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    – 2 years ago **files (2)** – ## FULLResearchwithoutMETHODSpapersampleformat-1.docx – Screenshot2025-04-062027347.png **## FULLResearchwithoutMETHODSpapersampleformat-1.docx** 1 3 **Being Mindful: The Science and Practice of Meditation** Jasmine Perez Miami Dade College ENC1102: English Composition …

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    3

    **Being Mindful: The Science and Practice of Meditation**

    Jasmine Perez

    Miami Dade College

    ENC1102: English Composition II

    Professor Oscar Gonzalez

    April 22, 2025

    **Being Mindful: The Science and Practice of Meditation**

    Pay attention. Take a stroll around a city like Miami and look at the faces, body language, or people’s interactions. Quickly one is made aware of the extent of the problem. If they are not burying their face in a cellphone or walking around with earphones people are running around trying to get from point A to point B as fast as possible. During afternoon rush hour the city bustles with honking cars and crowds of pedestrians boarding busses and trains. Everyone is trying to get somewhere. While cities offer the possibility of connecting to different people from all over the world, cities can be a place of disconnect, discontent, loneliness, and stress. Why are so many people stressed and lonely? This paper will argue that people are disconnected from Self and confused by the demands and obligations of life and will suggest mindfulness meditation as a solution to problem.

    **Literature Review**

    To understand the effects of depression among adolescents a study of depression was reviewed. Duthely, L. M., et al. (2017) explain that depression and suicide are common among adolescents on a global scale. Particularly adolescents spend a lot of time in school which makes for the ideal place to carry out this meditation study. The study was carried out in a Miami middle school with 75 ethnically diverse students. The study’s findings were as follows: four weeks of gratitude meditation improved student happiness, emotional involvement with education, and gratitude. Additionally, the study explained that “Meditation helped youth manage behavior, emotions, and thinking skills that are beneficial at school and at home. Meditation correlated to a decrease in behavioral challenges related to autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), and bullying” (Duthely, L. M., et al., 2017, p. 157). Statistically, this study performed superior to other similar gratitude studies that have been conducted among adolescents in the literature. The study recommends that more research is necessary for educators, adolescent psychologists, and mental health specialists to accurately assess adolescents' life satisfaction. The study also recommends that topics such as meditation and happiness should be included in the education system for students.

    In another study that by Vijayaraghavan, N., et al. (2021), positive correlation between meditation and reduction stress an anxiety is found. Vijayaraghavan, N., et al. (2021) explain that stress is a fast-growing issue that people suffer from in modern life. The study suggest that meditation is a simple and effective way to combat it. The research was conducted in a research institute in India, where 90 adult participants were provided with a questionnaire before and after meditation to monitor their levels of stress and happiness. The research findings were that after the meditation the stress levels highly decreased, allowing the participants to feel happier. The study proves the significance meditation has for individuals to be happier and encourages them to practice it for a better quality of life.

    Similarly, Maiti, R, (2017) studies how meditation can help decrease stress levels and increase happiness in people. Maiti, R, (2017) discusses how it is common for people to find themselves focused on accomplishing their life goals, and in the process, they may encounter problems along the way that could lead to stress. Maiti, R (2017) suggests, “sustaining a daily meditation practice over the course of three months renders a significant increase in positive mood and reduction of stress, as report in a doubling study” (p.76). The study also concluded that there are many types of meditation all benefiting people in many aspects of life and encouraging individuals to practice the meditation techniques that best suit their needs. The study had different types of meditation such as guided meditation, music meditation, light energy meditation, and transitional meditation, among others. The study found that meditation is an effective way to decrease stress, and increase levels of productivity and well-being, therefore achieving happiness. Finally, the study explained that “meditation is a highly powerful technology to enhance the productivity, and happiness in mankind.” (Maiti, R, 2017, p.368.). The article's main purpose is to explore several approaches to meditation to reduce stress most effectively, leading to people’s well-being and happiness. The study had different types of meditation such as guided meditation, music meditation, light energy meditation, and transitional meditation, among others. The study found that meditation is an effective way to decrease stress, and increase levels of productivity and well-being, therefore achieving happiness.

    Just like medical staff, teachers could also benefit from meditation as their professions have some of the same issues. Kyte, D (2016) addressed the effect meditation has on teachers. The study was conducted on practicing teachers in a school of about 1,000 students. Teaching is a demanding profession and can often lead to stress, depression, and exhaustion which can jeopardize the well-being of the teachers and their job performance. The study’s results suggested that mindful practices such as meditation led to calmness, peace, and well-being which helped the teachers achieve happiness and self-worth. The study recommended that teachers should practice mindfulness and meditation because it enhances not only their personal life but also their workspace bringing peace and happiness to the classrooms. Finally, the study also recommended that more studies on the subject should be done to amplify the limited literature as the benefits have proven to be beneficial.

    **Discussion**

    The literature and the 7-day mindfulness practice suggest that mindfulness works to reduce anxiety and stress, but what is causing stress in the first place? Is it technology, social media, the 40 hour work week, or the fast-pace lifestyle of cities that are causing so much problems with our mental health and our capicity to cope? According to one study, “inflation, low wages, popullation growth, and ‘me’ culture is leading to higher stress levels in young adults” (Smith et. al., 2020, p.46). This is easy to see in a city such as Miami, Florida where the average household income is “$47,860 a year for a family of four according to census numbers in 2019” (US Census, 2020). While rent for a two bedroom apartment is on average $2,400 (Caferent.org, 2021). It is no wonder that people are so stressed and anxious. They work too much and can barely afford to pay their rent. This may also affect a persons perception of time and how to manage it. Because of family and work obligations many report that they do not have the luxury to waist time meditating. People believe that to overcome their problems they must dlew otn need to let them dominate their mental life. They constantly worry about the past what they did or didn’t do to be in the situation they are in, or they worry about the future and whether or not they will be able to take care of all the responsibilities.

    While these concerns are normal and understandable, holding on to these concerns every moment of everyday is not. Instead of living and appriciating each moment, people often keep busy to try to mask their feelings and concerns. The need to stay busy and the fear of thinking about the problems is what makes some believe that they do not have time to meditate. However, mindfulness meditation is not an added task but a reduction of action. Meditation is about pausing and doing less not doing more. As suggested by Gomez (2019), “it only takes 5 minutes a day of mindfulness meditation to see physical and mental health benefits” (p.17). A five minute meditation should be implemented because it will reduce anxiety and stress and as research suggests. It will give a person a sense that they can control their time. The high stress from this fast-paced world needs to be countered with a practice that decluters the mind and resets ones mental energy. Meditation is a needed practice because it will not only reduce stress and anxiety, it will let one connect to others and be present in the moment. As a parent or family memember we owe it to those we love to be present. Living a life of stress and anxiety is not the kind of life we deserve. We must, for the sake of family, our children, and those who love us, take care of ourselves and live a better life.

    We should practice mindfulness because not doing so will lead to mental and physical problems. According to The Heart Institute and Cardiovascular Health, “stress is one of the main causes of health problems. Stress leads people to seek careless behavior such as unhealthy eating and alchohol consumtion. It leads to mental and physical distress that correlate to the likelyhood of suffering a heart attack or stroke” (Luther, 2019, pp. 135-36). Instead of seeking to relieve stress through destructive behavior we should practice selfcare and mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation has been proven to change the composition of brain. As stated by Keller and Wise (2020) “people who meditated reduce their activity in the default network and increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for emotions and decision making” (p. 29). Practicing daily mindfulness leads to better mental and physical health. Therefore, it is the logical thing to do.

    **Conclusion**

    The results of the research is clear. Mindfulness meditation is a successful intervention pratices for everyday stress and anxiety, but should not replace form psychological thearapy for diagnosed mental disorders. Pet thearapy while helpful to all participants, is recommended most for cases of PTSD a long with cognitive behaviral thearapy. This study, however, does not take into account other intervention methods, such as medication, alternative medicine or group thearapy. It also does not address the issues of social media and comparisson culture, nor does it suggest a solution to them. Further research in these areas are needed to come up with a more robust intervention method for today’s complex mental malidies.

