University of Maryland, College Park

Pearl Diving Assignment 1

Ioannis Kokotsakis
Communication for Project Managers: ENCE614
Dr. Shana Webster-Trotman
September 23, 2023
Introduction

Growing up, I was impressed by the complex structures and towering buildings that
surrounded me. This fascination, coupled with my strong inclination towards mathematics and
physics, led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. However, it was my
summer internship in the Thessaloniki metro station project that cemented my decision to
establish a career in project management. In this project, I assisted the site construction manager,
who was in charge of coordinating about one thousand workers (engineers, specialists, and
laborers), each with distinct roles. What initially shocked me as an impossible task, gradually
won me over by its sheer challenges and intricacies. This experience emphasized the vital role of
communication in this field. Driven by this realization, I was motivated to enhance my
communication skills and embark on a path towards becoming a project manager. In this
assignment I will discuss the understandings from various readings, my networking experiences,
and analyze the results of my DISC and conflict management assessments, along with my JUNG
personality assessment. Through this in-depth analysis I arrive at many conclusions regarding the
improvements I need to make in my communication skills which are vital presently for my
graduate studies, in the future for my professional endeavors and consistently for my personal
life.

Concepts from Readings

Through the various readings we have covered on the concepts and techniques of
communication, conversation, and public speaking many have struck me as interesting and
informative but the three most appliable to me will be discussed below.

The first particularly interesting concept from the readings is the improvement of health through
discussion (Patterson et al.15). The reading, Crucial Conversations: Improve Your Personal
Health, highlights the importance of the ability to master high-stakes discussions in order to have
a healthier and longer life (15-16). From personal experiences I avoided having necessary
conversations and this ended up on the decline of my physical and mental health. Growing up in
a family of doctors, I often heard about the link between communication and health, but I never
understood the importance of it until I read this book. It was a moment of realization as I thought
back to times when I could have spoken up but chose not to, and later, I felt physically and
mentally unwell. Now that I understand the significance of this concept, I have made a promise
to myself, to engage in conversations even when they involve topics I’d rather avoid, especially
with people close to me. Open and honest communications aren’t just vital for maintaining
strong relationships but also essential for safeguarding our own health. This concept has left a
huge impression on me, motivating me to prioritize crucial conversations to protect both my
physical and mental well-being.

The second interesting topic covered by the readings is that “empathy creates energy and drives
profit” (Gallo 51). Galo’s “Five stars: empathy creates energy and drives profits” illustrates
examples on how empathy can serve as a powerful tool for excelling in our professional lives,
even when we may not possess the technical skills required for a specific job (51-54). Even
though I have limited working experience, this concept made me reconsider many things. My
initial belief was that qualifications were the most important thing in a job description, but I was
wrong. Undoubtedly, qualifications alone may not be the most crucial factor for success in our
professional careers. It is rather our ability to empathize with others and influence those around
us that can truly drive collective achievement (53). The book’s example featuring Tim Cook and
Angela Ahrendts highlighted the immense importance of “motivating teams and empathizing
with client” as qualities that outweigh any technical knowledge (Galo 52-54). Personally, I see
myself as an empathetic individual who genuinely desires to help others succeed alongside me. I
want to reach a point in my life where I can inspire and motivate people. Creating an
environment where we can achieve incredible things together is my goal. This concept has
shown me that empathy and the ability to connect with others are perhaps the most essential
skills we can possess in our professional journeys. In the future, I am determined to work on
enhancing and developing these crucial abilities.

Another important and interesting topic discussed in the readings is “The management of speech
anxiety” (O’Hair et al. 14). The reading, A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking, identifies the
sources of anxiety and suggests techniques that would help people overcome their anxiety during
a speech (O’Hair et al). Speaking in front a crowd was one of the most challenging things for me
during my school years. Despite my deep desire to become an eloquent speaker, I consistently
avoided public speaking especially when it came to topics that I knew very little about. Even
when I was familiar with a subject, I was reluctant to address an audience. Overcoming this fear
seemed like an impossible task. However, as I read the book, I came across techniques that could
help me conquer my fears and manage anxiety before and during a speech or presentation. The
techniques that stood out as potential valuable tools were: “Pre-Performance Anxiety, Prepare
and Practice, Visualize Success, and Use Stress-Control Breathing” (15-20). Although, I haven’t
had the opportunity to apply these techniques yet, I’m determined to use them to gain more
confidence, overcome my fears, and work towards becoming a better speaker in the future. These
strategies have given me hope that I can eventually become skilled in public speaking.

