This biggest surprise from this week's application activity was the big gap between my self score and those of my colleagues in Communication anxiety. I scored myself at a high/moderate level. Each of my colleagues scored me at a low/mild level. This tells me that I seem more confident than I feel when speaking.
A major insight gained from this week's discussion activity was that, despite my desire to be an open-minded person, I unconsciously make assumptions about others based on first impressions. I was dismayed that it was not very difficult for me to imagine characteristics of the woman in the photo. I feel that if I truly had an open mind these assumptions would have been more difficult to construct.
The positive part of this insight is that it has spurred my resolve to deconstruct my existing schemas.
Hey Patricia!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I most definitely agree with you when you said "despite my desire to be an open-minded person, I unconsciously make assumptions about others based on first impressions." You nailed it right on the point. I believe it is natural that we make assumptions of others base on first impressions but it can be controllable in mannerable and respecful way. Thanks for your post!!
This activity has been eye opening for myself as well. I too try to be open minded but then end up making unconscious assumptions and tend to hold onto those first impressions. This course is really helping me to think before I speak...
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