    **References**

    Ashdown-Franks, G., Sabiston, C. M., & Stubbs, B. (2019). The evidence for physical activity in the management of major mental illnesses: A concise overview to inform busy clinicians’ practice and guide policy.
    _Current opinion in psychiatry_,
    _32_(5), 375-380.
    [https://tinyurl.com/ye223ndn](https://tinyurl.com/ye223ndn)

    Coo, C., & Salanova, M. (2018). Mindfulness Can Make You Happy-and-Productive: A Mindfulness Controlled Trial and Its Effects on Happiness, Work Engagement and Performance. Journal of Happiness Studies, 19(6), 1691–1711.
    [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-017-9892-8](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-017-9892-8)

    Crowley, C., Kapitula, L. R., & Munk, D. (2022). Mindfulness, happiness, and anxiety in a sample of college students before and after taking a meditation course.
    _Journal of American College Health_,
    _70_(2), 493–500.
    [https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1754839](https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1754839)

    Dhir, A., Yossatorn, Y., Kaur, P., & Chen, S. (2018). Online social media fatigue and psychological wellbeing—A study of compulsive use, fear of missing out, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
    _International Journal of Information Management_,
    _40_, 141-152.

    Smith, C. (2023, November 23). Stress in America 2023 A nation recovering from collective trauma.
    _American Psychological Association_.
    [https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/collective-trauma-recovery#:~:text=The%20top%20significant%20sources%20of,58%25%20and%2053%25).](https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/collective-trauma-recovery)

    Brach, T. (2003).
    _Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With The Heart of A Buddha_ (pp. 25-48). : Bantam Books.

    **Screenshot2025-04-062027347.png**

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    **## FULLResearchwithoutMETHODSpapersampleformat-1.docx**

    1

    3

    **Being Mindful: The Science and Practice of Meditation**

    Jasmine Perez

    Miami Dade College

    ENC1102: English Composition II

    Professor Oscar Gonzalez

    April 22, 2025

    **Being Mindful: The Science and Practice of Meditation**

    Pay attention. Take a stroll around a city like Miami and look at the faces, body language, or people’s interactions. Quickly one is made aware of the extent of the problem. If they are not burying their face in a cellphone or walking around with earphones people are running around trying to get from point A to point B as fast as possible. During afternoon rush hour the city bustles with honking cars and crowds of pedestrians boarding busses and trains. Everyone is trying to get somewhere. While cities offer the possibility of connecting to different people from all over the world, cities can be a place of disconnect, discontent, loneliness, and stress. Why are so many people stressed and lonely? This paper will argue that people are disconnected from Self and confused by the demands and obligations of life and will suggest mindfulness meditation as a solution to problem.

    **Literature Review**

    To understand the effects of depression among adolescents a study of depression was reviewed. Duthely, L. M., et al. (2017) explain that depression and suicide are common among adolescents on a global scale. Particularly adolescents spend a lot of time in school which makes for the ideal place to carry out this meditation study. The study was carried out in a Miami middle school with 75 ethnically diverse students. The study’s findings were as follows: four weeks of gratitude meditation improved student happiness, emotional involvement with education, and gratitude. Additionally, the study explained that “Meditation helped youth manage behavior, emotions, and thinking skills that are beneficial at school and at home. Meditation correlated to a decrease in behavioral challenges related to autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), and bullying” (Duthely, L. M., et al., 2017, p. 157). Statistically, this study performed superior to other similar gratitude studies that have been conducted among adolescents in the literature. The study recommends that more research is necessary for educators, adolescent psychologists, and mental health specialists to accurately assess adolescents' life satisfaction. The study also recommends that topics such as meditation and happiness should be included in the education system for students.

    In another study that by Vijayaraghavan, N., et al. (2021), positive correlation between meditation and reduction stress an anxiety is found. Vijayaraghavan, N., et al. (2021) explain that stress is a fast-growing issue that people suffer from in modern life. The study suggest that meditation is a simple and effective way to combat it. The research was conducted in a research institute in India, where 90 adult participants were provided with a questionnaire before and after meditation to monitor their levels of stress and happiness. The research findings were that after the meditation the stress levels highly decreased, allowing the participants to feel happier. The study proves the significance meditation has for individuals to be happier and encourages them to practice it for a better quality of life.

    Similarly, Maiti, R, (2017) studies how meditation can help decrease stress levels and increase happiness in people. Maiti, R, (2017) discusses how it is common for people to find themselves focused on accomplishing their life goals, and in the process, they may encounter problems along the way that could lead to stress. Maiti, R (2017) suggests, “sustaining a daily meditation practice over the course of three months renders a significant increase in positive mood and reduction of stress, as report in a doubling study” (p.76). The study also concluded that there are many types of meditation all benefiting people in many aspects of life and encouraging individuals to practice the meditation techniques that best suit their needs. The study had different types of meditation such as guided meditation, music meditation, light energy meditation, and transitional meditation, among others. The study found that meditation is an effective way to decrease stress, and increase levels of productivity and well-being, therefore achieving happiness. Finally, the study explained that “meditation is a highly powerful technology to enhance the productivity, and happiness in mankind.” (Maiti, R, 2017, p.368.). The article's main purpose is to explore several approaches to meditation to reduce stress most effectively, leading to people’s well-being and happiness. The study had different types of meditation such as guided meditation, music meditation, light energy meditation, and transitional meditation, among others. The study found that meditation is an effective way to decrease stress, and increase levels of productivity and well-being, therefore achieving happiness.

    Just like medical staff, teachers could also benefit from meditation as their professions have some of the same issues. Kyte, D (2016) addressed the effect meditation has on teachers. The study was conducted on practicing teachers in a school of about 1,000 students. Teaching is a demanding profession and can often lead to stress, depression, and exhaustion which can jeopardize the well-being of the teachers and their job performance. The study’s results suggested that mindful practices such as meditation led to calmness, peace, and well-being which helped the teachers achieve happiness and self-worth. The study recommended that teachers should practice mindfulness and meditation because it enhances not only their personal life but also their workspace bringing peace and happiness to the classrooms. Finally, the study also recommended that more studies on the subject should be done to amplify the limited literature as the benefits have proven to be beneficial.

    **Discussion**

    The literature and the 7-day mindfulness practice suggest that mindfulness works to reduce anxiety and stress, but what is causing stress in the first place? Is it technology, social media, the 40 hour work week, or the fast-pace lifestyle of cities that are causing so much problems with our mental health and our capicity to cope? According to one study, “inflation, low wages, popullation growth, and ‘me’ culture is leading to higher stress levels in young adults” (Smith et. al., 2020, p.46). This is easy to see in a city such as Miami, Florida where the average household income is “$47,860 a year for a family of four according to census numbers in 2019” (US Census, 2020). While rent for a two bedroom apartment is on average $2,400 (Caferent.org, 2021). It is no wonder that people are so stressed and anxious. They work too much and can barely afford to pay their rent. This may also affect a persons perception of time and how to manage it. Because of family and work obligations many report that they do not have the luxury to waist time meditating. People believe that to overcome their problems they must dlew otn need to let them dominate their mental life. They constantly worry about the past what they did or didn’t do to be in the situation they are in, or they worry about the future and whether or not they will be able to take care of all the responsibilities.