Networking

The list of names that I connected in LinkedIn consists of the following: Rajashree Hazarika,
Ayushi Patel, Emmanuel, Forakis, Yanjun Guo, Cierra Hangrove, Christopher Neal, Alden Fitts,
Anna Torres, Brooke Heiston, Yixuen Moh

I have to admit that before I attended the Communication for Project Management course, I
knew very little about networking from my previous university. The university system in Greece
does not prioritize networking in the same way international universities do. Through reading,
Networking For College Students And Graduates (Faulkner et al), I began to understand the
importance of networking in today’s professional world. Real life examples of professionals
highlighted how networking could significantly increase our chances of securing a position or
advancing in our careers.
My first step was to connect with my classmates through the LinkedIn application. As I reached
out to them, my curiosity grew rapidly. I started searching for more individuals that had the same
qualifications as I have. This approach led me to connect with people that I have never met
before, from different backgrounds. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to attend a
formal networking event yet, but when I do, I will make sure that I am fully prepared to meet and
engage with professionals. The reading introduced us into the “Fourteen Easy-To-Use
Techniques For When “It’s Time To Network” (Faulkner et al. 43). These techniques illustrated
the key components of effective networking. Some of these were “preparation, making a positive
impression, practicing patience, introducing yourself professionally, setting clear goals, and
maintaining connections with the people we meet” (Faulkner. 45-57). This knowledge has
equipped me with valuable strategies to excel in networking situations, ensuring that I implement
it in future networking opportunities.

DISC Personality Assessment

The DISC personality assessment breaks down our behavior into four key factors: Dominance,
Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance. It provides us with information into how we handle
challenges, interact with others, and organize our lives. In the DISC personality model, I scored
39% in Dominance, 26% in Influence, 28% in Steadiness, and 7% in Compliance.

For the first factor, Dominance, the results align with my natural inclination towards being a
dominant person. This aspect of my personality has brought both advantages and disadvantages
in my life. On the one hand, my dominant nature has helped me to overcome obstacles and take
charge of situations that require assertiveness. A very good case in point that illustrates the
benefits of being dominant is my involvement in sports, soccer in particular. In sports, especially
in a competitive sport like soccer, being dominant is often a key factor in achieving victory. This
has helped me make critical decisions during games and motivate my teammates to perform at
their best. On the other hand, it has also led to conflicts with others, as my dominant personality
can sometimes clash with those who have similar characteristics. A notable example of how my
dominant personality clashed with someone else’s occurred during a friendly soccer match. I
naturally took on a leadership role on the field, giving directions and making decisions. Another
player on the team, who also had dominant traits, disagreed with some of my calls and wanted to
assert their authority as well. This led to conflicts on the field, disrupted our teamwork, and
affected our performance during the game. It became clear that finding a balance in our
leadership styles would have been more productive for the whole team.

For the second factor, Influence, the results came as a surprise as I considered myself to be a
more influential person. This factor highlights an area I believe is crucial for personal
development, especially in the context of teamwork and collaboration. From the results given, I
recognize that I have room for improvement in this aspect and have to explore strategies and
techniques to develop my ability to influence and persuade others positively. This will be
valuable not only in my professional life but also in my personal interactions, as it can lead to
more successful outcomes and better relationships.
For the third factor, Steadiness, I have to say that the results were expected in terms of patience
and persistence. I am fully aware that patience isn’t my strongest suit and this is an area I’m
actively working on improving. While I consider myself persistent, I acknowledge that I have my
limits, and I tend to move on if things don’t go my way, sometimes with regrets. However, I
found the aspect related to thoughtfulness somewhat surprising. Thoughtfulness is something I
value greatly, especially when it involves considering the feelings and needs of others. This
result has promoted me to reflect more on my interaction with people and enhance my
thoughtfulness. My objective is to become a more patient and considerate person, particularly
towards people that are close to me.

For the final factor, Compliance, I must express my disagreement with the results. According to
the assessment, I scored low in this category, indicating that I may not be as organized in my
approach to activities, procedures, and responsibilities. I consider myself a very responsible
person who approaches tasks and responsibilities with organization and diligence. This has been
a consistent trait of mine, dating back to my school years, and it has become even more essential
now that I am living independently away from my home country. Managing life abroad demands
a great deal of organization and responsibility. From handling daily chores and finances to
maintaining a structured schedule for my academic commitments. These habits have been crucial
in balancing my academic and personal life while living away from home. I am confident that
these traits, even though the assessment indicated differently, will contribute effectively in both
my personal and professional life.

