Reflection Paper

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Running Head: WEEK 5 REFLECTIVE JOURNAL

Monias O. Allen

GU299/ General Education Capstone

Grantham University

Week 5 Reflective Journal

Communication is vital when selecting a mentor as well as being a mentee. Communication styles need to be similar, or neither party will benefit from the mentor/ mentee relationship. I had several people requesting to be my mentor when I was a young Soldier; however, their style of communication did not fit what I needed at the time; I needed a firm hand, and most were gentle.

This week we focused on mentorship and leadership and service learning, I enjoyed reading the Leadership and service learning styles lecture and getting a better understanding of how each style plays a vital role in communication and most important learning a leadership style. As a leader, it is critical to have a mix of all three to connect to our subordinates. Over the last three years, I needed to find ways to connect to all my subordinates which ages ranged from 18- 70; some were more challenging than other but being adaptable made it easier to relate to them.

Communication is an art, anyone can learn how to communicate but being able to communicate successfully is where some have a problem. Communication is being able to convey a message to a person clearly and concise allowing them to ask questions to gain clarity. Since we learn to communicate from birth, it is one of the most important lessons we learn in life.

I have taken two classes in communication, I thought they were going to be relatively easy, and I speak to people daily, provide guidance and assist with all types of task; however, I realized that Military communication is different from “normal” communication. I had to learn how to speak into a camera with feedback, which is something I need to tell whether I am on the right track. Although the classes were exciting, they were difficult at times.

What advise would you give to a student who wants to quit pursuing higher education, not because they cannot be successful but just tired?