Jeff Yacup

Takeaways from Survival Activity

• Homogeneity creates easier agreement, but stifles divergent thinking

• Trust is a key element in a group, why relationship building is important

• The ability to think big about problems and understand deeply is critical...strategic thinkers!

• Need to stay on task and achieve the end goal....those who hold the executing themes enable this!

• Need to communicate why something is important and build consensus, that's where the influencers come in.

Takeaways from Discussion

1. There is a common knowledge effect in groups.

2. We bias towards shared information.

How to Improve Decision Accuracy

1. Encourage norms that promote criticism

2. Increase member familiarity and trust

3. Respect and listen to those with information who do not share your background

4. Be cautious of power dynamics. Power can perpetuate over confidence and optimism which encourages conformity.

Communication Discussion

Individual Communication Reflection

Practice Active Listening

When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion.

How to Win Friends and Influence People

• Become genuinely interested in other people

• Smile

• Remember that a person's name is the sweetest and most important sound in any language

• Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves

• Talk in terms of the other person's interest

• Make the other person feel important

Discussion on Professional Etiquette/Communication in the Online Space

be extra considerate of tone and timing

use beginning, middle, and end format 

make an effort for casual conversations

bring up issues with teammates objectively and professionally

you can only control your behavior...so do it

Connecting Strengths with Effective Communication

Wrap up