    While these concerns are normal and understandable, holding on to these concerns every moment of everyday is not. Instead of living and appriciating each moment, people often keep busy to try to mask their feelings and concerns. The need to stay busy and the fear of thinking about the problems is what makes some believe that they do not have time to meditate. However, mindfulness meditation is not an added task but a reduction of action. Meditation is about pausing and doing less not doing more. As suggested by Gomez (2019), “it only takes 5 minutes a day of mindfulness meditation to see physical and mental health benefits” (p.17). A five minute meditation should be implemented because it will reduce anxiety and stress and as research suggests. It will give a person a sense that they can control their time. The high stress from this fast-paced world needs to be countered with a practice that decluters the mind and resets ones mental energy. Meditation is a needed practice because it will not only reduce stress and anxiety, it will let one connect to others and be present in the moment. As a parent or family memember we owe it to those we love to be present. Living a life of stress and anxiety is not the kind of life we deserve. We must, for the sake of family, our children, and those who love us, take care of ourselves and live a better life.

    We should practice mindfulness because not doing so will lead to mental and physical problems. According to The Heart Institute and Cardiovascular Health, “stress is one of the main causes of health problems. Stress leads people to seek careless behavior such as unhealthy eating and alchohol consumtion. It leads to mental and physical distress that correlate to the likelyhood of suffering a heart attack or stroke” (Luther, 2019, pp. 135-36). Instead of seeking to relieve stress through destructive behavior we should practice selfcare and mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation has been proven to change the composition of brain. As stated by Keller and Wise (2020) “people who meditated reduce their activity in the default network and increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for emotions and decision making” (p. 29). Practicing daily mindfulness leads to better mental and physical health. Therefore, it is the logical thing to do.

    **Conclusion**

    The results of the research is clear. Mindfulness meditation is a successful intervention pratices for everyday stress and anxiety, but should not replace form psychological thearapy for diagnosed mental disorders. Pet thearapy while helpful to all participants, is recommended most for cases of PTSD a long with cognitive behaviral thearapy. This study, however, does not take into account other intervention methods, such as medication, alternative medicine or group thearapy. It also does not address the issues of social media and comparisson culture, nor does it suggest a solution to them. Further research in these areas are needed to come up with a more robust intervention method for today’s complex mental malidies.

    **References**

    Ashdown-Franks, G., Sabiston, C. M., & Stubbs, B. (2019). The evidence for physical activity in the management of major mental illnesses: A concise overview to inform busy clinicians’ practice and guide policy.
    _Current opinion in psychiatry_,
    _32_(5), 375-380.
    [https://tinyurl.com/ye223ndn](https://tinyurl.com/ye223ndn)

    Coo, C., & Salanova, M. (2018). Mindfulness Can Make You Happy-and-Productive: A Mindfulness Controlled Trial and Its Effects on Happiness, Work Engagement and Performance. Journal of Happiness Studies, 19(6), 1691–1711.
    [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-017-9892-8](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-017-9892-8)

    Crowley, C., Kapitula, L. R., & Munk, D. (2022). Mindfulness, happiness, and anxiety in a sample of college students before and after taking a meditation course.
    _Journal of American College Health_,
    _70_(2), 493–500.
    [https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1754839](https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1754839)

    Dhir, A., Yossatorn, Y., Kaur, P., & Chen, S. (2018). Online social media fatigue and psychological wellbeing—A study of compulsive use, fear of missing out, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
    _International Journal of Information Management_,
    _40_, 141-152.

    Smith, C. (2023, November 23). Stress in America 2023 A nation recovering from collective trauma.
    _American Psychological Association_.
    [https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/collective-trauma-recovery#:~:text=The%20top%20significant%20sources%20of,58%25%20and%2053%25).](https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/collective-trauma-recovery)

    Brach, T. (2003).
    _Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With The Heart of A Buddha_ (pp. 25-48). : Bantam Books.

    **Screenshot2025-04-062027347.png**

    This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/screenshot2025-04-062027347-png-10264995)

    **## FULLResearchwithoutMETHODSpapersampleformat-1.docx**

    1

    3

    **Being Mindful: The Science and Practice of Meditation**

    Jasmine Perez

    Miami Dade College

    ENC1102: English Composition II

    Professor Oscar Gonzalez

    April 22, 2025

    **Being Mindful: The Science and Practice of Meditation**

    Pay attention. Take a stroll around a city like Miami and look at the faces, body language, or people’s interactions. Quickly one is made aware of the extent of the problem. If they are not burying their face in a cellphone or walking around with earphones people are running around trying to get from point A to point B as fast as possible. During afternoon rush hour the city bustles with honking cars and crowds of pedestrians boarding busses and trains. Everyone is trying to get somewhere. While cities offer the possibility of connecting to different people from all over the world, cities can be a place of disconnect, discontent, loneliness, and stress. Why are so many people stressed and lonely? This paper will argue that people are disconnected from Self and confused by the demands and obligations of life and will suggest mindfulness meditation as a solution to problem.

    **Literature Review**

    To understand the effects of depression among adolescents a study of depression was reviewed. Duthely, L. M., et al. (2017) explain that depression and suicide are common among adolescents on a global scale. Particularly adolescents spend a lot of time in school which makes for the ideal place to carry out this meditation study. The study was carried out in a Miami middle school with 75 ethnically diverse students. The study’s findings were as follows: four weeks of gratitude meditation improved student happiness, emotional involvement with education, and gratitude. Additionally, the study explained that “Meditation helped youth manage behavior, emotions, and thinking skills that are beneficial at school and at home. Meditation correlated to a decrease in behavioral challenges related to autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), and bullying” (Duthely, L. M., et al., 2017, p. 157). Statistically, this study performed superior to other similar gratitude studies that have been conducted among adolescents in the literature. The study recommends that more research is necessary for educators, adolescent psychologists, and mental health specialists to accurately assess adolescents' life satisfaction. The study also recommends that topics such as meditation and happiness should be included in the education system for students.

    In another study that by Vijayaraghavan, N., et al. (2021), positive correlation between meditation and reduction stress an anxiety is found. Vijayaraghavan, N., et al. (2021) explain that stress is a fast-growing issue that people suffer from in modern life. The study suggest that meditation is a simple and effective way to combat it. The research was conducted in a research institute in India, where 90 adult participants were provided with a questionnaire before and after meditation to monitor their levels of stress and happiness. The research findings were that after the meditation the stress levels highly decreased, allowing the participants to feel happier. The study proves the significance meditation has for individuals to be happier and encourages them to practice it for a better quality of life.

    Similarly, Maiti, R, (2017) studies how meditation can help decrease stress levels and increase happiness in people. Maiti, R, (2017) discusses how it is common for people to find themselves focused on accomplishing their life goals, and in the process, they may encounter problems along the way that could lead to stress. Maiti, R (2017) suggests, “sustaining a daily meditation practice over the course of three months renders a significant increase in positive mood and reduction of stress, as report in a doubling study” (p.76). The study also concluded that there are many types of meditation all benefiting people in many aspects of life and encouraging individuals to practice the meditation techniques that best suit their needs. The study had different types of meditation such as guided meditation, music meditation, light energy meditation, and transitional meditation, among others. The study found that meditation is an effective way to decrease stress, and increase levels of productivity and well-being, therefore achieving happiness. Finally, the study explained that “meditation is a highly powerful technology to enhance the productivity, and happiness in mankind.” (Maiti, R, 2017, p.368.). The article's main purpose is to explore several approaches to meditation to reduce stress most effectively, leading to people’s well-being and happiness. The study had different types of meditation such as guided meditation, music meditation, light energy meditation, and transitional meditation, among others. The study found that meditation is an effective way to decrease stress, and increase levels of productivity and well-being, therefore achieving happiness.

    Just like medical staff, teachers could also benefit from meditation as their professions have some of the same issues. Kyte, D (2016) addressed the effect meditation has on teachers. The study was conducted on practicing teachers in a school of about 1,000 students. Teaching is a demanding profession and can often lead to stress, depression, and exhaustion which can jeopardize the well-being of the teachers and their job performance. The study’s results suggested that mindful practices such as meditation led to calmness, peace, and well-being which helped the teachers achieve happiness and self-worth. The study recommended that teachers should practice mindfulness and meditation because it enhances not only their personal life but also their workspace bringing peace and happiness to the classrooms. Finally, the study also recommended that more studies on the subject should be done to amplify the limited literature as the benefits have proven to be beneficial.

