The selected skill has been regarded as important by me as it has always aided me in putting
forward my point of view in front of people in a clear and descriptive manner. I have always
practised written communication since academic tenure as I believe this is a crucial aspect for
personal as well as professional development in long term. I have been regularly practising this
skill in order to enrich my personality with all the essentials that act as prerequisite for having a
good career. As per my point of view, I am quiet competent in this skill as I make use of a
number of tools to deliver crucial data to people. I can say this easily as I am capable of
communicating even the most complex data in a comprehensible manner for people to easily
understand what I am trying to illustrate. I strive to ensure that I do not commit any
grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors for readers to face difficulty while perceiving the
information.
Contradictions regarding analysis
I am used to obtaining feedback or suggestions upon my work from my seniors, colleagues or
peers. In their opinion, I am highly competent in written communication and possess all the
essential prerequisites required for delivering important information in written format. In their
opinion, I have the required skill with which I can communicate using different type of written
techniques such as mails, memos, reports etc. Moreover, my seniors as well as my tutors also
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convey that I make use of an appropriate structure to communicate data effectively. Thus, there
is definitely a match between the way in which I see myself and the manner in which others see
me.
Benefits and Importance of the skill in future
In future, this skill would help me in undergoing academic and professional development. With
reference to the former, it would assist in creating projects and assignments and in relation to
latter, it would aim while communicating key information to staff or higher authorities in
company (Riley and Simons, 2016.).
Reflective Journal Entry Proforma 4
Core Skill
The skill to be developed in this pro-forma is team working. This attribute assists an individual
to carry out the tasks in a group of some individuals while facilitating an atmosphere of
coordination and cooperation with them. This is regarded to be an essential skill as it helps a
person to perform effectively with others in a collaborative manner (Cheruvelil and et. al.,
2014). With the help of this skill, an individual can enhance one's performance and efficiency
as the chances of completing the work within the allotted frame of time enhances in group
working.
Importance of Skill and reason for reflection
Within academic or professional settings, a person has to undergo a number of different types
of situations that arise with the passage of time. The diverse set of situations act as challenges
for individuals. One of these constraints is team working which is an important part of
academic as well as professional life. In relation to professional life, this skill assists an
individual to develop communication with others and make use of this networking to execute
the given task within the allotted course of time (Doulougeri and Montgomery, 2019). With
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reference to academic life, it helps personnel to execute the projects in an effective and efficient
manner as per the requirements laid down by the tutor. The reason for which this skill is
reflected by me is that I am not much open to working in a collaborative manner and I lack the
effectiveness to execute tasks in groups. However, this skill has severe importance for me as an
individual, thus been selected for this pro-forma.
Current competence and ways of assessment
My current competency is not effective in context with team working, as I am not comfortable
in working with a number of people. This is because I get a bit hesitant to showcase my views
and opinions in front of others within a team. I fail to spontaneously respond to the queries
raised by team members and to prove that why a certain opinion is correct as per my thinking.
Despite relevant and regular practise, I fail to work with comfort and ease with other people.
Contradictions regarding analysis
I often like to take the views and opinion of other persons into account regarding my skills and
traits. As per my views, I am a person who does not much like to work in groups as I prefer
individual working. Although to some extent, I possess all the necessary skills that are essential
to carry out tasks in group, yet my personal choice is to perform individually. As per my
seniors and peers, it is their views that I am capable of working in team but do not take
initiative to work in collaborative manner as for me, my individual thinking is more important
and I can not let others over power my viewpoint. Thus, there is a match between thinking of
mine and others regarding team working skills.
Benefits and Importance of the skill in future
In future course of time, I will encounter a number of opportunities whereby I would have to
work in teams with people having diverse set of interests and opinions. At that point of time,
team working skills would assist in setting coordination and cooperation with others to
complete the given task within the stipulated course of time (Holland, 2019).
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SUMMARY AND ACTION PLAN
Accordance to reflective accounts presented before, there are certain strengths as well as
weaknesses present within my personality that are essential to be acknowledged by me. With the
analysis of my personal strengths and weaknesses, I can recognise my strong areas as well as
take into account the areas where I need to bring about improvement as soon as possible. In this
regard, it has been analysed by me that all the skills taken in the pro-formas above are essential
for my personal and professional development. In relation to strengths, I have analysed that I am
quite good in presenting my views and opinions by way of written communication. In context of
my weaknesses, I have acknowledged that I lack effective team working, assertiveness and
negotiation skills. To improve these three areas of development, I have developed an action plan
which is inclusive of the actions that would be taken by me to enhance my skills. The course of
action undertaken by me would be aligned with VARK Learning theory that would aid me in
ascertainment of my learning style for the improvisation of weaknesses.
