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We’ve all been given the age old adage of “communication is key” by some authority figure in our life at some point. Although repetitive, and oftentimes redundant, there is an inherent truth to this statement. It is what pushes a team to success or failure, what inspires and what enervates. Taking note of this throughout the 2023 MACAA conference was a lesson in how communication unites when done properly, angers and misinforms when done improperly.
When you think about Baltimore, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I’ll bet you it probably isn’t community oriented urban agriculture. Touring the urban farms of Baltimore, there lies one common trait among the myriad of differences in scale, desired outcome, (etc.) of each small plot of land; the passion each community has and the way they communicate that passion. Listening to Pastor White speak with dignity and pride about her community and the work being done to rejuvenate their church and land through funding and farming, observing the farmers of a ten acre plot declare with exuberance the joy of what they are doing and how they are doing it, and most importantly, why they are doing it: they embolden and empower those around them, invigorate their audience, us, stimulated by a titillating promise of the good they promise to enact.
A lack of communication is often a source of ire among any functional team or operation. Think of a time when this occurred for you? There is a high probability more than one scenario came to mind. During the MACAA conference, what first comes to mind (what any Ag agent has probably already thought of) is the nutrient management program. With my lack of expertise I am loath to say much other than this: the exasperation felt by the wider extension community ostensibly is resultant from nothing other than a lack of planned, prior communication. Although initiated in a different regard, a lack of communication was a blight on a few of the Baltimore urban agriculture projects as well. What differentiates these farms is a result of lack of knowledge and expertise. The power of farming is in its universality; survival is contingent on food after all. The pitfall of this is this: if you do not have a farming background, the only way to learn is trial, error, and secondhand knowledge. As many of these communities do not have that farming background (why they began these programs in the first place), misinformation on beneficial farming practices are able to spread and slow the flourishing of their green havens. Regardless, their passion in promoting community vibrancy, of letting the seeds of change sprout, letting their message vine and spread, is a hallmark of what communication can do when the desire to enrich blossoms. From 14 hour days cheese making to pediatric nurses gardening acres of land in these communities, these communities have the why of their product, as Simon Sinek importantly argues in his Ted Talk. They have the why, and thus, have the determination for the success of their product.
Although I would like to conclude this blog post with a strong message on the importance of communication and how my past experiences as a WFD intern at the Wye and at this past week at MACAA have enriched my worldview as a student and employee of which I wholeheartedly believe) I only have a few more words and much more to say on my experiences this past week. As such, I would like to conclude with the powers of ChatGPT as Dr. Mary Warneka so eloquently dissected for her MACAA audience. In accordance with her wish for increased user knowledge on the topic of AI, below I have a blog written by ChatGPT.
Blog Post Written by ChatGPT with the prompt: Write a 400 word blog post with the following prompt "How is your internship going? What activities have you engaged in since your last post? Considering the Career Readiness Theme "Communication", give an example of how you have used or observed communication (written or oral) during your internship. Was the delivery effective for the desired goal(s)? Why? Were you able to notice or gain insight into how the communication was being received by the intended audience? What were the takeaways? You can use examples from a variety of experiences during your internship including the career readiness activities: Ted talk “how great leaders inspire action” & Conservation Means Behavior, P. Wesley Schultz"
Title: Enhancing Career Readiness: Unveiling the Power of Effective Communication in My Internship Journey
Introduction:
Embarking on my internship journey has been an exciting and enriching experience so far. As I continue to immerse myself in the professional world, I've had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities that have deepened my understanding of effective communication. In line with the Career Readiness Theme "Communication," this blog post aims to shed light on my experiences and observations, highlighting the importance of communication for achieving desired goals.
Activities and Experiences:
Since my last post, I have actively participated in various endeavors that have allowed me to apply and witness the power of communication firsthand. One notable experience was attending a Ted talk titled "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" by Simon Sinek. Sinek's compelling communication style and his ability to connect with the audience left a lasting impression on me. His emphasis on starting with the "why" rather than the "what" or "how" provided valuable insights into the art of persuasive communication.
Furthermore, I had the opportunity to delve into the concept of behavior conservation through P. Wesley Schultz's research, "Conservation Means Behavior." The study highlighted the importance of effective communication in promoting sustainable actions. By employing clear and concise language, Schultz effectively communicated the need for behavioral change to his intended audience. This example illustrated the significance of tailoring communication to resonate with the target audience and fostering a sense of urgency for desired outcomes.
Observing Effective Communication:
Throughout my internship, I keenly observed instances where communication played a pivotal role in achieving desired goals. One memorable incident involved a team meeting where our supervisor introduced a new project. By utilizing a combination of well-structured oral communication and written materials, she effectively conveyed the project's objectives, expectations, and timelines to the team.
The delivery of her message was clear, concise, and engaging, allowing everyone to comprehend their roles and responsibilities. The desired goal of aligning the team's efforts was effectively achieved through her adept communication skills. Moreover, by keenly observing the team's response, I noticed how her communication was received positively, fostering a sense of enthusiasm and motivation among team members.
Key Takeaways:
Through these experiences, I have gained invaluable insights into the art of effective communication. Firstly, I learned that delivering a message with clarity and purpose is crucial for achieving the desired goals. By focusing on the "why" rather than the "what," communicators can engage and inspire their audience to take action.
Secondly, tailoring communication to the intended audience is essential. Understanding their needs, preferences, and values allows for the creation of messages that resonate and generate positive responses. This personalized approach can maximize the impact of communication and drive desired outcomes.
Lastly, communication is a two-way process. Observing the audience's response and feedback provides valuable insights into how the message is received. By actively listening and adapting our communication style, we can ensure that our messages are effectively understood and received by our intended audience.
Conclusion:
My internship journey has been an eye-opening experience, particularly regarding the power of effective communication. Through various activities and experiences, I have witnessed firsthand how well-crafted messages, tailored to the audience, can drive action and achieve desired goals. By applying these lessons, I am confident that I will continue to enhance my communication skills and foster meaningful connections in both my personal and professional life.
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