This invite created with Smilebox This is a electronic invitation that I created for Karina's baby shower last Saturday...

Bachelor Life - Creating Apartment Life to a Home

It seems so surreal that I am finishing my undergraduate in another state then California but rather Utah. 
A few reasons why I decided to leave my hometown of Cypress:
     * Change of pace
     * Opportunity for spiritual growth
     * Overcrowding at CSUF
     * Finish school faster

I decided to rent a bedroom out and share the main living quarters with three other males.   It is nice to not being alone but it seems like I am always cleaning up after them but they are super good about cleaning up their own areas.   I thrived on the opportunity to find inexpensive decorations from shower curtains to cleaning supplies that make apartment life an home.  

Here are some before photos

 Living room is to the right of main entrance

 The fridge was gross when I got here....
With the help of one my roomates that happens to be from Brazil.  Helped me disinfect the fridge. 

I have already had friends over for tacos, spaghetti with salad, brocceli, raspberry lemonade.....

 

AFTER PHOTOS:

I understand that I need a lamp shade by my bed.  The set of bedding came with some masculine striped sheet and comforter that is reverisible (navy blue and beige).  The pillow sham is a clearance item that was a found at Kohl's.    

  

 

Please keep in mind that I am still a bachelor so my interior design skills are limited with small resources.  I thought I did well finding clearance items that were only $1.98, blue shag rugs.  The rugs were placed by the shower and each sinks.   I love the ($2.59) toilet seat cover.  I understand that the ($2.34) black shower curtain, blue rug, periwinkle seat cover and ($3.48) decorative shower hooks do not match. 

 WHAT DO YOU THINK???????

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Critical Communication Skills for the Workplace

Today’s workplace requires the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences.   There are many types of communication:

·        Face-to Face

·        Telephone

·        Information Written (e.g. E-mails, Memos)

·        Formal Written (e.g. Reports, Letters, Strategies)

I have compiled a few skills and resources to help your communication.

Face-to-Face

75% of managerial responsibilities in the workplace involve face-to-face interaction.  Three successful methods of oral communication are:

1. Appraisal (Feedback)
2.  Coaching (Listening)
3. Team Development (Self-Disclosure)

1.) Appraisal

Appraisal, more commonly known as feedback, should be supportive and of value.  It should always be given with mutual trust and away from hostile environments.  A balanced level of feedback (not being sparse while not being overbearing) can help build relationships.  Effective feedback focuses on the positive and takes away the negative.  Constructive feedback focuses on opportunities to improve and not on mistakes or personal shortcomings.

2.) Coaching

Listening effectively (coaching) is important because 40% of our time is spent is listening to others.  It is typically the most difficult communication task.  Looking interested when listening is crucial.  While in the conversation, suspend judgment until information is received and understood.  It is a good tip to rephrase information back to the person to check for clarity and information.  This is especially critical if it is an important business deal.  

3.) Team Development

A key aspect of team development is self-disclosing.  Self-disclosing is being open with ideas and information about others and what you hear. It is crucial to communicate without being defensive.  Using respect, courtesy and common sense will help you avoid etiquette mistakes. 

Using essential skills such as appraisal, coaching and team development will help you in your efforts to become a skilled communicator. 

*Where do you rank?
Test your communication skills by answering the quiz at the following link: Test Your Communication Skills

Works Citied

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10/10/2010  http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCS_99.htm