Chapter 11- Becoming more mindful

According to our text in chapter eleven a mindful approach to organizational communication enables us to understand, talk "as a mental and relational activity that is both purposeful and strategic. I find this to be very true. We already know that it takes two active listeners and participators in order to be mindful. So when we encounter a communication situation in an organization we should have reached some sort of achievement at the end of a conversation. If nothing can be taken out of the few minutes that you were speaking, then we know that it was a waste of time according to American style of work. Americans work schedules are extremely busy compared to other nations, which is why we want to make the most of time and always be efficient/ mindful in communication.

Chapter 10

In one section of chapter ten we learn about organizational alignment and competitive strategy. Every organization, small or big, must have some alignment and strategy. With out some sort of strategy a business is almost guaranteed to not be successful. Having no business strategy is almost the same as walking in aimlessly in the dark. Companies need to compete is what drives every company. Knowing that your product is perceived as a better predict than your competitor, even if all the ingredients are the same, can be the difference from a thriving company to a foreclosing organization. How a company markets its self is up to that particular company. Every organization is different form others. 

Chapter 9- Trait Leadership

Trait theory was one of the first ways of describing how a leader is choosen. It is described as being focused entirely on individual’s physical and social attributes. This was derived from earlier powerful forms of leaders in the early 18th century. In my eyes, this is a superficial way to choose someone to lead! Just because someone seems physically fit for a role, does not necessarily mean that they are the best for the job. One example of how America was caught in the trait theory is through the Presidential election of Nixon and Kennedy. Those who herd the big debate between the two on the radio thought Nixon had the best political stand. Those who watched on TV thought Kennedy did the best based on how he was perceived on television. This brings me back to the point that because someone fits the 'traditional’ physical model of a leader does not always mean they are the best. Lets look at one of the most obvious examples today. Ever since the begging of our democracy our leaders have been 'white males'. America broke out of the trait theory in 2008 when Barrack Oboma was choosen as our 44th President. Being the first 'black male' male president proves that our nation has evolved as humans to think outside of the 'norm'. From reading this chapter I realize the limitation that the trait theory obtains