University of Maryland

Pearl Diving Assignment 2

Kathleen Crouch

Communications for Project Managers: ENCE424

Dr. Shana Webster-Trotman

November 5th, 2022

Introduction

This paper is a compilation of techniques and helpful knowledge I have gained thus far in
Communications for Project Managers: ENCE424. You will find 5 separate essays that connect
to the course content. The first essay is a mock email that entails a manager addressing their
team’s lackluster performance. This email exhibits strategic dialogue to have when there is a
problem and desire to resolve. The second essay discusses how I learned about reciprocity in a
group activity, and how I plan to use it. The third essay explains what concepts from the class
textbook “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High” can be used to
handle a tricky scenario. The fourth essay is a personal story that I experienced. In the story I
overcome adversity, and use the 7 elements found on page 160 of the class textbook “Five
Stars” by Carmen Gallo. The final essay is an elaboration on my Big Five Personality
Assessment.

A. Email to Team

Dear Team,

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. On this Monday, the start of a fresh week, I
would like to address some concerns that our team must tackle and recover from. This new week
brings new opportunities for growth. I have no doubts that we can improve our progress. Please
understand the importance of this message and send me an email once you see this with any
questions or comments.
In the past two weeks, I have observed a work ethic that is poorly affecting the success of
our project due at the end of the month. Our client is expecting 5 series of animations that
portray the lifespan of the building, starting from the bare site and concluding with demolition.
As you all can observe in our schedule checklist, we only have 3 videos completed and minimal
contributions to the final two videos. We are running 4 full days behind on our schedule.
As I made my rounds through the office last week, I noticed an inappropriate amount of
outside conversation. During these precious work hours as we rear our deadline, it is imperative
that we as a team maintain focus and drive to create the best work. I understand that we like to
catch up and a great aspect of our team is that we are cordial and sociable, but we cannot let that
get in the way of our performance. In hopes to resolve this problem, I suggest that we can spend
an extra 15 minutes every Monday lunch break to catch up over some coffee.
I have also found that teammates are apprehensive to ask questions about the animations.
If you find yourself running into a problem please reach out to a colleague or myself. We must
work as a team to be time efficient, as we can all lend each other a hand in times of confusion.
One team member reached out to me when she ran into an interface error, and I sent them in
Sally’s direction because I know she resolved the same problem earlier. This is a great example
of effective communication.
We must produce this animation project on time in order to build trust with the client.
This client is successful and can potentially offer us great opportunities. In order to make up for
the time we have lost, I propose that the team can stay an hour late to catch up on the schedule. I
would like to thank all of you for your hard work, as it does not go unnoticed. I want to submit
this project on time, and I want all of us to perform at our best ability. I trust you will work on
eliminating unnecessary chatter so we can reach for par work performance. If you have any ideas
or suggestions that can help regain lost time on our schedule please let the team and myself
know. Let's have a great week!

Best,
Kathleen Crouch

B. Group Activity

We wrapped up the week 9 class session with a group activity that expanded on the
lecture about cultivating likeability. My group was assigned to present reciprocity. We came up
with 3 examples of reciprocation that our communities illustrated during the early stages of the
pandemic. For example, neighbors and families would lend each other supplies that were hard to
get, like toilet paper or Lysol wipes. Another example that pertained to my colleagues and I was
the reciprocation of understanding between professor and student when “Zoom University”
changed our learning environment. This group activity taught me that I can incorporate
reciprocity in my social, academic, and work life on a daily basis on a small or large scale. I
learned that putting others before yourself through acts of kindness provides the basis for
reciprocity, and is a skill that everyone can develop if you are intentional about your actions.
When you help someone out, they feel more inclined to return the favor and help you out.
Reciprocating generosity allows for other people to trust you. When people can count on you,
you can count on them.
I have written down in my journal 3 forms of reciprocity that I can incorporate into my
life, bettering my connections with others. In my social life, I love all of my friends and always
want to establish my trustworthiness. I live with 3 of my closest friends, and we share a kitchen
and appliances. I know that if I continue to do my part in cleaning the kitchen, my friends will
appreciate it and it can help better our living situation. When I contribute to cleaning duties, my
roommates will do the same to balance out the not-so-fun adulting activities. This way, the load
of dishes and sweeping can be taken care of when I have hectic days of studying and work.
In my academic life, a great way to prepare for exams is to form study groups. When you
go to McKeldin Library you see students all around busy at work writing equations on white
boards or quizzing each other from the textbook. Engaging in group conversation, or offering
advice to someone who is confused about terminology are easy ways to help others. The next
time I am confused, someone may feel inclined to return the favor and better my situation. Group
assignments are common in my architecture classes to emphasize collaboration and teamwork.
For group projects, all members must make individual contributions that benefit the entirety of
the final product. If you give in to work and dedication, your teammates should give the same.
Everyone in the team owes each other responsibility.
In my work career, I will be more open to picking up other people's shifts if they are
looking for coverage. Some of the tasks we do at work are more intense than others. For
example, the team has to move a stage, 20 tables, and 60 chairs. The tables are the most tedious,
heaviest task. I will step up to the harder tasks, proving to my teammates that they can count on
me to play my part.