Strengths
 Effective written communication
 Accomplishment of tasks within targetted time
Weaknesses
 Ineffective negotiation skills
 Inappropriate team working skills
 Lack of assertiveness
ACTION PLAN
Action Plan
Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Timely
Negotiation
Skills
To increase
my
competence
Assessor's
feedbacks
would be used
To enhance
this skill, I
plan to
Training is
very
essential in
I plan to improve
this skill in a
time span of 1
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regarding
keeping my
opinions and
pitching my
approach
(Steinbeis,
2016).
by me as a
tool to
measure
improvement
in this skill.
undergo
training
sessions
which I
believe
would
contribute in
enhancing
this skill in a
better
manner. This
action is
quite
realistic as
there are
several
workshops
working
towards
improvising
negotiation
skills in
others.
ensuring
improvemen
t in any skill.
This would
allow me to
personally
adapt this
skill
effectively.
month.
Assertivene
ss / Conflict
Manageme
nt
To enhance
usage of this
skill in a
more
competent
manner
regarding
building up
Peer reviews
would be used
by me as a
measuring
tool to assess
my
improvement
in the same.
I aim at
taking up
seminars and
past
manager's
journals to
ensure
improvement
Journals
would allow
me to assess
actions taken
by past
managers to
be assertive,
whereas,
Almost 3 months
would be
required by me
to enhance this
skill.
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assertive
traits.
in the same,
which I
believe is an
attainable
way to
increase the
attributes.
seminars
would allow
me to
understand
its practical
application.
Teamwork To enhance
my comfort
level in
context with
working in a
team
The ease and
performance
standards
while
working in
team would
be used by me
as a
measuring
tool to assess
improvement.
I plan to take
up more
tasks
involving
teamwork,
which would
be quite
realistic in
contributing
towards
ensuring
improvisatio
n in this
skill. I plan
to take up
several
activities
which would
allow me to
work with
other
individuals
effectively
and enhance
Working
with other
people
repeatedly
would help
me in
enhancing
my
competence
as well as
openness in
teamwork,
which would
contribute in
helping me
learn
attributes
required in
an effective
team
member.
I believe this
skill would take
almost 6 months
to be
improvised.
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my comfort
level.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Berkenkotter, C. and Huckin, T. N., 2016. Genre knowledge in disciplinary communication:
Cognition/culture/power. Routledge.
Catmur, C., Cross, E.S. and Over, H., 2016. Understanding self and others: from origins to
disorders.
Cheruvelil, K. S. and et. al., 2014. Creating and maintaining high‐performing collaborative
research teams: the importance of diversity and interpersonal skills. Frontiers in
Ecology and the Environment, 12(1), pp.31-38.
Doulougeri, K. and Montgomery, A., 2019. 76 Multidisciplinary Team Working. Cambridge
Handbook of Psychology, Health and Medicine, p.343.
Hasson-Ohayon, I., and et. al., 2015. Metacognitive and social cognition approaches to
understanding the impact of schizophrenia on social quality of life. Schizophrenia
Research. 161(2-3). pp.386-391.
Holland, D., 2019. Interprofessional clinical skills: a tool for developing clinical skills, team
working and professional awareness between medical students and physician
associates. Future healthcare journal, 6(Suppl 1), p.141.
Komives, S.R., 2016. Leadership for a better world: Understanding the social change model of
leadership development. John Wiley & Sons.
McCroskey, J. C., 2015. An introduction to rhetorical communication. Routledge.
Riley, T. J. and Simons, K. A., 2016. The written communication skills that matter most for
accountants. Accounting Education. 25(3). pp.239-255.
Steinbeis, N., 2016. The role of self–other distinction in understanding others' mental and
emotional states: neurocognitive mechanisms in children and adults. Philosophical
Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 371(1686). p.20150074.
Swearer, S.M. and Hymel, S., 2015. Understanding the psychology of bullying: Moving toward
a social-ecological diathesis–stress model. American Psychologist. 70(4). p.344.
Online
Assertiveness Test. 2019. [Online] Available Through:
<https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3091>
Negotiation Skills Test. 2019. [Online] Available Through:
<https://www.vskills.in/practice/negotiation-skills-test>
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APPENDICES
Appendix 1
Negotiation Skills Test
Appendix 2
Assertiveness Test
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Appendix 3
Johari Window Test
(Source: https://kevan.org/johari.cgi)
Appendix 4
Team 123 Test
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