This communication self awareness guide provides opportunity for self reflection on communication and improving self awareness. There are many attributes within communication that can determine if an interaction connects, empowers, falls flat, or creates unintended tension.

SELF REFLECTION
Completing self reflections on your awareness of communication to others can be a great grounding experience, reminders on best practices, and opportunities to dive further into your development.

SELF REFLECTION – VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Where do I believe my rating is with this form of communication? *Reference scale on last page of guide
1 – Beginner 2 – Growing 3 – Proficient 4 – Advanced 5 – Expert

How much growth have I experienced with this form of communication since last reflection (or within the last year)?
1 – None 2 – Little 3 – Consistent 4 – Significant 5 – Game Changer

What is my confidence level with this form of communication?
1 – Low 2 – Somewhat Low 3 – Moderate 4 – Somewhat High 5 – High

Do I want to learn more about this form of communication? If so, what?

Have I received a compliment or positive feedback regarding this form of communication since my last reflection (or within the last year)? If so, what was shared?

Have I received growth opportunity conversations regarding this form of communication since my last reflection (or within the last year)? If so, what was shared?

Am I currently utilizing this form of communication to create a more psychologically safe space for my colleagues and team? If so, how?


SELF REFLECTION – NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION e.g., body language, gestures, facial expressions
Where do I believe my rating is with this form of communication? *Reference scale on last page of guide
1 – Beginner 2 – Growing 3 – Proficient 4 – Advanced 5 – Expert

How much growth have I experienced with this form of communication since last reflection (or within the last year)?
1 – None 2 – Little 3 – Consistent 4 – Significant 5 – Game Changer

What is my confidence level with this form of communication?
1 – Low 2 – Somewhat Low 3 – Moderate 4 – Somewhat High 5 – High

Do I want to learn more about this form of communication? If so, what?

Have I received a compliment or positive feedback regarding this form of communication since my last reflection (or within the last year)? If so, what was shared?

Have I received growth opportunity conversations regarding this form of communication since my last reflection (or within the last year)? If so, what was shared?

Am I currently utilizing this form of communication to create a more psychologically safe space for my colleagues and team? If so, how?


SELF REFLECTION – PARAVERBAL COMMUNICATION e.g., speed, volume, pitch
Where do I believe my rating is with this form of communication? *Reference scale on last page of guide
1 – Beginner 2 – Growing 3 – Proficient 4 – Advanced 5 – Expert

How much growth have I experienced with this form of communication since last reflection (or within the last year)?
1 – None 2 – Little 3 – Consistent 4 – Significant 5 – Game Changer

What is my confidence level with this form of communication?
1 – Low 2 – Somewhat Low 3 – Moderate 4 – Somewhat High 5 – High

Do I want to learn more about this form of communication? If so, what?

Have I received a compliment or positive feedback regarding this form of communication since my last reflection (or within the last year)? If so, what was shared?

Have I received growth opportunity conversations regarding this form of communication since my last reflection (or within the last year)? If so, what was shared?

Am I currently utilizing this form of communication to create a more psychologically safe space for my colleagues and team? If so, how?


SELF REFLECTION – WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Where do I believe my rating is with this form of communication? *Reference scale on last page of guide
1 – Beginner 2 – Growing 3 – Proficient 4 – Advanced 5 – Expert

How much growth have I experienced with this form of communication since last reflection (or within the last year)?
1 – None 2 – Little 3 – Consistent 4 – Significant 5 – Game Changer

What is my confidence level with this form of communication?
1 – Low 2 – Somewhat Low 3 – Moderate 4 – Somewhat High 5 – High

Do I want to learn more about this form of communication? If so, what?

Have I received a compliment or positive feedback regarding this form of communication since my last reflection (or within the last year)? If so, what was shared?

Have I received growth opportunity conversations regarding this form of communication since my last reflection (or within the last year)? If so, what was shared?

Am I currently utilizing this form of communication to create a more psychologically safe space for my colleagues and team? If so, how?


FEEDBACK
Asking others for feedback is always a helpful way to gain a fuller picture on where you’re at with these forms of communication. You can ask others for general feedback or specifically ask them the first, second, and the last questions of each section as they apply to you. When seeking feedback, anonymous feedback is a route that can help ensure more transparent answers. If the feedback is not anonymous, consider who you’re asking and if the dynamic between both of you will produce more honest feedback.

Make note of any discrepancies between your self reflection and what was shared as feedback.


REFLECT
Self Reflection and/or Discussion Questions

Reflecting on your self assessment and feedback received will assist with applying this information to your everyday interactions at work. Below are additional self reflection and/or discussion questions.

• What actions will you be taking moving forward with each form of communication? Do you have new or continuing goals within these forms of communication?
• How can you help others with open feedback or reassurance with how their communication is?
• What did you find were your top strengths within communication?
• Did you find/receive feedback that your communication is providing a psychologically safe space?
• Are there areas you need to improve in but are nervous or unsure how to progress forward? What can your leader(s), peers, and/or direct reports do to support you?
• What do you wish individuals understood more about your communication?
• When high stress or conflict situations occur, how would your self reflection responses change?

REFLECT
Management Lens Questions
Note: Management lens questions should be discussed when someone has people management responsibilities.

• Do you think there’s a difference in how you’d respond to your reflection questions when comparing communication between your leaders, peers, or direct reports?
• What do you find is the most challenging with leading individuals in regards to these forms of communication?
• What action steps do you plan to do moving forward to improve with each form of communication? What will you continue to do that you’re already excelling in?
• What learning opportunities will you be taking on?
• What steps will you be taking to increase a psychologically safe space with your communication?

GRADING SCALE
Utilize this grading scale for question “Where do you believe your rating is with this form of communication?”

1 – Beginner: Basic understanding of this form of communication. Skills and practical application not yet developed.
2 – Growing: Beyond basic understanding; occasionally applies what has been learned to improve, but overall communication quality is inconsistent.
3 – Proficient: Consistently delivers good quality communication that connects and delivers the intended message. Possesses solid knowledge that is beyond foundational.
4 – Advanced: Possesses a deep level of understanding and skill that can navigate complex interactions smoothly.
5 – Expert: Master of this form of communication. Demonstrates expert-level knowledge and strategy with daily communication.

For more information about this material, email kmcclain@praeliscere.com or visit https://praeliscere.com/. Copyright Kathryn McClain.

This communication self awareness guide provides opportunity for self reflection on communication and improving self awareness. There are many attributes within communication that can determine if an interaction connects, empowers, falls flat, or creates unintended tension.