C. Scenario
 If my boss called me an idiot, I am sure my feelings would immediately be hurt. I know
that I get flustered in these types of situations, for example my cheeks often turn bright red if I
am embarrassed. I would initially take some deep breaths and find time to maintain composure.
It is imperative to keep the space safe. In a professional setting the emotions are high if
name calling is occurring. I will assure that I am in control of my emotions. You can act on
emotions, or be acted on by emotions. In other words, I cannot let my anger result in yelling.
On page 43 of Crucial Conversations, the authors offer questions to ask yourself when
you are preparing to set up a crucial conversation. The first is “What do I really want for
myself?” In this scenario, I would want to speak to my boss privately and explain that my
feelings were hurt and how I felt the situation was unprofessional. I would ask my boss to speak
privately away from the entire team. The second question is “What do I want for others?” It
would be unfair for the team members to feel uncomfortable, as I would imagine stakes would be
high in the room. Considering the conversation will be directed for my boss, I do not want to
further upset them and risk reacting inappropriately. I want to stand up for myself.
“Become a vigilant self-monitor” on page 62 of Crucial Conversations is helpful advice
because the boss can react in different ways depending on their personality. If I can monitor the
boundaries of the conversation and keep my own desires I will find the best outcome.
I will make sure to separate fact from opinion. It is a fact that my boss called me an idiot
in front of the entire team, it is an opinion that my boss is a jerk. I will offer my boss’s input and
speak tentatively. For example, I might say “You called me an idiot (fact), which caused me to
feel disrespective. I felt the situation may have been inappropriate (tentatively).” To then
encourage testing and ask the boss for his input, I might say “Would you care to express any
feelings you have?”, or, “Do you have any ideas on how we can prevent this from reoccurring?
One suggestion I have is to provide constructive criticism.” I must make it clear that my opinions
represent the absolute truth, that would be biased. (Patterson et al., 2011, p. 144).

