Subject: Strategic Marketing Project (MARK 1054)

Professor: Danny Smith

Question 1: Over the past 6 weeks, how have YOU supported your group from a communication
perspective? In what way(s) have YOU been contributing towards a positive communication experience?
Provide one example. Could you be doing more or something else? Would your group colleagues agree
with your assessment? Why or why not?

Answer: By being an active and involved member of the group, I have contributed to learning. I
supported and communicated with my classmates well, trying to make sure we had a good outcome for
our group projects. I've also been ready to experiment with new ideas, as well as willing to make
compromises if necessary. I'm sure my friends would have agreed that I was an active contributor to the
dynamic of our group. Communication is of fundamental importance in any group setting, and I have
sought to be a good communicator with my colleagues. In my communications, I've made sure to be
succinct and precise. And ever since I listened to other people's ideas, I've treated them with respect and
openness. I think my communication skills played an important role in our group's success. I'm always
interested in your feedback and if you want to help this group, I would be glad to change my
communication style.

In my group, I have been able to communicate very efficiently and have often taken on the role
of mediator when there was a disagreement. All my life, I have listened carefully to the two
sides of this argument and presented a straightforward solution which everyone had been
pleased with. There was one instance where there had been a misunderstanding about who
would be responsible to complete the task. To help both sides understand this situation and
come to an agreement that would benefit all parties, I have responded quickly. Many friends
have told me that their appreciation for my communication abilities is greatly appreciated,
which contributes positively to communications.

Question 2: Over the past 6 weeks, how have YOU been contributing to the project? In other words,
are YOU "in-it-to-win-it" / putting in all your effort, or have you been leaning on your group to carry
more of the workload, the thinking, the planning, and so on? Provide an example. Could you be doing
more or something else? Would your group colleagues agree with your assessment? Why or why not?

Answer: I have been contributing to this project by taking on a leadership role and assisting in
coordination of activities within the group over the past six weeks. I have been thinking and planning a
great deal about this project, as have I worked hard to ensure that it goes well. My colleagues at the
company would have agreed with my assessment, as they saw me working hard and knowing that I was
taking on a great deal of responsibility. They would know that I could do a little more, but they
appreciated what I was doing for the group.
Well, I have contributed a lot of my time to that project and have usually taken charge when it comes to
making things happen. Always make sure that I'm putting 100% of my effort into it. The rest of my group
had some difficulty finding a creative solution to the issue on one occasion. I'd just stepped in, coming up
with some ideas that could be tried. And we put one of my suggestions into practice.

Question 3: Over the past 6 weeks, how have YOU been supporting the successful delivery of the project
components? In other words, are YOU meeting the project timeline (critical path), are you submitting
your deliverables, are you meeting your role and responsibilities? Provide two examples. Could you be
doing more or something else? Would your group colleagues agree with your perspective? Why or why
not?

Answer: I have been playing a lead role in developing the Frontend Interface for this project. I have been
working with the designers, trying to make interfaces more user friendly and easier to use. In addition, I
worked with the backend developers to make sure that interface is integrated properly into the Backend
System. Furthermore, I have been charged with checking interfaces and giving feedback to developers. I
have been able to meet the project timeline, my role, and responsibilities. I've been submitting
deliverables on time and giving feedback to developers as soon as possible. I might have done a better
job with tests, but my colleagues in the group seem to agree that I've handled them well.

Question 4: Let's switch to your group's perspective of you. What would your group identify at this time
that you need to be watchful of as we proceed through the most challenging part of the client project?
Why would they say that? Would you agree? And what can you do now to minimize their concerns?
Provide an example.

Answer: I have been told by the group that my tendency of taking charge and leading should be kept in
mind. They would say that this can sometimes come across as being bossy or overbearing. I'm in
agreement with that assessment, and I'm going to try to reduce their concerns by being more aware of
my tone and body language. For instance, when discussing ideas within my group, I can make sure to use
a more cooperative language so that there is an open and inviting body language.

Also, the group would say that it is necessary for me to be more communicative and vocal in expressing
my views and giving feedback. They were saying this because I tend to be more introverted and passive
in the group environment, so my input does not always get heard or valued. It seems to me that, to
minimize my group's concern, it is worth making conscious efforts to be more open and proactive at the
Group level. In other words, rather than just listening to the opinions of others and agreeing with them, I
am going to take a chance on talking about my ideas when we are brainstorming client projects.