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Describe the elements of the TCI model based on the Serious Game.

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I- Six Team members of the same profession and age. All of these six people were new to the game. Only the team leader had minor knowledge about the game.

WE- The team had fixed tasks within the game.

Philipp - “Team leader”

rest of the group (5 people) - “Players”

Communication was oral and on a basic level. It was a balanced conversation, where nobody tried to dictate people in what they are supposed to do. Before every round we agreed on our strategy and mixed it up depending on the taks given.

IT- The primary goal was to achieve the given task under 70 seconds. As a secondary goal the team leader motivated us to break the record of 35 seconds.

GLOBE- Click all of the 30 websites within 70 seconds. Everybody has to participate in the game. Only one person can access the internet at once. We had to click the websites in ascending order. And leave the room after clicking the 30th “website”. Additionally we were able to reconsider our strategy before every round.

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Which team phases did you observe based on which characteristics?

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Phase 1, Forming:

Small group, ne need for introduction

Friendly and open atmosphere

Quick rule introduction unsure of approach

Clarified goal

Phase 2, Storming:

Quick discussion of approach

Role was already set, no hierarchy

Partipant order ocurred naturally

Phase 3, Norming:

Great collaboration, equal contribution

Supporting each others ideas and task

Phase 4, Performing:

Refining process after communicating with team leader after each try

Discussing different approaches

Celebrating results!!!!

Phase 5, Adjourning:

Feedback for team leader

Open mindness and collaboration in the team appreciated

Team developed trustworthy relationships

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How did the group deal with the following barriers to effectiveness:

Conformity

Informal pressure

Normative pressure

Shared knowledge

Polarisation

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Concerning the conformity, our team at the beginning had very different ideas and approaches to the goal, and we were all in a brainstorming phase. That was effective in avoiding to fall into the wrong strategy right away.

This also helped with the polarization, there were no two opposing ideas and we were actively thinking together on the upsides and downsides of every input idea. Every idea was valued and I believe having sufficient time to do so was a key factor.

At the end of the first round the playing team had the same knowledge and that helped us validating the ideas in a fair way, while the leader without knowledge could only stimulate us into certain ways of thinking (what was more time consuming?).

I also believe there was no particular pressure on us, mainly because it was a game and we all had the same interest in trying to get a low time just for the sake and fun of it. No one was really pressuring the others into doing too much in a bad way. The whole team participated more or less equally in the discussions.

Also since it was a first time thing, informative pressure is not really applicable in this case.

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Which team roles did you observe based on which characteristics?

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Which Communication Channels did you use during the serious game?

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Lasswell formula channels used during the serious Game.

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Lasswell formula channels used during the serious Game.

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The Lasswell formula in general explains the theory of Harold Lasswell, an American politician scientist and communication theorist. His doctoral dissertation was on Propaganda Technique in the World war. In his work he defined not only a bigger concept, which makes you help indicate propaganda, but also cover a deeper insight into the channels of communication in general and not only inn propaganda. He defined the following six channels of communication:

Face-to-face communication (spoken words, nonverbal cues)

This channel of communication was used the most in our serious game. Since we were all present in a room, it was the easiest and fastest way of communication. Considering the fact that none of us speaks English as their first language, the was also a considerable amount of body language whenever somebody was looking for a way to express their point of few, but was missing a vocabulary or two.

Print media (books, newspapers, magazines, flyers)

Even though we did not use any print media in the serious game, it is still a powerful and frequently used tool in our modern society. The biggest advantage of print media is the fact that you can revisit it as many times as you want, whereas a website for example can be taken down any time. In the case of taking down a website, all the information on the website is gone and can hardly be recovered.

Broadcast media (radio, television)

Broadcasting in any way of fashion plays a crucial role in modern society. It is an easy way to reach a large amount of people at the same time. It is a one way communication, but has a tremendous impact on public opinions. Considering the fact that a majority of the radio stations/television programs offer news updates in a frequent manner and a type of entertainment it was not of any importance for our serious game.

Digital media (social media, websites, email, messaging apps)

This channel becomes more and more important in modern society and most likely the number one way of communication for most people nowadays. The biggest advantage digital media is, that it can cover any distance in the world, which means we can communicate with the person next door just as fast as with a person in Australia. In a modern world of globalization, digital media is of highest importance. If we would have been in different rooms for example, I truly believe that digital media would have been our preferred way of communicating.