D. Personal Story

I started playing lacrosse when I was a young girl and immediately fell in love with the
sport. I played all the way until my senior year of highschool. Throughout my life I played for
three teams; school, club, and county recreational. When I look back to my childhood, lacrosse
holds a significant role in my upbringing. I always imagined myself playing at the collegiate
level, as I loved to cheer on the Maryland Terrapins and Taylor Cummings as they dominated
Women’s college lacrosse.
My older sister Tatum and I are one year apart in age. We are best friends and grew to
love the same things such as art, fashion, animals, and lacrosse. We both played for Maryland
United Lacrosse Club starting in 6th and 7th grade. Every Summer our parents drove us an hour
away 2 times a week for practice. Each weekend we would travel to compete in tournaments. My
family lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. These tournaments spanned from New Jersey to
Pennsylvania to even Florida! Tatum and I were always beyond grateful for the sacrifices our
parents made that allowed us to do what we loved, and what we were good at: Lacrosse.
Travel club teams begin the recruitment process when students finish their freshman year
of highschool. I remember this time being exciting as I sent out emails to coaches across the
country with my information and videos. I knew my performance at these tournaments could
determine my future academic and athletic career, and this was nerve racking.
 The summer of 2016 was when college recruiters began attending our tournaments to
watch us play. These tournaments were all day long and hot! The sun usually was beating 80-90
degrees, and we would play anywhere from 3 to 5 games a day. One July weekend, my family
and I were at a tournament. Tatum was a year older, so we played on different teams and would
always watch each other. After a long Saturday, Tatum had one more game and then we were
finished. As I watched Tatum soar down the field dodging defenders left and right, she suddenly
took a tough tumble and did not get up.
The medic tent told Tatum there was a high chance she tore her anterior cruciate ligament
(ACL). An ACL tear and a detrimental athletic injury, as you are out of play for 12 months. I felt
terrible for Tatum as I watched the tears drip down her face. We were to head to the orthopedic
doctor when we got home, but had to stay for Sunday's game so I could finish out the weekend.
During my final Sunday game I remember seeing tatum on the sideline cheering me on,
all iced up. A few minutes later I am defending the opponent and jolt my body in a way that
causes my knee to make a “pop” sound. That “pop” sound is all too familiar to lacrosse players:
the tearing of the ACL. The pain was excruciating. I remember thinking there was no way this
could be true, that I am experiencing the same Injury as my older sister.
When we got home my Mom took us to the doctor. The MRI results showed clear as day
that Tatum and I both tore our ACLs. My heart sunk to the ground. Our doctor told us that in the
last 15 years there has been a substantial increase in girls between the ages of 14 and 18 who
suffer torn ACLs. We were scheduled to get reconstructive surgery one week apart, and would
face a long road of recovery until we could step back onto the field in 12 months.
The days and weeks post surgery were tough and gloomy. Hopping around on crutches
for 6 weeks was a complete change from my previously very active lifestyle. Before, we usually
practiced 3 days a week. Tatum and I were both upset because we could no longer do what we
loved. Lacrosse was our place of sanctuary. I was especially down because this season was
supposed to be my chance to get recruited by a college, and such an injury set me behind the
other prospects.
When faced with adversity, my Mom always told my siblings and I to stay resilient.
Tatum and I had a drive to heal and rejoin the field. We went to physical therapy 3 times a week
to rebuild our strength. These therapy sessions were challenging, especially after a long day of
school. Sitting on the sidelines and watching our friends play always sparked feelings of
jealousy, as we both wished our athletic lives could go back to normal. Not only were we
missing Lacrosse season, we were also missing Basketball and Field hockey in which we also
loved playing. It took 6 months until we were able to jog slightly. Tatum and I supported each
other through the entire recovery process. I am so thankful to have had her by my side.
Whenever feelings of discouragement or frustration arose for one of us, we would immediately
uplift each other. I am thankful that I was able to experience this adversity with Tatum because
we both understood the pain of missing Lacrosse, and could support each other.
Over the months of recovery, I began to pick up on a new hobby that could replace the
happiness sports did. I developed a passion for drawing and painting. I already loved art, but the
unusual amount of free time that I had on my hands enabled me to practice my skills and become
a better artist. Around this time is when I sparked my interest in architecture and design.
Once Tatum and I were finally back on the field, healthy and competing, I realized I no
longer wanted to play lacrosse at the collegiate level. I had developed a love for architecture and
envisioned myself studying at a large university. I still loved to play, but my values and goals
had changed over the year of recovery. I knew after high school the chapter of lacrosse would
close, yet be the start of many new chapters.
When I was injured and out of play, I had to remain driven to get better. I did so by
attending strengthening and conditioning classes, attending physical therapy, and staying positive
throughout the tough days. The recovery process gave me confidence in myself that I can
overcome obstacles with a determined mindset. I gained a new passion for art and designing,
which has opened many doors for me in my academic career. If I never took a break from
lacrosse, I may have never found this new hobby. I probably would be at a different school.
Change is inevitable, yet it brings about new opportunities. With new opportunities come new
experiences. Progress is impossible without change.