Recognizing and embracing my Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness traits

is very important for me to improve as a communicator and project manager. Being aware that I
scored highest in Dominance indicates a natural inclination to assert myself and control
situations, can help me balance my communication style to avoid coming across as overly
dominant, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard. Acknowledging my moderate influential
qualities highlights my ability to effectively build relationships, a skill that is particular useful in
the career of project manager. Furthermore, I understood that the Steadiness trait needs
improvement in order to communicate patiently and thoughtfully especially in challenging
situations. Lastly, my lower Compliance score shows room for improvement in being systematic
and organized, this drives me to organize and structure communications with precision. As a
future project manager these insights have empowered me to lead with confidence, to set
achievable goals, promote collaboration, and successfully deliver projects.

Conflict Management Assessment

Reflecting on the Conflict Management Style Assessment, it provides valuable information into
my approach to conflicts. My conflict style has had both positive and negative outcomes. These
experiences taught me the need for improvement. The Conflict Management Style Assessment
revealed that I score the highest in the Competing style, associated with the description of the
“Shark”. While I partially agree with this description, which suggests a prioritization of personal
goals over being liked by others, I also believe that achieving a goal involves gaining recognition
for my work and develop positive relationships. This style has allowed me to guide
conversations towards essential goals when necessary, ensuring that the focus remains on the
primary objectives. On the other hand, my lowest score was the Avoiding style, characterized as
the “Turtle”. It is true that there have been situations where I’ve avoided important
conversations, leading to unexpressed desires and less favorable outcomes. This links back to the
previous question on the techniques, further solidifying my need to persevere through
uncomfortable situations. This is an area where I aim to improve my ability to address and solve
conflicts constructively. Below I will discuss two real-life examples that I experienced along
with the techniques I used to address these situations.

During my time in the Greek military forces, I faced a situation that taught me a lot about dealing
with conflicts. We had a disagreement about how to organize our daily tasks, and it was a tough
one. Everyone was upset and frustrated due to our challenging living conditions, including
factors like Covid, our isolation in a secluded military camp far from familiar faces, and poor
hygiene conditions. Additionally, dealing with people with completely different personalities
who were not as willing to cooperate or communicate effectively added to the difficulties of
completing our responsibilities. Instead of arguing due to the difficult circumstances I chose to
have a calm and rational conversation with everyone involved using “Dialogue” (Patterson et al.
23). I encouraged everyone to speak their minds, even if they were very upset. In the beginning,
it was hard because no one wanted to share their thoughts and feelings. But I insisted, believing
that it was crucial to discuss all the issues openly. As we talked, we discovered many problems
that needed fixing, like how we divided our responsibilities and whether it was fair.
Unfortunately, in difficult situations such these we realize that it would be difficult to find
absolute fairness in all tasks, but we found a middle ground for everyone to get their fair share of
responsibilities. It was a turning point when we realized that we could solve these problems
together. This experience taught me the power of patient and constructive discussions, even in
tough situations. In the future, I plan to use the “Dialogue” approach more often to handle
conflicts.

The second situation that I would like to share that had a big impact on me was a difficult
conversation with my girlfriend when I decided to study abroad at the university of Maryland. It
was a huge decision for my personal and professional growth, but unfortunately it meant leaving
someone behind that I cared deeply. Our conversation was emotional and hard, but it was
necessary. During this talk, my girlfriend and I talked about everything, from our fears to our
hopes for the future. We didn’t know it, but we were using the technique called “Filling the Pool
of Shared Meaning” (Patterson et al. 24). This helped us understand each other better and make
decisions with clarity. While I am not as skilled in conversations as my girlfriend, this technique
helped us have a successful discussion. Looking back, I learned that even in emotional situations,
good communication can make a big difference. Being willing to understand each other and
consider all sides of a situation is essential. I wasn’t aware of this technique then, but now I’m
confident that it can be valuable in various situations, and I’m eager to apply it when needed.
These two experiences have shown me the power of effective communication and conflict
resolution techniques. While these examples may not align perfectly with my conflict assessment
results, I believe that I acted in a manner that was appropriate for the situations at hand.
Yung Personality Assessment

Self-discovery is often overlooked, yet it is a very important key to personal growth and self-
improvement. This essay illustrates the findings of an assessment, reflecting on whether I agree
or disagree with the results and sharing the surprising insights it brought to light. I will also seek
to compare the DISC assessment and the JUNG assessment and discuss my findings and
conclusions. My Jung Personality Assessment results indicate that my personality type is ENFJ,
which stands for Extravert-iNtutive-Feeler-Judger. This assessment is designed to reveal
information into how I prefer to deal with people, process information, make decisions, and
organize my life.

