Communication Skills: Solving Problems

​Communication Skills: Solving Problems

By Byron Sequeira

Multiple Select

1. Which four of the following sentences best summarize the key points of the video 1?

• Matt is overwhelmed by his increased workload and the demands of coordinating international projects, particularly with new team members.

• The Japan project is running approximately three weeks behind schedule, creating significant concern for Matt.

• Jack advises Matt to confront Kenji directly and assertively about the project delays in Japan, suggesting a "straight talking" approach.

• Matt is hesitant to adopt an aggressive communication style with Kenji, preferring a more gentle and understanding approach due to cultural considerations.

• The video highlights a successful collaboration between different regional managers, leading to efficient project completion.

Multiple Select

2. Based on the conversation between Matt and Kenji, select four characteristics that accurately describe a direct communication style.

• The communicator expresses concerns and opinions clearly and explicitly.

• The communicator prioritizes maintaining harmony and avoids confrontation.

• The communicator focuses on the task or problem at hand rather than personal feelings.

• The communicator provides clear and specific feedback, even if it's negative.

• The communicator offers solutions and takes decisive action.

A. This phrase uses a qualifier ("a bit") to downplay the severity of the problem, making it sound less urgent or significant than it might be.

B. The speaker starts with positive acknowledgments and empathy before gently introducing the actual issue, softening the message to avoid direct confrontation.

C. This is a hesitant and vague response that avoids a direct admission of needing help or clearly stating the extent of the problem, suggesting a reluctance to fully disclose difficulties.

D. The speaker offers assistance in a general way, putting the responsibility on the other person to identify and articulate their specific needs rather than directly asking what help is required.

E. The speaker frames a negative situation (a delay) as a sympathetic observation and then as a question, rather than a direct accusation or statement of fact, to lessen potential blame.

Below are five phrases from the video that demonstrate indirect communication. Read each phrase and then match it to the best explanation of why it's an example of indirect communication.

1. "I know that you’re very busy, and I hear that things are going very well in some areas, but I think it’s good to update on the project."

2. "It’s a very demanding situation for you and there’s a slight delay on your part of the project, right? Just over three weeks."

3. "We are struggling a bit with resources."

4. "Er … I think we can manage."

5. "I’d like to help. Is there any further support from our side which can help?"