D235 Reflection Paper on Interprofessional Communication in Healthcare

Student Name

Western Governors University 

D235 Interprofessional Communication and Leadership in Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

D235 Reflection Paper on Interprofessional Communication in Healthcare

Part One: Working Style

A1: What Are My Working Style Results?

Based on my 5 Dynamics report, my working style integrates four primary energies: explore effortless, excite deliberate, examine deliberate+, and execute effortless. The explore energy with effortless intensity signifies that once I start exploring an idea, I naturally delve deeper and develop effective solutions with ease. The excite dynamic, characterized by deliberate intensity, shows my preference for actively sharing ideas and engaging teammates to build enthusiasm and collaboration around projects. Meanwhile, the examine dynamic, also deliberate+, reflects my natural curiosity and tendency to analyze information meticulously, often questioning reasons behind decisions and processing thoughts systematically. Finally, the execute dynamic with effortless intensity enables me to carry out tasks efficiently, avoiding interruptions or delays.

A2: How Do I Reflect on My Working Style Results?

Two key strengths emerge from my working style. The effortless intensity in explore allows me to generate innovative ideas and quickly answer “how” during initial project phases, creating momentum and satisfaction. Additionally, the effortless execute energy ensures I complete tasks on time, fostering team trust and cohesion.

My working style closely aligns with how I approach academic and professional tasks. Instead of procrastinating, I immediately assess task requirements and organize my thoughts for effective execution. However, when overwhelmed with excessive information in short periods, I struggle. To manage this, I take breaks and repeat important content—especially during live lectures—to improve retention. I learn best when fully focused, often sitting near the front and recording sessions for review.

A3: What Working Styles Do I Prefer in Teammates?

I prefer teammates who demonstrate a balanced mix of all working styles. Collaboration thrives when individuals freely brainstorm, share ideas openly, and communicate without biases. It is crucial that each team member feels respected and included. When disagreements occur, I encourage honest communication to integrate diverse viewpoints and reach consensus beneficial for the entire group.

Part Two: Communication

A4A: What Is My Listening Mode?

In my nursing experience, I recall a sensitive discussion regarding end-of-life care involving a resident’s family and a hospice nurse. The environment was respectful and professional as we aligned the care plan with the family’s spiritual beliefs. During this conversation, I practiced listening to learn, focusing intently on gathering facts and emotional nuances necessary to shape an appropriate care approach.

A4B: How Did Listening Impact My Learning?

Attentive listening enabled me to understand the family’s values and wishes deeply, even when their beliefs differed from my own. This thorough comprehension helped me accommodate their specific requests while facilitating mutual agreement among all parties involved.

A4C: How Has Listening Affected My Relationships?

Adopting a listening style that permits others to express emotions uninterrupted has strengthened my interpersonal connections. By recognizing the feelings behind words, I respond more thoughtfully and promote genuine, open communication.

A5A: What Is My Speaking Mode?

I remember a conflict where a coworker justified calling out of work but was later seen socializing, sparking workplace tension. When I offered a different perspective, my approach became defensive rather than open, aimed more at conflict management than constructive dialogue.

A5B: What Have I Learned from Speaking?

From challenging conversations, I learned to consider multiple viewpoints to guide discussions toward positive outcomes. While perfect resolutions are rare, fostering direct communication between conflicting parties tends to enhance understanding. Acting as a mediator is helpful at times, but often empowering parties to speak directly works best.

A5C: How Does My Speaking Affect Relationships?

My communication style varies with the audience:

In professional contexts, I prioritize clarity and respect. With family, I simplify language and soften tone for comfort. Among colleagues, I maintain professionalism while respecting diverse views to foster empathy.

A6: How Do I Apply the Laws of Conversation?

I strive to build meaningful interactions by understanding my audience, fostering trust, and preventing misunderstandings. When miscommunication or bias occurs, I pay attention to emotions and body language, aiming to redirect conversations toward positive, valuable exchanges instead of unproductive debates.

A7: How Will I Use New Communication Tools?

I plan to apply these communication strategies both professionally and personally to nurture respect and trust. Recognizing physiological needs and avoiding futile arguments helps maintain constructive dialogue. I intend to use the Ladder of Listening framework to improve mindfulness and emotional intelligence in future conversations.

Part Three: Course Reflection and Future Application

A8A: What Have I Gained from the Course?

This course significantly enhanced my communication skills by introducing diverse listening modes, mindful conversation techniques, and the importance of professional speaking to build positive relationships.

A8B: What Challenges Did I Face?

Interpreting my 5 Dynamics learning style was a challenge, particularly applying abstract concepts to my personal experiences.

A8C: What Is the Most Valuable Course Content?

The most impactful learning was mastering professional communication and understanding how conversations can shift rapidly from productive to wasteful. Recognizing the influence of speech on perceptions and relationships was enlightening.

A9: How Can I Help Others Using These Skills?

I aim to assist others by modeling compassion and facilitating meaningful dialogue, promoting respectful and professional communication, especially since many people struggle with essential social skills.

A10: How Will I Sustain These Skills?

As a unit manager in a long-term care facility, I plan to integrate positive communication daily. This includes encouraging team feedback, actively listening to residents, collaborating with other departments, and maintaining professional discourse with colleagues.

D235 Reflection Paper on Interprofessional Communication in Healthcare

A11: What Areas of Communication and Leadership Do I Need to Improve?

I recognize the need to strengthen my communication to maintain authority and professionalism as a leader. I aspire to emulate my nursing director’s confident and clear communication style, ensuring my team understands and collaborates effectively.

References

Noona, A. R. (2023). Interprofessional Communication and Leadership in Healthcare – D235 Reflection Paper. [Instructor: Ali Hernandez].