Telephone or telecommunication systems

This channel focuses a lot on voice-based communication, which makes it more personal, but also comes with its downsides. On of the downsides is, that in most cases you are only able to talk to one person at a time, which makes group tasks like our serious game more difficult. In our cases we would have had to call each other repeatedly to figure out whether one of us came up with a new idea on how to accomplish the task. The advantage on the other hand is that it keeps the personal element in tact, while being able to cover big geological gaps. Just as with digital media, we are able to talk to the person next door just as fast as with a person in Australia. Even though it would have been an organizational problem in our serious game, telephone or telecommunication systems play a crucial role in our modern time.

Visual media (posters, films, photographs, infographics)

Visiual media and communication is often use to emphasize and further deepen the meaning of what is spoken. For example PowerPoint presentations are often used as visual aid and complement what is being broadcasted. There are certain times when visual media stands by itself though. A classic example would be a poster for an event. The are often drawn in bright colors to grasp attention, but also deliver all the information necessary as to where and when the event takes place. In our serious game, our Team leader Phillip used visual media at the beginning, where he wrote down all the information that we have on the whiteboard. That helped us memorize the most important rules in the game. Other then right at the beginning, we did not use visual media again. Even though it is an important channel of communication nowadays, it was not of big use in our game.

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In which situations did team members interprete information differently?

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Which communication skills were crucial for team success?

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No matter what position you hold or the industry in which you work, communication skills are crucial to your success in the workplace.

Every job requires human interaction-whether it's with your supervisors and colleagues or with clients and customers. Developing strong communication skills can help facilitate these interactions with others, enabling you to perform your job more efficiently and productively.

Are you looking to improve communication skills? Below, we discuss the importance of corporate communication skills and outline the most valuable skills that you should prioritize developing.

The importance of communication in the workplace

Communication is the fire that fuels the workplace engine. It is difficult to overstate just how important communication can be to a successful organization.

Case in point: A recent study by Grammarly and The Harris Poll showed that businesses in the U.S. lose an estimated $1.2 trillion annually due to poor communication among employees.

"In an era when artificial intelligence and other digital technologies are changing the way organizations operate, communication skills will become even more vital to strengthening relationships and promoting collaboration and adaptability," says Carl Zangerl, faculty director for the communication and human resources management programs within Northeastern's College of Professional Studies .

At all levels of an organization, communication is the key to maintaining strong working relationships. Open lines of communication build trust between employees, which can ultimately lead to increased productivity and a boost in morale.

If an open flow of communication exists, where employees feel their voices are heard, they often feel better about themselves and the organization they work for. On the contrary, a lack of communication within an organization can produce an unmotivated and disgruntled workforce. Effective communication is critical to an organization's success.

What is effective communication?

An effective communicator is one who is engaged, considerate, and really listens to the other person, taking the time to ask questions and respond accordingly. When they speak, they are clear, confident, and gracious in their interactions.

Over the span of his career, Zangerl has seen firsthand how important it is to be an effective communicator.

"Communication is one of the so-called 'soft skills' that employers tell us are essential for career advancement. During my own corporate career, I often noticed that the individuals who assumed leadership positions in even the most technical functional areas were the most effective communicators."

Top 3 communication skills for workplace success

1. Active listening

Active listening involves paying close attention to what others are saying, and asking clarifying questions to demonstrate interest and understanding. This facilitates effective communication while simultaneously allowing us to show respect and build relationships with the other person with whom we are communicating.

"We tend to focus too much on delivering our messages and opinions, and too little on listening," Zangerl says. "Understanding what others are trying to tell us-whether it's face-to-face or via another medium-is the basis for shared action and collaboration."

2. Awareness of communication styles

There are four main communication styles you might encounter in the workplace, and Zangerl recommends that professionals be aware of all of them in order to facilitate effective communication.

1. Passive: Passive communicators are quieter and don't always express their true feelings. They can act indifferent or agreeable, depending on the situation, in order to keep the peace and not rock the boat.

2. Aggressive: Aggressive communicators are the opposite of passive communicators and often express their emotions freely without any consideration for others. They can be intimidating or abusive in their interactions with others.