    **Discussion**

    The literature and the 7-day mindfulness practice suggest that mindfulness works to reduce anxiety and stress, but what is causing stress in the first place? Is it technology, social media, the 40 hour work week, or the fast-pace lifestyle of cities that are causing so much problems with our mental health and our capicity to cope? According to one study, “inflation, low wages, popullation growth, and ‘me’ culture is leading to higher stress levels in young adults” (Smith et. al., 2020, p.46). This is easy to see in a city such as Miami, Florida where the average household income is “$47,860 a year for a family of four according to census numbers in 2019” (US Census, 2020). While rent for a two bedroom apartment is on average $2,400 (Caferent.org, 2021). It is no wonder that people are so stressed and anxious. They work too much and can barely afford to pay their rent. This may also affect a persons perception of time and how to manage it. Because of family and work obligations many report that they do not have the luxury to waist time meditating. People believe that to overcome their problems they must dlew otn need to let them dominate their mental life. They constantly worry about the past what they did or didn’t do to be in the situation they are in, or they worry about the future and whether or not they will be able to take care of all the responsibilities.

    While these concerns are normal and understandable, holding on to these concerns every moment of everyday is not. Instead of living and appriciating each moment, people often keep busy to try to mask their feelings and concerns. The need to stay busy and the fear of thinking about the problems is what makes some believe that they do not have time to meditate. However, mindfulness meditation is not an added task but a reduction of action. Meditation is about pausing and doing less not doing more. As suggested by Gomez (2019), “it only takes 5 minutes a day of mindfulness meditation to see physical and mental health benefits” (p.17). A five minute meditation should be implemented because it will reduce anxiety and stress and as research suggests. It will give a person a sense that they can control their time. The high stress from this fast-paced world needs to be countered with a practice that decluters the mind and resets ones mental energy. Meditation is a needed practice because it will not only reduce stress and anxiety, it will let one connect to others and be present in the moment. As a parent or family memember we owe it to those we love to be present. Living a life of stress and anxiety is not the kind of life we deserve. We must, for the sake of family, our children, and those who love us, take care of ourselves and live a better life.

    We should practice mindfulness because not doing so will lead to mental and physical problems. According to The Heart Institute and Cardiovascular Health, “stress is one of the main causes of health problems. Stress leads people to seek careless behavior such as unhealthy eating and alchohol consumtion. It leads to mental and physical distress that correlate to the likelyhood of suffering a heart attack or stroke” (Luther, 2019, pp. 135-36). Instead of seeking to relieve stress through destructive behavior we should practice selfcare and mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation has been proven to change the composition of brain. As stated by Keller and Wise (2020) “people who meditated reduce their activity in the default network and increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for emotions and decision making” (p. 29). Practicing daily mindfulness leads to better mental and physical health. Therefore, it is the logical thing to do.

    **Conclusion**

    The results of the research is clear. Mindfulness meditation is a successful intervention pratices for everyday stress and anxiety, but should not replace form psychological thearapy for diagnosed mental disorders. Pet thearapy while helpful to all participants, is recommended most for cases of PTSD a long with cognitive behaviral thearapy. This study, however, does not take into account other intervention methods, such as medication, alternative medicine or group thearapy. It also does not address the issues of social media and comparisson culture, nor does it suggest a solution to them. Further research in these areas are needed to come up with a more robust intervention method for today’s complex mental malidies.

    **References**

    Ashdown-Franks, G., Sabiston, C. M., & Stubbs, B. (2019). The evidence for physical activity in the management of major mental illnesses: A concise overview to inform busy clinicians’ practice and guide policy.
    _Current opinion in psychiatry_,
    _32_(5), 375-380.
    [https://tinyurl.com/ye223ndn](https://tinyurl.com/ye223ndn)

    Coo, C., & Salanova, M. (2018). Mindfulness Can Make You Happy-and-Productive: A Mindfulness Controlled Trial and Its Effects on Happiness, Work Engagement and Performance. Journal of Happiness Studies, 19(6), 1691–1711.
    [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-017-9892-8](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-017-9892-8)

    Crowley, C., Kapitula, L. R., & Munk, D. (2022). Mindfulness, happiness, and anxiety in a sample of college students before and after taking a meditation course.
    _Journal of American College Health_,
    _70_(2), 493–500.
    [https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1754839](https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1754839)

    Dhir, A., Yossatorn, Y., Kaur, P., & Chen, S. (2018). Online social media fatigue and psychological wellbeing—A study of compulsive use, fear of missing out, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
    _International Journal of Information Management_,
    _40_, 141-152.

    Smith, C. (2023, November 23). Stress in America 2023 A nation recovering from collective trauma.
    _American Psychological Association_.
    [https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/collective-trauma-recovery#:~:text=The%20top%20significant%20sources%20of,58%25%20and%2053%25).](https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/collective-trauma-recovery)

    Brach, T. (2003).
    _Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With The Heart of A Buddha_ (pp. 25-48). : Bantam Books.

    **Screenshot2025-04-062027347.png**

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    At Tech Health Solutions, the senior managers decided to boost motivation and performance by relying more on teamwork. Inspired by the concept of piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, they initially believed that assembling the best employees who perform their own jobs well would automatically result in the most successful teams. However, they soon realized that the key to a team's success lies not in who is on the team but in members who were motivated and who perceived their individual contributions as important to engaging in teamwork.

    In organizational behavior, teams have become a powerful force. Understanding why teams are more effective than individuals working alone is the first step to becoming a team player. Go to Connect and take the assessment to evaluate whether you are a team player.

    Using what you have learned, respond to the following questions:

    – Define the five Cs model of effective teamwork behavior (cooperating, coordinating, communicating, comforting, and conflict handling) and explain how each behavior helps the team succeed. Which of the five Cs do you find most challenging, and how can you improve in this area?
    – Why is good communication important in teamwork? Give an example of a time when good or poor communication affected a team’s performance. What steps can be taken to improve communication among team members to help them work better together?

    – 2 years ago

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    Reply to the following discussion, APA style, 200 words or more, 2 references or more, Turnitin less than 20 %, No AI Throughout the current eight-week course, the main area of discussion has to do with enhancing my understanding of middle-range theories and their application in nursing practice, as…

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    Throughout the current eight-week course, the main area of discussion has to do with enhancing my understanding of middle-range theories and their application in nursing practice, as well as the role of mentorship in clinical practice. This reflective discussion looks at how the middle-range theories, which are practical, help one to dissect patient care challenges and how the process of being mentored has helped me in the learning process, hence promoting critical thinking and professionalism.

    Many consider the middle-range theories to be significant in linking the broad grand theories with the day-to-day practice. The former are sufficiently specific to provide tangible orientation yet general enough to be useful in a wide range of situations and contexts, which has helped me a lot when treating patients. For example, when using self-efficacy theory, I have understood how to evaluate and facilitate the patient as a way of enhancing his/her confidence when dealing with chronic illnesses. This incorporation leads to the formulation of plans that meet patients’ physical and psychological needs, hence attaining theoretical promotion. Current studies have indicated that the use of middle-range theories has had positive results, and there has been improvement in compliance with the recommended treatment plans and hospital readmissions (Garcia & Brown, 2023). This EB acquires high values in clinical decision making and helps in implementing a patient-centered care model for recovery.

    The second wave of transformation has been gained through the mentorship throughout this course. In addition, different mentors have supplemented formal teaching and shared their experience with me, as the process of clinical reasoning has expanded my knowledge and understanding of clinical decisions. Their constructive criticism has made me find the positive side of any hurdle faced on the course and has motivated me to embrace creativity in the delivery of medical care to patients. For instance, through the concept of mentorship, I have learned how to apply middle-range theories within the various forms of nursing practice, including clinical nursing, which would have increased my competency, especially in critical care units. Another key value that has been rooted in me by the mentors is that of working as a member of the multidisciplinary team and utilizing the evidence-based practice while continuing lifelong learning in a constantly changing healthcare setting (Chen & Patel, 2025). I would also like to express my gratitude to all the people whose support helped in developing my professional persona and creating a strong, patient-centered attitude.

