5.3 Self-concept
One of the more difficult tasks when improving our communication is to develop an awareness of the self. In doing so, we need the courage to look at how we behave objectively, analyse our strengths and weaknesses, accept the need to change and find the discipline and patience to change our bad communication habits for good ones.
The self is a crucial component in communication as it will affect the way we relate to others and the way others relate to us may, in turn, affect our self-concept.
Activity 5h
- What are the three elements of self-concept proposed by Putnis and Petelin on page 107 of your text?
- In a column write down, one under the other, 'I am...' ten times. Now fill in a role that you are involved in from your role repertoire for each line. For example,
I am a mother
I am an accountant - Referring to role theory, have you ever 'lost face' where you have presented aspects of your self which conflict with an approved role (this often happens at end of year office parties!)?
- In a column write down, one under the other, 'I am...' ten times. Now fill in a role that you are involved in from your role repertoire for each line. For example,
- Which of Norton's communication styles characterise you currently? Would you have provided the same set of styles twelve months ago? Why/why not?
- Self-esteem can be seen as an inverse relationship between your perceived self and your desired self i.e. the greater the difference between these two views the lower your self-esteem.
- How can low self-esteem affect workplace performance?
- What can an employee do about low self-esteem?
- What can a manager do to increase an employee's self-esteem?
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