3. Passive-aggressive: Passive-aggressive communicators strive to appear aloof, even when they are actually upset or annoyed. It is subtly evident that they are angry, but because they tend to avoid confrontation, it can be unclear what they are truly thinking.

4. Assertive: Assertive communicators are considerate and express themselves in a clear and direct manner. They are respectful in their interactions with others.

"We know that there are a wide variety of communication styles, which can often result in misunderstandings," Zangerl says. "This requires us to be aware of our own communication style and to carefully observe both the verbal and nonverbal of others. The ability to recognize our own style and be adaptable is so important in creating a sound foundation for mutual understanding."

3. Persuasion

The ability to persuade others is very useful in the workplace, and employers value employees who demonstrate proficient persuasive skills because it can lead to increased productivity. The skill involves convincing others to complete a desired action or behave in a specific way, typically to achieve an end goal.

"Communication is all about influencing the attitudes and behaviors of our audiences, both in the workplace and outside, with customers and other external stakeholders," Zangerl says. "Translating the principles of persuasion into our messages increases the odds of achieving impact."

Communicators with strong persuasion skills can "read" the room and have a keen awareness of their audience. They are also friendly and charismatic, and can establish a rapport with whomever they are trying to persuade. Persuasive communicators make their offers or ideas tempting by presenting them in such a way that people believe they benefit from whatever it is that the persuader is convincing them to do.

Other persuasive skills include countering any objections and making modifications to their proposals, if necessary. If they can't convince others completely, they will negotiate and try to reach common ground. They are able to do this by listening and catering to people's interests.

Additional communication skills for success

While Zangerl notes that the three communication skills discussed above can have an outsized effect on your career's trajectory, there are many others that you should practice and develop.

4. Giving feedback

Communication is a two-way street, and strong communicators are able to provide and accept feedback. Good feedback offers answers to questions and solutions to problems. The goal of feedback is improvement or betterment.

5. Written communication

Written communication is just as important as verbal communication in the workplace. It is often the first communication you share with an employer, even before you are hired. You should always be clear and concise in your written communications.

6. Confidence

This is particularly important in the workplace because people are more likely to respond to your ideas and opinions if they are presented with confidence. Confidence can be demonstrated through eye contact, tone of voice, and good posture. It helps to be prepared when making a presentation or argument so that you don't stumble over your words and can deliver your statements with poise.

It is best to approach workplace communications with an open mind. You should accept that you might not always agree with someone's point of view, but try to be sympathetic to their perspective and always show respect. This way, you can disagree amicably, and avoid causing rifts that may affect future work.

8. Presentations and public speaking

To communicate successfully when giving a speech or presentation, it is important to hook your audience immediately and try to garner their interest. Many effective communicators use notes to guide their presentations-just be sure to maintain regular eye contact with your audience to keep them engaged.

With nerves, it's easy to rush through your points quickly. Don't forget to pace yourself. To be effective, project your voice and use visual aids if necessary. Lastly, you should end on a strong note to ensure that your entire presentation leaves a lasting impression.

involves a shared understanding of others' emotions, which is critical when it comes to communicating at work. If you understand how or what someone is feeling, you can assess how to best communicate with them and choose the right approach.

10. Cross-cultural communication

In today's global economy, it is important to acknowledge cultural diversity and try to transcend communication barriers. The best way to approach this is to be patient, respectful, and open to learning and understanding cultural differences.

11. Digital communication

Digital communication involves all online communication for an organization. Proficiency in digital communication is becoming increasingly necessary in the workplace due to rapid changes in social media and digital devices. To be successful in digital communication, adopt a growth mindset, because you will have to continue learning to keep up to date with ever-evolving digital media.

12. Conflict management

Conflict management skills are hugely important in the workplace. Successful conflict management involves hearing all sides of a situation, being able to empathize, and resolving any issues. Usually, conflicts can be managed with compassion, patience, and some problem-solving. Taking ownership of one's actions and being able to apologize is also key.

How to develop your communication skills

If you're interested in developing your communication skills, Zangerl offers some advice.

"An excellent way to fine-tune your communication skills is to be a keen observer of communication dynamics in your workplace," he says. "Pay attention to communication practices that achieve results, as well as those that undermine collaboration and shared understanding. There are numerous skill-building resources available online, including LinkedIn Learning modules."