    As such, the congruence of middle-range theories and mentorship has been crucial in improving my practice of nursing. Through the implementation of these theories in the clinical areas, I have gained a fair understanding of patient care with a clear touch of the realities based on research and experience, for the uniqueness of individual patients. Also, the suggestions and advice given by the mentors have given me the strength and solidity in clinical decision making that is crucial for an advanced nurse practitioner. These experiences together have made it clear about the importance of theoretical knowledge and the worth of a mentor in enhancing the nursing practice and preparing for what lies ahead in the future.

    – 2 years ago

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    [>Accounting homework help](https://www.sweetstudy.com/fields/business-finance-accounting) Imagine you are the HR manager for a new company just opening its doors in your community. The CEO has asked you to prepare the initial guiding principles you will use to define the company's compensation phil…

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    Imagine you are the HR manager for a new company just opening its doors in your community. The CEO has asked you to prepare the initial guiding principles you will use to define the company's compensation philosophy regarding how the company compensates its employees.

    Complete the following:

    – Describe the type of business, the number and types of employees (exempt and non-exempt), and the customer base you will use as your example company for this assessment, as well as the state and city or area of the state where your company is located.
    – Describe the factors will be used to determine salary decisions (for example, appropriate qualifications, contributions, performance, and budget considerations).
    – Discuss where the company wants to fit regarding compensation in the industry and related market. Bottom quartile? Industry average? Top quartile?
    – Discuss whether the company will reward top performers with incentive pay.
    – Discuss the role benefits (health, 401(k), et cetera) will play in the overall compensation package. Does the company want the benefits plan to be below market, at market, or above market? Why?
    – Describe how other existing businesses in your community affect the guiding principles for your compensation guidelines. You can reference the " [Overview of BLS Wage Data by Area and Occupation](https://capella.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/leganto/public/01CAPELLA_INST/lists/2815693660006731?auth=SAML&section=2815693670006731 "Select this link to launch this material in a new window.")" from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to help you research information for your response.

    Your assessment should also meet the following requirements:

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    – **Formatting**: One-inch margins, appropriate headers, and a title page.
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    **Important**: You will use this same company as the focus for the upcoming assessments in this course as well.

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    I need your help – 2 years ago **files (3)** – ## TrainingtoAvoidCommunicationBreakdowns.pdf – ## JWI505Week2LectureNotes.pdf – Discussion2Communications.jpeg **## TrainingtoAvoidCommunicationBreakdowns.pdf** Copyright of Training is the property of Lakewood Media Group LLC and its content may not b…

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    **files (3)**

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    **## JWI505Week2LectureNotes.pdf**

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 1 of 6

    Interpersonal Communication

    What It Means

    As a leader, you own one hundred percent of your relationships. You do not have the luxury
    of waiting for other people to meet you halfway, and they are not responsible for maintaining
    your relationships with them. If you want engaged colleagues and collaborators, you must
    take responsibility. It is up to you to inspire, to motivate, and to build strong ties with others.

    Your success depends on the strength of your relationships with your colleagues. These are
    your collaborators, the people who can support your goals and help you realize them. People
    will engage with you and follow you based on who you are, not just what you do. You cannot
    tell others how to feel – you can only lead by example, openly and generously.

    In this lecture, you will learn how to strengthen your interpersonal communication skills. We
    will describe the qualities you need to demonstrate in each of your interactions, as well as
    how to express yourself verbally and nonverbally. We will also explore the skill of active
    listening and distinguish communication styles for different audiences.

    Why It Matters

    • Much of your efficacy as a leader depends on how you engage with and inspire
    others.

    • You can only create strong relationships when others feel that you listen to and
    empathize with them.

    • Leaders interact with a wide range of people and must tailor their messages
    effectively.

    “Empathy and social skills are social intelligence, the interpersonal part of emotional
    intelligence. That’s why they look alike.”

    Daniel Goleman

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 2 of 6

    Interpersonal Relationships

    There are four elements to any communicative action. There is always a subject, or someone
    performing the communication. There is a listener, or someone receiving the communication.
    There is a message, information that the subject wants to convey to the listener. And finally,
    there is a means of delivery – the tools the subject uses to send their message.

    As a subject, both your message and your means of delivery rely heavily on your relationship
    with your listener. And whether you work in a massive corporation or a startup out of your
    garage, you will invariably have to interact with people. Perhaps your listener is a customer
    that you hope will buy your product or service. Maybe they are a coworker whose insights you
    need to complete a project. In any case, you cannot simply send a message and hope they
    act on it. If you want the listener to accept your message, they need to want to listen to you.
    You have to give them a reason to want to listen. That may be easy to do with a colleague
    that you have known for years. It is a lot harder to accomplish with a new coworker that you
    have never met before.

    Regardless of who your listener is, you have to find a way to engage them. You need to
    establish trust between the two of you. You need to let them know you value their input and
    response. In short, you need to empathize with them.

    Enhancing Your Empathy

    In the business world, empathy is often considered a “soft skill.” It is the ability to see and to
    feel what another person is experiencing from their perspective. Please note that empathy is
    not the same as sympathy. Sympathy simply entails acknowledging someone else’s feelings.
    Empathy involves actually taking on those feelings. As PureMatter CEO Bryan Kramer puts it,
    “Instead of feeling with someone, you’re feeling for them. You’re experiencing a fraction of
    their emotions and feelings because you see things from their perspective.”1

    1 Bryan Kramer, “The Critical Difference between Sympathy and Empathy,” Forbes, August 13, 2018,
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/08/13/the-critical-difference-between-sympathy-and-
    empathy/#616a6a6d16a3.

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 3 of 6

    Empathy is a critical addition to your leadership skillset. When you connect with someone and
    really understand their feelings and perspectives, you increase their relationship buy-in. They
    will want to work with you and to accomplish a shared goal. To use Jack’s phrase, that is how
    you get “every brain in the game.” Empathy is also important for handling more difficult
    conversations. If you recognize the source of someone’s emotions, you can relate to them
    more easily. You better understand what discourages them and what motivates them. You
    implicitly validate their feelings. Empathy, when you use it well, engenders respect.

    The importance of empathy cannot be overstated, but we do not see it as often as we should.
    Businessolver, a benefits technology company, conducts an annual State of Workplace
    Empathy study. Through polling, the company evaluates how empathetic American
    businesses are. In their 2019 report, 92% of CEOs surveyed said their organizations were
    empathetic. Only 72% of employees agreed.2 Think about it and be honest with yourself. How
    often do you feel as if your supervisor actively listens to you? Conversely, if you are a
    supervisor, how often do you demonstrate that you appreciate your employees’ input?
    Whether or not the leaders and managers at your company are empathetic plays a major role
    in determining the amount of time and effort employees put into their work. It can even
    determine whether employees stay with your company at all!

    It is up to you, as both a communicator and a listener, to ensure that your interactions are
    empathetic. Fortunately, there is a plethora of verbal and nonverbal techniques you can use
    to connect more effectively with your colleagues and customers.

    Speaking with Empathy

    The key to communicating empathetically is remembering that communication is not – and
    cannot be – just about you. Your message needs to be relevant to both you and your listener.
    There are simple methods that will persuade your listener to invest in the message. One very
    subtle trick is to avoid using first person singular pronouns, such as “me” and “my.” Telling

    2 Rae Shanahan, “The 2019 State of Workplace Empathy Study: the Competitive Edge Leaders Are Missing,”
    Businessolver, March 28, 2019, https://blog.businessolver.com/the-2019-state-of-workplace-empathy-study-the-
    competitive-edge-leaders-are-missing.