Tatum and I in our knee immobilizer braces

E. Big Five Personality Assessment

The Big Five Personality Assessment measures your score on a continuum range from
zero to one hundred for each of the following personality dimensions; Openness,
Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. I scored 94% for openness
and 92% for extraversion. Agreeableness follows closely with 87.5%. Conscientiousness and
neuroticism are my lowest scores, 65% and 44%.
Openness describes the breadth and depth of one's personal experiences. High scores are
described as curious, creative, adventurous, and independent. I agree with this score, especially
the creativity aspect. As an architecture student, creativity plays an important role when tasked
with designing buildings and infrastructure in studio classes. I also study endless architectural
styles and typologies. I find myself imagining the buildings in real life during their era. Those
who score highly in openness are curious, imaginative, and have a wide range of interests. I do
have many hobbies and interests being anywhere from hiking to football to true crime.
I scored higher for agreeableness, which described your cooperativeness and
trustworthiness. I have always taken pride in the fact that my friends and family can count on
me. Friends trust me with personal information, or trust that I can help them out in times of need.
I am empathetic. Seeing others struggles makes me feel bad, so I often put my best foot forward
to help if I can. I value my relationships because my close people make my world turn.
Agreeableness also refers to how people handle conflict. Those who score highly treat people
with kindness and think compassionately.
My lowest score was neuroticism, which is described as the tendency to lean toward
unstable emotions. The lowest spectrum is considered calm, even-tempered, and secure. The
highest score represents those who are anxious and have negative thoughts. (Lim, 2020). I agree
with this because I often stay calm in potentially stressful situations. My friends describe me as
someone who is not quickly angered. While certain things are prone to push my buttons, for the
most part I stay grounded.
A grand 92% score for extraversion explains that I seek social interaction and attention.
This coincides with my JUNG Personality test results, A Extravert-iNtuitive-Feeler-Judger. I am
sociable and outgoing, I rather spend my evenings out and about with friends than staying at
home and relaxing by myself. My dominant personality factor for the DISC assessment is
Influence, which supports my friendliness and willingness to strike conversation.
Personality tests provide a way to better understand your emotions, thoughts, behaviors,
and tendencies. The Big Five Personality test is especially useful because the 5 core traits are
scored on a continuum, therefore it is more person-specific.

Conclusion

ENCE424 has been beneficial to my communication skills, as I have gained confidence

in public speaking, learned techniques to use for crucial conversations, and explored how my
personality type affects myself and those around me. I am grateful to be taking this course during
my final year as I am interviewing with companies, expanding my network, and preparing to
enter the workforce and build a career. The mock email taught me to be clear and straightforward
when addressing performance issues, but simultaneously remain open to solutions. The group
activities we do in class have provided me further insight to class material, as everyone in the
group shares their own personal experiences. Curating a conversation plan to have when
disrespected by your boss made me think deeply about the best way to tackle such an emotional
situation. There are many different routes you can take, but I learned to create a safe space,
remaining open, and keeping your own goals in mind. I had a poor experience with a boss at my
very first job as a hostess. If only I had understood such crucial conversation techniques, then the
endgame may have played out differently! Telling the story about my injury allowed me to
reflect back on a turning point in my life that I have not thought about in a while. Lastly, the Big
Five Personality Assessment is helpful in determining how individuals can help or harm the
team, because everyone brings their own offer to the table. I have also formed a greater
understanding of my preferences and dislikes. This Pearl Diving Assignment gives an
opportunity to look back on how I have grown throughout this class, and make note of the
aspects that can and will make me an awesome project manager.
 References

Gallo, C. (2018). Five stars: The communication secrets to get from good to great. St.

Martin's Press.

Johnson., J. (n.d.). The big 5 (OCEAN) personality test. Psych Central.

https://psychcentral.com/quizzes/big-5-personality-test

Lim, A. G. (2020, June 15). Big Five personality traits: The 5-Factor model of

personality. Study Guides for Psychology Students - Simply Psychology.

https://www.simplypsychology.org/big-five-personality.html

Patterson, K., Grenny, J., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2011). Crucial conversations

tools for talking when stakes are high (2nd ed.). McGraw Hill Professional.