Communication Self Reflection

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Communication Self Reflection

What does the speaker's experience mean to you?

Rocio Lorenzo's TED talk on how diversity creates more innovative teams particularly touched me on an intimate level. She shared her experience as a female executive working in an industry dominated by men, demonstrating how diversity can benefit team dynamics and innovation. Her discussion emphasized the significance of diversity in the workplace and stressed the necessity of dismantling gender biases and stereotypes that inhibit progress for women and underrepresented groups. As someone exposed to different cultures, religions, and socio-economic groups, I could empathize with Rocio's struggles in her professional journey. Her talk emphasized the need to create an inclusive work environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered to express their perspectives and ideas freely.

What 5 theories or course concepts help you to understand your experience?

The Social Identity Theory: Rocio's talk fits within this theory which proposes that individuals derive their sense of identity from group affiliations such as gender, race, religion, or socio-economic status. Her experience as a female executive mirrors the challenges women often experience within male-dominated industries due to social identity dynamics (Miller, 2019).

Diversity and Inclusion: In her lecture, Rocio stressed the significance of diversity and inclusion for teams that strive to innovate more. This aligns well with the course concept of understanding diversity as an asset rather than a challenge within organizations and society (Miller, 2019).

Stereotyping and Bias: Rocio's experience highlights the impact of stereotyping and bias on individuals from underrepresented groups, reminding us that we must challenge and eliminate biased assumptions that impede diversity's advancement within organizations (Miller, 2019).

Leadership and Gender: Rocio's talk shed light on the role gender plays in leadership and the challenges women face when breaking through the glass ceiling, further supporting our concept of understanding gender dynamics and needing gender-inclusive leadership practices (Miller, 2019).

Innovation and Creativity: Rocio's talk focused on the connection between diversity and innovation, as diverse teams provide different viewpoints, ideas, and approaches to problem-solving. This aligns well with the course concept of encouraging innovation through diverse perspectives and inclusive practices (Miller, 2019).

What you have learned from the experience?

From Rocio Lorenzo's talk, I have learned the Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Her presentation reinforced that diversity should be seen as a moral imperative and an asset for organizations. Diverse teams bring different ideas, perspectives, and problem-solving approaches that produce more innovative and effective results.

I also learned that leadership is a Means for Fostering Diversity and Inclusion: Rocio's talk demonstrated the critical role leadership could play in creating an inclusive work environment where employees from diverse backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered to share their perspectives and ideas freely (Riggio, 2017). Her talk made me more conscious of my leadership practices and my need to promote diversity and inclusion in future roles.

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