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 4 of 6

    someone, “I need to organize last month’s invoices” is not a productive way to communicate.
    That sentence only highlights your own needs. Your listener is left asking themselves, “So
    what?” Telling someone, “We need to organize last month’s invoices” is much more
    collaborative. It indicates that organizing last month’s invoices is a shared goal that is both
    your responsibility and theirs.

    Your listener will be more inclined to receive your message if they feel that they can talk with
    you. This is where your social skills come into play. Find quick moments during the day to
    interact with people. This includes arriving early for meetings and never discounting the value
    of water cooler talk. This shows others you are not “too busy” to talk with them. And if you are
    a supervisor and you have an “open door” policy, make sure your office door is actually open!

    Conversations should never just be about yourself. Demonstrate your curiosity about your
    listener by asking lots of questions. Try not to ask closed questions to which there are limited
    answers. The question, “Did you like the boss’s presentation?” really only has two answers,
    neither of which are terribly insightful. Definitely avoid asking leading questions which imply
    an answer. When you say, “You did not like the boss’s presentation, did you?” you
    subliminally force the listener to answer in a way they may not agree with. “How was the
    boss’s presentation?” is a better question, but the listener does not have to give a detailed or
    thoughtful answer; they can just say, “It was good.” Instead, ask a more complex question
    that forces the listener to think and give you a thoughtful answer. A question like, “What was
    your favorite part of the boss’s presentation?” would be a great example.

    The words you use matter when talking to someone, but so does your body language. Your
    listener will be more receptive if you come across as open, welcoming, curious, and
    appreciative. Look the other person in the eye at all times. This shows that you value their
    response. Stand close to your listener, but not too close. You want to show them that their
    presence is important, while still respecting their personal space. Do not cross your arms.
    This stance “shuts you off” and makes you look forbidding. As we mentioned in last week’s
    lecture, never look at your phone while talking to someone face to face. And unless you are
    delivering seriously bad news, maintain a relaxed smile.

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 5 of 6

    Listening with Empathy

    Good communication is not just about imparting information. It is about receiving information,
    too. Conveying your message effectively is certainly important. But it is equally important to
    listen when the other person talks. When they feel heard, they are more receptive to your
    message, more likely to build rapport with you, and more likely to become an active ally in
    addressing the issues at hand. Both you and your listener can thus exchange information and
    arrive at a collaborative solution. In his TEDx Talk “The Power of Listening,” negotiations
    expert William Ury says that listening “… may be the cheapest concession we can make in a
    negotiation. It costs us nothing, and it brings huge benefits. Listening may be the golden key
    that opens the door to human relationship.”3

    Remember, though, that there is a big difference between listening to someone and hearing
    them. When you hear someone, all you do is acknowledge that they are talking. You do not
    force yourself to be present, and neither of you truly connects with the other. If you have a
    conversation with someone, and you cannot remember exactly what they said five minutes
    later, you heard them, but you did not actually listen in an attentive way.

    Properly listening to someone requires more than mere acknowledgement, and it takes
    practice. You should absorb what they say, while gleaning new information and finding ways
    to relate to them. Never assume you already know or understand what the other person is
    saying. The next time someone is talking to you, periodically respond with what you think they
    are saying. This is useful for two reasons. First, it gives the other person an opportunity to
    confirm your understanding or correct it if needed. Second, it demonstrates that you are
    making an effort to understand them. It shows that you are present and that you value them.

    When you listen, the other person should do most of the talking. This means a lot of your
    responsive communication will be nonverbal. Looking the other person directly in the eye
    helps demonstrate that you are present, as does refraining from fidgeting with your hands,
    clothes, or office supplies. Make a conscious effort not to seem imposing. Stand or sit close to
    the other person, instead of standing on the other side of the room or sitting behind a big

    3 TEDx Talks, “The Power of Listening | William Ury | TEDxSanDiego,” YouTube, January 7, 2015,
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saXfavo1OQo&feature=emb_logo.

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 6 of 6

    desk. These steps are particularly important if you are a supervisor talking to one of your
    employees. Psychologist Dolly Chugh explains that: “… when you are in a low-power role,
    you are really good at reading nonverbal cues, remembering more of what was said, being
    attentive, because you have more of a need from a survival standpoint.”4 So, if you are a
    leader, your position of authority may reduce the impetus to be attentive, but it is important to
    make a conscious effort to do so. Remember that your listening skills should make the other
    person feel empowered, not disparaged or endangered.

    Looking Ahead

    In this lecture, we explored the importance of effective interpersonal communication in business.
    We learned why empathy is such a critical component of your communications, as well as how
    to demonstrate it when you speak and listen. Every interaction you have is an opportunity to
    connect with others. Being authentic and present will build strong relationships and inspire your
    colleagues. Everyone in your team or your company will be better positioned to win.

    In the next lecture, we will explore the foundations of intercultural communication. We will delve
    into the components of culture, as well as the cultural variables people exhibit in their behavior
    at work. We will also enhance our understanding of how to communicate with colleagues from
    different backgrounds and cultures.

    4 Businessolver, “Rewards Multiply with Workplace Empathy,” The Washington Post, n.d.,
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/brand-connect/businessolver/rewards-multiply-with-workplace-empathy/.

    **Discussion2Communications.jpeg**

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    **## TrainingtoAvoidCommunicationBreakdowns.pdf**

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    express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for
    individual use.

    **## JWI505Week2LectureNotes.pdf**

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 1 of 6

    Interpersonal Communication

    What It Means

    As a leader, you own one hundred percent of your relationships. You do not have the luxury
    of waiting for other people to meet you halfway, and they are not responsible for maintaining
    your relationships with them. If you want engaged colleagues and collaborators, you must
    take responsibility. It is up to you to inspire, to motivate, and to build strong ties with others.

    Your success depends on the strength of your relationships with your colleagues. These are
    your collaborators, the people who can support your goals and help you realize them. People
    will engage with you and follow you based on who you are, not just what you do. You cannot
    tell others how to feel – you can only lead by example, openly and generously.

    In this lecture, you will learn how to strengthen your interpersonal communication skills. We
    will describe the qualities you need to demonstrate in each of your interactions, as well as
    how to express yourself verbally and nonverbally. We will also explore the skill of active
    listening and distinguish communication styles for different audiences.

    Why It Matters

    • Much of your efficacy as a leader depends on how you engage with and inspire
    others.

    • You can only create strong relationships when others feel that you listen to and
    empathize with them.

    • Leaders interact with a wide range of people and must tailor their messages
    effectively.

    “Empathy and social skills are social intelligence, the interpersonal part of emotional
    intelligence. That’s why they look alike.”

    Daniel Goleman

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 2 of 6

    Interpersonal Relationships

    There are four elements to any communicative action. There is always a subject, or someone
    performing the communication. There is a listener, or someone receiving the communication.
    There is a message, information that the subject wants to convey to the listener. And finally,
    there is a means of delivery – the tools the subject uses to send their message.

    As a subject, both your message and your means of delivery rely heavily on your relationship
    with your listener. And whether you work in a massive corporation or a startup out of your
    garage, you will invariably have to interact with people. Perhaps your listener is a customer
    that you hope will buy your product or service. Maybe they are a coworker whose insights you
    need to complete a project. In any case, you cannot simply send a message and hope they
    act on it. If you want the listener to accept your message, they need to want to listen to you.
    You have to give them a reason to want to listen. That may be easy to do with a colleague
    that you have known for years. It is a lot harder to accomplish with a new coworker that you
    have never met before.

    Regardless of who your listener is, you have to find a way to engage them. You need to
    establish trust between the two of you. You need to let them know you value their input and
    response. In short, you need to empathize with them.