The statements that best describe me are the “Feelers” and “Judgers”. For the first description, I
consider myself as a very empathetic and considerate person especially towards others. In my
personal life, this trait has led me into meaningful and fulfilling relationships as it reflects
genuine care for the needs and feelings of those around me. In my professional life, even though
I don’t have a lot of experiences, I hope it can be beneficial in roles involving team leadership
and customer relations. In general, emotions play a critical role in my life, often guiding me into
making decisions. The second description, I believe, aligns with my preference for an organized
and structured lifestyle. This need for order reflects how I manage my daily routine but also how
I approach tasks and decisions. Hopefully, this aspect of my personality will help me enhance
both my personal and professional endeavors.

I must admit that I find a strong connection with the attributes linked to my personality type.
Reviewing the results such as warmth, enthusiasm and cooperation are attributes that I identify in
myself. Furthermore, my inclination towards fairness and ethical conduct are in line with how I
deal with my relationships and real-life situations. I have a strong ethical standpoint in most
situations of my life. Sometimes it can be challenging as I come to realize that there are different
perspectives that might clash with mine. So, keeping an open mind to different points of view
enriches me in both personal and professional level. Although, my working experience is limited,
as mentioned above, the attribute of finding mutually beneficial solutions and resolutions to
projects reminded me of my undergraduate years where I was involved in many team projects
and it was my main goal to thrive collectively. Listening to individuals and considering their
opinions in a team is something I believe is essential for any successful collaboration.
Additionally, I highly prioritize love and mutual respect among colleagues or classmates as it
creates a positive atmosphere. Primarily because it is through mistakes that we are able to have
more meaningful conversations and seek to find deeper and more effective solutions. It develops
a culture of improvement that builds trust inside the team.

In conclusion, the JUNG personality assessment has shown my strengths and areas for growth. It
has provided me with information into how I relate to others, make decisions, and approach life
in general. Self-discovery continues, and I am eager to apply these insights to positive
relationships, lead with empathy, and pursue my goals.

One surprising insight from my JUNG personality assessment is the recognition of my potential
as a leader and facilitator. While I may not currently perceive myself as such, my JUNG
personality type does. This description surprises me positively because I haven’t considered
myself a natural leader yet. This encourages me to think about the possibility that with the right
knowledge and experience, I could be successful in a leadership position in the future.

My JUNG personality type, ENFJ, and DISC assessment results share some similarities and
differences. In terms of similarities, both assessments recognize my inclination towards
leadership and assertiveness. The high score in Dominance in the DISC assessment aligns with
the ENFJ personality’s characteristics of being outgoing, assertive, and passionate about
achieving goals. This illustrates the belief that I am a natural leader and facilitator in various
situations. Furthermore, the DISC assessment’s acknowledgement of my Steadiness correlates
with the ENFJ personality’s characteristic of being direct and driven to accomplish tasks. This
suggests that I am persistent and determined when pursuing my targets, which is consistent in
both assessments. However, there are notable differences between the two assessments. The
DISC assessment indicates a low percentage in Compliance, indicating that I may not be
organized in my approaches. In contrast, the ENFJ personality description emphasizes my ability
to bring structure and organization to a team. This suggests that while I may not be highly
compliant in my behavior, I still possess organizational skills that benefit team dynamics.
Additionally, the DISC assessment’s low score in thoughtfulness and patience contrasts with the
ENFJ personality’s emphasis on truly loving people and valuing how they are treated within an
organization. This indicates that, while I may not display as much patience and thoughtfulness in
certain situations, my concern for people’s well-being and mutual cooperation remains an
important aspect of my personality. In summary, both assessments recognize my assertive and
leadership qualities, but they differ in their assessment of my organizational skills, patience, and
thoughtfulness.

Conclusion

In summary, this assignment has been a significant learning experience, teaching me how to
improve my communication skills. The five parts of this assignment dealt with concepts of
readings, the importance of networking, and personality assessments. Some of the findings of the
assessments verified traits of mine which I knew I possessed, some made me question
characteristics which I believed were dominant but were actually not as strong in the test results
and some showcased attributes which I was not familiar with. The insights and knowledge I’ve
gained have shaped my understandings of the crucial role communications and interpersonal
skills play in this field. I recognize the significance of self-awareness, adaptivity, and empathy in
becoming an effective project manager. I am fully committed to enhance the areas where
improvement is needed while developing my existing strengths.
 Works Cited

Faulkner, Michael, and Andrea Nierenberg. Networking for College Students and Graduates.

Personal Learning Solutions, 2017. Print.

Galo, Carmine. Five stars the Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great.

Press, 2018. Print

O’Hair, Dan, and Hannah Rubenstein and Rob Stewart. A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking.

Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019. Print

Patterson Kerry, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler. Crucial Conversations.

Mc Grawn Hill, 2012. Print.