Formal education can also be a very powerful tool in helping you improve your communication skills. For example, earning a master's degree in communications offers professionals a number of career benefits , including increased job options, higher salary, job security, and more.

"A graduate program in organizational communication enables you to see how all the pieces fit together, to view communication both strategically and tactically," says Zangerl.

If you're considering pursuing a graduate degree in communications, it's important that you choose a program that will help you reach your personal and professional goals. Seek a program that will:

Round out your existing skill set.

Offer experiential learning opportunities.

Allow you to learn from industry-sourced faculty who have actually worked in the field.

Connect you with a network of like-minded individuals.

Ready to take the next step toward your ideal career? Browse through the many communications programs offered at Northeastern, and get started choosing the degree, concentration, or certificate that's right for you.

Editor's note: This post originally appeared on Northeastern's Communications Alumni Network Blog in December 2019. It has been updated here for relevance and accuracy.

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12 Communication Skills That Will Advance Your Career

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Looking to advance up the corporate ladder? Developing strong corporate communication skills can help you reach your goals.

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There are 5 different types of communication skills:

Ability to engage in dialogue

Consultation skills

Communication skills

Fluency

Comprehension skills

Let's go through them one by one.

Regarding the first one, it is the ability to adapt to others during a conversation. In our case it was very relevant as it felt like we were all on the same level during the discussions, proposing ideas one at a time and listening at others, evolving the conversation into something useful for the team.

That touches the consultation skill as well, as a matter of fact we were able to advise one another how well we thought their idea would work in our opinions and give useful feedbacks or causes for reflection.

Regarding the communication skill, it was pretty easy to be listened by the others as we were a pretty small group and no chaos really came up. The subjects of our communication was also pretty straightforward so we just needed to explain verbally what was on our mind.

Then regarding the fluency I feel like every one of us is able to speak and understand english pretty easily in order to comprehend each other, so even if it is not our first language all the ideas were expressed clearly, also thanks to the fact that they were not particularly technical from a linguistic point of view.

Ending with the comprehension skills, which include the ability to understand others and being understood, that goes hand in hand with the fluency. Given a decent proficency with the language it was easy to understand each other. However I believe in other scenarios it could go even beyond that and having different backgrounds and cultures could have an impact on understanding some deeper concepts in the same way.

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Formulate a feedback to your team following the feedback rules.

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Plant: everybody but the team leader (before first trial when coming up with hypotheses)

Resource investigator: - not necessary for this task

Coordinator: team leader tried to clarify the goal and give instructions

Shaper: team members after first trial (everybody tried to beat the previous time score)

Monitor evaluator: team leader after first trial (tried to ask guiding questions)

Teamworker: everybody (letting everybody speak and active listening, open for new ideas)

Implementer: team members (when going to the internet Café)

Completer finisher: everybody (trying to find ways to beat previous time score, team leader tried to ask questions on how the team could save time)

Specialist: - not necessary for this task

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Open (known to self - known to others): We worked together to create a plan, adjusted quickly and improved with each try. Everyone was actively involved and communicated well throughout the exercise. The group shared openly with the leader what was discovered during the challenge. After the first attempt we saw what the actual exercise was like and could adapt our plan accordingly.

Hidden (known to self – not known to others): At first, I felt unsure about whether our plan would work, especially since we didn’t know all the circumstances but once we started, I gained confidence. Some of us might have had ideas for improving speed but didn’t share them out loud. The motivation of each team member depends on how ambitious they are and how seriously they take such playful tasks. After the first attempt, the team leader had less information than the rest of the team, which may have made him feel uncertain.

Blind (not known to self – known to others): Difficult to judge ourselves, as we are “blind”. Perhaps there was a strategy that we did not think of, but which could be seen when observing us. We could give feedback to the team leader explaining the rules before the first round: he seemed a little unsure about the game which confused everyone, but since he had little information, we can't blame him for that.

Unknown Area (not known to self – not known to others): We didn’t know how quickly we could adapt until we were forced to change plans. Some might have hidden strengths in memory, coordination or leadership that they didn’t know about before. How quickly we can find and touch the parts depends on our physical abilities. We could analyse this through an agility and reaction test.