    Enhancing Your Empathy

    In the business world, empathy is often considered a “soft skill.” It is the ability to see and to
    feel what another person is experiencing from their perspective. Please note that empathy is
    not the same as sympathy. Sympathy simply entails acknowledging someone else’s feelings.
    Empathy involves actually taking on those feelings. As PureMatter CEO Bryan Kramer puts it,
    “Instead of feeling with someone, you’re feeling for them. You’re experiencing a fraction of
    their emotions and feelings because you see things from their perspective.”1

    1 Bryan Kramer, “The Critical Difference between Sympathy and Empathy,” Forbes, August 13, 2018,
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/08/13/the-critical-difference-between-sympathy-and-
    empathy/#616a6a6d16a3.

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 3 of 6

    Empathy is a critical addition to your leadership skillset. When you connect with someone and
    really understand their feelings and perspectives, you increase their relationship buy-in. They
    will want to work with you and to accomplish a shared goal. To use Jack’s phrase, that is how
    you get “every brain in the game.” Empathy is also important for handling more difficult
    conversations. If you recognize the source of someone’s emotions, you can relate to them
    more easily. You better understand what discourages them and what motivates them. You
    implicitly validate their feelings. Empathy, when you use it well, engenders respect.

    The importance of empathy cannot be overstated, but we do not see it as often as we should.
    Businessolver, a benefits technology company, conducts an annual State of Workplace
    Empathy study. Through polling, the company evaluates how empathetic American
    businesses are. In their 2019 report, 92% of CEOs surveyed said their organizations were
    empathetic. Only 72% of employees agreed.2 Think about it and be honest with yourself. How
    often do you feel as if your supervisor actively listens to you? Conversely, if you are a
    supervisor, how often do you demonstrate that you appreciate your employees’ input?
    Whether or not the leaders and managers at your company are empathetic plays a major role
    in determining the amount of time and effort employees put into their work. It can even
    determine whether employees stay with your company at all!

    It is up to you, as both a communicator and a listener, to ensure that your interactions are
    empathetic. Fortunately, there is a plethora of verbal and nonverbal techniques you can use
    to connect more effectively with your colleagues and customers.

    Speaking with Empathy

    The key to communicating empathetically is remembering that communication is not – and
    cannot be – just about you. Your message needs to be relevant to both you and your listener.
    There are simple methods that will persuade your listener to invest in the message. One very
    subtle trick is to avoid using first person singular pronouns, such as “me” and “my.” Telling

    2 Rae Shanahan, “The 2019 State of Workplace Empathy Study: the Competitive Edge Leaders Are Missing,”
    Businessolver, March 28, 2019, https://blog.businessolver.com/the-2019-state-of-workplace-empathy-study-the-
    competitive-edge-leaders-are-missing.

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 4 of 6

    someone, “I need to organize last month’s invoices” is not a productive way to communicate.
    That sentence only highlights your own needs. Your listener is left asking themselves, “So
    what?” Telling someone, “We need to organize last month’s invoices” is much more
    collaborative. It indicates that organizing last month’s invoices is a shared goal that is both
    your responsibility and theirs.

    Your listener will be more inclined to receive your message if they feel that they can talk with
    you. This is where your social skills come into play. Find quick moments during the day to
    interact with people. This includes arriving early for meetings and never discounting the value
    of water cooler talk. This shows others you are not “too busy” to talk with them. And if you are
    a supervisor and you have an “open door” policy, make sure your office door is actually open!

    Conversations should never just be about yourself. Demonstrate your curiosity about your
    listener by asking lots of questions. Try not to ask closed questions to which there are limited
    answers. The question, “Did you like the boss’s presentation?” really only has two answers,
    neither of which are terribly insightful. Definitely avoid asking leading questions which imply
    an answer. When you say, “You did not like the boss’s presentation, did you?” you
    subliminally force the listener to answer in a way they may not agree with. “How was the
    boss’s presentation?” is a better question, but the listener does not have to give a detailed or
    thoughtful answer; they can just say, “It was good.” Instead, ask a more complex question
    that forces the listener to think and give you a thoughtful answer. A question like, “What was
    your favorite part of the boss’s presentation?” would be a great example.

    The words you use matter when talking to someone, but so does your body language. Your
    listener will be more receptive if you come across as open, welcoming, curious, and
    appreciative. Look the other person in the eye at all times. This shows that you value their
    response. Stand close to your listener, but not too close. You want to show them that their
    presence is important, while still respecting their personal space. Do not cross your arms.
    This stance “shuts you off” and makes you look forbidding. As we mentioned in last week’s
    lecture, never look at your phone while talking to someone face to face. And unless you are
    delivering seriously bad news, maintain a relaxed smile.

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 5 of 6

    Listening with Empathy

    Good communication is not just about imparting information. It is about receiving information,
    too. Conveying your message effectively is certainly important. But it is equally important to
    listen when the other person talks. When they feel heard, they are more receptive to your
    message, more likely to build rapport with you, and more likely to become an active ally in
    addressing the issues at hand. Both you and your listener can thus exchange information and
    arrive at a collaborative solution. In his TEDx Talk “The Power of Listening,” negotiations
    expert William Ury says that listening “… may be the cheapest concession we can make in a
    negotiation. It costs us nothing, and it brings huge benefits. Listening may be the golden key
    that opens the door to human relationship.”3

    Remember, though, that there is a big difference between listening to someone and hearing
    them. When you hear someone, all you do is acknowledge that they are talking. You do not
    force yourself to be present, and neither of you truly connects with the other. If you have a
    conversation with someone, and you cannot remember exactly what they said five minutes
    later, you heard them, but you did not actually listen in an attentive way.

    Properly listening to someone requires more than mere acknowledgement, and it takes
    practice. You should absorb what they say, while gleaning new information and finding ways
    to relate to them. Never assume you already know or understand what the other person is
    saying. The next time someone is talking to you, periodically respond with what you think they
    are saying. This is useful for two reasons. First, it gives the other person an opportunity to
    confirm your understanding or correct it if needed. Second, it demonstrates that you are
    making an effort to understand them. It shows that you are present and that you value them.

    When you listen, the other person should do most of the talking. This means a lot of your
    responsive communication will be nonverbal. Looking the other person directly in the eye
    helps demonstrate that you are present, as does refraining from fidgeting with your hands,
    clothes, or office supplies. Make a conscious effort not to seem imposing. Stand or sit close to
    the other person, instead of standing on the other side of the room or sitting behind a big

    3 TEDx Talks, “The Power of Listening | William Ury | TEDxSanDiego,” YouTube, January 7, 2015,
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saXfavo1OQo&feature=emb_logo.

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 6 of 6

    desk. These steps are particularly important if you are a supervisor talking to one of your
    employees. Psychologist Dolly Chugh explains that: “… when you are in a low-power role,
    you are really good at reading nonverbal cues, remembering more of what was said, being
    attentive, because you have more of a need from a survival standpoint.”4 So, if you are a
    leader, your position of authority may reduce the impetus to be attentive, but it is important to
    make a conscious effort to do so. Remember that your listening skills should make the other
    person feel empowered, not disparaged or endangered.

    Looking Ahead

    In this lecture, we explored the importance of effective interpersonal communication in business.
    We learned why empathy is such a critical component of your communications, as well as how
    to demonstrate it when you speak and listen. Every interaction you have is an opportunity to
    connect with others. Being authentic and present will build strong relationships and inspire your
    colleagues. Everyone in your team or your company will be better positioned to win.

    In the next lecture, we will explore the foundations of intercultural communication. We will delve
    into the components of culture, as well as the cultural variables people exhibit in their behavior
    at work. We will also enhance our understanding of how to communicate with colleagues from
    different backgrounds and cultures.

    4 Businessolver, “Rewards Multiply with Workplace Empathy,” The Washington Post, n.d.,
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/brand-connect/businessolver/rewards-multiply-with-workplace-empathy/.

    **Discussion2Communications.jpeg**

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    **## TrainingtoAvoidCommunicationBreakdowns.pdf**

    Copyright of Training is the property of Lakewood Media Group LLC and its content may not
    be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's
    express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for
    individual use.

