Delivering Bad News Tactfully and Effectively

     Communicating effectively is a necessary skill to learn and master no matter what profession you decide to enter. Confronting an employee who is already confrontational with an ultimatum can be a daunting task for even the most experience communicator. Each situation has to be approached individually and handle with the utmost respect regardless of your emotions.

     In the case study where I am a department manager of a mid-sized company that provides technology support and customer service, I have received numerous complaints on substandard behavior of one of my employees.  Not only has the performance of this employee declined, the employee has become confrontational which has created a hostile environment.  I need to confront this employee and deliver an ultimatum regarding the need for immediate improvement or dismissal.  In order to accomplish this effectively, I would use the six-steps to successful conflict resolutions (Shockley-Zalabak, 2009).

Newspapers

The newspapers revolutionized the way societies obtain information; but in our ever expanding society and technological advances is the newspaper still need? The newspaper is one of oldest forms of mass communication (media technology). The newspaper goes back over five centuries from the 1400’s as a form of news pamphlet to early Renaissance Europe as a hand written newsletter (Barber, 2011). By the 1800’s, the newspaper had reached every corner of the earth. Inventions like the printing press and the telegraphed allowed for information to be reported in a timelier and wide spread manner. In the 19^th century, the newspaper was the primary way of receiving and reporting of current events. By the late 19^th century into the 20^th, the way people receive information has greatly changed.

Social Media

Social media is used to share information among people all over the world and is normally done through the internet. People are able to participate, have conversations, and provide feedback with each. One of the most popular forms of social media is Facebook. Facebook is utilize by young and old people alike. It is way to stay connected to old/current friends and meet new people who have similar interest. A person can share information about themselves with anyone around the world without any real barriers. This can be both positive and negative. Some of the positives is that you are exposed to and are able to learn from people who are different then you. You can connect with people of different backgrounds and cultures who can provide you with a different perspective on issues. The negative side to social media is that there are no barriers. People can use this platform to take advantage of the elderly, adult, and children.  Other forms of social media include:  PODCASTS, BLOGS, and MySpace.  

Television Changing Society

One of the most common forms of media technologies that have expanded in the last decade has been the television. Television has provided our society entertainment, up-to-date news (weather, local and global current events), an escape from life, and numerous jobs opportunities. Society has used this form of media to get information out to the masses and encompasses video, sound, photography, and computer graphics to provide visual stimulation and interest. You can find TV’s in pretty much every home in America and has become the center piece in most families. Television has greatly influenced the way society has developed and keeps itself entertained. Prior the invention of the television, most families spent their extra time socializing with each other, reading, going to plays, or engaging in some sort of physical activity.  As televisions became more affordable, its popularity grew. People began to substitute their normal daily activities with their new favorite shows and video games. Television has greatly impacted our culture. People use television to entertain and educate their children and themselves, instead of using books. This has greatly contributed to the obesity,literacy, and violence in our society. The television is great tool, but like with anything, it should be used in moderation. 

Learning About Digital Media

Digital media is basically any type of electronic media that we use today which is stored electronically (Digital Media, 2000) and can be accessed various ways. Knowing how to use and create digital media will allow you to connect and work with others in your profession on pending and future projects which will increase productivity. As digital media changes, so will the way we access, analyze, and evaluate the information we receive. Being in the Military, I have seen firsthand how important digital media can be. Most work done in the Military utilizes some sort of digital media to analyze and process incoming/outgoing communications.  Most forms of digital media found in the fleet are: computers, Smart Boards, thumb drives, external hard drives, and video which are utilized to store, view, and receive information. In addition, the Military uses PowerPoint’s, Word documents, and Excell spread sheets to conducting training and give briefs. Without digital media, the effectiveness of Military training and education would be nearly impossible and would hinder mission readiness. Other forms of digital media include cell phones, IPOD, IPAD’s, the Internet, and downloads all of which can be access and utilized by all ages, races, genders, and social classes (Bliss, 2010).

Bliss, H. (2010, September 25). What Are the Different Types of Digital Media Technology? Retrieved Jan10, 2011, from wiseGeek: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-digital-media-technology.htm

Digital Media. (2000, March 1). Retrieved Jan16, 2011, from Google: http://www.google.com/search?

hl=en&rlz=1T4SKPT_enUS399US399&defl=en&q=define:Digital+media&sa=X&ei=4eo0TZy9GJHoObLkoLUC&ved=0CBUQkAE

Blogging 101

Well, this is my first time ever creating a blog from scratch. I have found the whole process a bit intimidating and difficult. I learn best when I have someone physically showing me a new task or skill, so needless to say, blogging has been giving me a headache. I will definitely have to rely on other forms of communication available to me like my fellow classmates at Ashford, the Internet, and my professor. This is definitely going to be a learning experience, Wish me luck!

Jen