Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Team Communication Skills: Listening

Read over the questions below before watching the video. Post your answers to all of the questions to your Personal Writing Page found on the Assignments and Homework page.

Listening Comprehension Questions (individually):

  1. What does Helen do for a living?
  2. What are the two things that you 'get' if your team is empowered?
  3. Why should you be careful not to 'discount' what someone is saying in a brainstorming session?
  4. What will help communication within team?
  5. At the end of the video, Helen summarizes the five things that help with 'morale'. What are those five things?

(download)

Research and Discussion Questions (in pairs):

  1. Who is Helen Vella of Vella and Associates and why is she qualified to speak on this topic? Do you think that she should be considered an expert on team communication skills?
  2. Helen mentions the use of incentives to motivate her employees. Do you agree with her? What do you think could be a negative result of incentives? Can you find anyone who disagrees with the use of incentives (remember: give supporting reasons)?
  3. Helen also talks about being careful not to 'discount' someone's opinion in a brainstorming session. Can you find any cultures where this wouldn't work?