SELF ASSESSMENT OF INTERPERSONAL SKILLS For this assignment, I have selected five skills to illustrate my strengths and weaknesses that were established during my interpersonal

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ASSIGNMENT 2:        SELF ASSESSMENT OF INTERPERSONAL SKILLS        

For this assignment, I have selected five skills to illustrate my strengths and weaknesses that were established during my interpersonal communication with Ksenia (my interviewee). The nature of our conversation was based on my client’s cultural background and also her current studies. I came into this interview with my own expectations and that was 1) let the conversation run naturally and 2) know a little bit more about my client and her background. This required me to actively listen and basically be there in support and acknowledge Ksenia’s thoughts and feelings.  My strengths include, respect, attending skills, and self disclosure.  My weaknesses include accurate empathy and closed questions.

RESPECT (Strength)

Respect is characterised by behaviour that says ‘you are worthy’, ‘your opinion matters so much’, and ‘you are important to me’.  A client, who feels valued and taken seriously, will also feel that his or her rights are being respected (Hosking, 1978).  At the very beginning of my interview with Ksenia, I strongly showed respect by extending a warm handshake, and thanking my client for consenting to do this interview with me.  Other forms of respect were also demonstrated through listening and paying attention to her story. I was intrigued by her thoughts and opinions, and of her transition to New Zealand from Russia, which in her own special way is unique because of the cross culture (Hosking, 1978). While listening, I kept quiet, and didn’t interrupt.

These strengths are the reasons why I rated myself at Level 3 of the Gazda Scale, which indicates that I need to be open to assist the client, while respecting client’s uniqueness and view of the world. They are also non judgemental. To advance to Level 4 would require me to be more involved and committed to this relationship.  It also means that I will need to be prepared to make myself vulnerable to enhance the relationship.  

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ATTENDING SKILLS (Strength)

By attending, you are saying to the other person “I am interested in what you have to say” however a lack of good attending communicates that “I really don’t care about what you have to say.”  Bolton (1987) describes attending as giving all of your physical attention to another person.  In the video, my strengths in attending was characterised by:

  • My display of good posture.  I was sitting erect and facing my client while keeping safe proximal distance.  My legs and arms were uncrossed and my hands were placed loosely on my lap. ...

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