    **## JWI505Week2LectureNotes.pdf**

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 1 of 6

    Interpersonal Communication

    What It Means

    As a leader, you own one hundred percent of your relationships. You do not have the luxury
    of waiting for other people to meet you halfway, and they are not responsible for maintaining
    your relationships with them. If you want engaged colleagues and collaborators, you must
    take responsibility. It is up to you to inspire, to motivate, and to build strong ties with others.

    Your success depends on the strength of your relationships with your colleagues. These are
    your collaborators, the people who can support your goals and help you realize them. People
    will engage with you and follow you based on who you are, not just what you do. You cannot
    tell others how to feel – you can only lead by example, openly and generously.

    In this lecture, you will learn how to strengthen your interpersonal communication skills. We
    will describe the qualities you need to demonstrate in each of your interactions, as well as
    how to express yourself verbally and nonverbally. We will also explore the skill of active
    listening and distinguish communication styles for different audiences.

    Why It Matters

    • Much of your efficacy as a leader depends on how you engage with and inspire
    others.

    • You can only create strong relationships when others feel that you listen to and
    empathize with them.

    • Leaders interact with a wide range of people and must tailor their messages
    effectively.

    “Empathy and social skills are social intelligence, the interpersonal part of emotional
    intelligence. That’s why they look alike.”

    Daniel Goleman

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 2 of 6

    Interpersonal Relationships

    There are four elements to any communicative action. There is always a subject, or someone
    performing the communication. There is a listener, or someone receiving the communication.
    There is a message, information that the subject wants to convey to the listener. And finally,
    there is a means of delivery – the tools the subject uses to send their message.

    As a subject, both your message and your means of delivery rely heavily on your relationship
    with your listener. And whether you work in a massive corporation or a startup out of your
    garage, you will invariably have to interact with people. Perhaps your listener is a customer
    that you hope will buy your product or service. Maybe they are a coworker whose insights you
    need to complete a project. In any case, you cannot simply send a message and hope they
    act on it. If you want the listener to accept your message, they need to want to listen to you.
    You have to give them a reason to want to listen. That may be easy to do with a colleague
    that you have known for years. It is a lot harder to accomplish with a new coworker that you
    have never met before.

    Regardless of who your listener is, you have to find a way to engage them. You need to
    establish trust between the two of you. You need to let them know you value their input and
    response. In short, you need to empathize with them.

    Enhancing Your Empathy

    In the business world, empathy is often considered a “soft skill.” It is the ability to see and to
    feel what another person is experiencing from their perspective. Please note that empathy is
    not the same as sympathy. Sympathy simply entails acknowledging someone else’s feelings.
    Empathy involves actually taking on those feelings. As PureMatter CEO Bryan Kramer puts it,
    “Instead of feeling with someone, you’re feeling for them. You’re experiencing a fraction of
    their emotions and feelings because you see things from their perspective.”1

    1 Bryan Kramer, “The Critical Difference between Sympathy and Empathy,” Forbes, August 13, 2018,
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/08/13/the-critical-difference-between-sympathy-and-
    empathy/#616a6a6d16a3.

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 3 of 6

    Empathy is a critical addition to your leadership skillset. When you connect with someone and
    really understand their feelings and perspectives, you increase their relationship buy-in. They
    will want to work with you and to accomplish a shared goal. To use Jack’s phrase, that is how
    you get “every brain in the game.” Empathy is also important for handling more difficult
    conversations. If you recognize the source of someone’s emotions, you can relate to them
    more easily. You better understand what discourages them and what motivates them. You
    implicitly validate their feelings. Empathy, when you use it well, engenders respect.

    The importance of empathy cannot be overstated, but we do not see it as often as we should.
    Businessolver, a benefits technology company, conducts an annual State of Workplace
    Empathy study. Through polling, the company evaluates how empathetic American
    businesses are. In their 2019 report, 92% of CEOs surveyed said their organizations were
    empathetic. Only 72% of employees agreed.2 Think about it and be honest with yourself. How
    often do you feel as if your supervisor actively listens to you? Conversely, if you are a
    supervisor, how often do you demonstrate that you appreciate your employees’ input?
    Whether or not the leaders and managers at your company are empathetic plays a major role
    in determining the amount of time and effort employees put into their work. It can even
    determine whether employees stay with your company at all!

    It is up to you, as both a communicator and a listener, to ensure that your interactions are
    empathetic. Fortunately, there is a plethora of verbal and nonverbal techniques you can use
    to connect more effectively with your colleagues and customers.

    Speaking with Empathy

    The key to communicating empathetically is remembering that communication is not – and
    cannot be – just about you. Your message needs to be relevant to both you and your listener.
    There are simple methods that will persuade your listener to invest in the message. One very
    subtle trick is to avoid using first person singular pronouns, such as “me” and “my.” Telling

    2 Rae Shanahan, “The 2019 State of Workplace Empathy Study: the Competitive Edge Leaders Are Missing,”
    Businessolver, March 28, 2019, https://blog.businessolver.com/the-2019-state-of-workplace-empathy-study-the-
    competitive-edge-leaders-are-missing.

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 4 of 6

    someone, “I need to organize last month’s invoices” is not a productive way to communicate.
    That sentence only highlights your own needs. Your listener is left asking themselves, “So
    what?” Telling someone, “We need to organize last month’s invoices” is much more
    collaborative. It indicates that organizing last month’s invoices is a shared goal that is both
    your responsibility and theirs.

    Your listener will be more inclined to receive your message if they feel that they can talk with
    you. This is where your social skills come into play. Find quick moments during the day to
    interact with people. This includes arriving early for meetings and never discounting the value
    of water cooler talk. This shows others you are not “too busy” to talk with them. And if you are
    a supervisor and you have an “open door” policy, make sure your office door is actually open!

    Conversations should never just be about yourself. Demonstrate your curiosity about your
    listener by asking lots of questions. Try not to ask closed questions to which there are limited
    answers. The question, “Did you like the boss’s presentation?” really only has two answers,
    neither of which are terribly insightful. Definitely avoid asking leading questions which imply
    an answer. When you say, “You did not like the boss’s presentation, did you?” you
    subliminally force the listener to answer in a way they may not agree with. “How was the
    boss’s presentation?” is a better question, but the listener does not have to give a detailed or
    thoughtful answer; they can just say, “It was good.” Instead, ask a more complex question
    that forces the listener to think and give you a thoughtful answer. A question like, “What was
    your favorite part of the boss’s presentation?” would be a great example.

    The words you use matter when talking to someone, but so does your body language. Your
    listener will be more receptive if you come across as open, welcoming, curious, and
    appreciative. Look the other person in the eye at all times. This shows that you value their
    response. Stand close to your listener, but not too close. You want to show them that their
    presence is important, while still respecting their personal space. Do not cross your arms.
    This stance “shuts you off” and makes you look forbidding. As we mentioned in last week’s
    lecture, never look at your phone while talking to someone face to face. And unless you are
    delivering seriously bad news, maintain a relaxed smile.

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 5 of 6

    Listening with Empathy

    Good communication is not just about imparting information. It is about receiving information,
    too. Conveying your message effectively is certainly important. But it is equally important to
    listen when the other person talks. When they feel heard, they are more receptive to your
    message, more likely to build rapport with you, and more likely to become an active ally in
    addressing the issues at hand. Both you and your listener can thus exchange information and
    arrive at a collaborative solution. In his TEDx Talk “The Power of Listening,” negotiations
    expert William Ury says that listening “… may be the cheapest concession we can make in a
    negotiation. It costs us nothing, and it brings huge benefits. Listening may be the golden key
    that opens the door to human relationship.”3

    Remember, though, that there is a big difference between listening to someone and hearing
    them. When you hear someone, all you do is acknowledge that they are talking. You do not
    force yourself to be present, and neither of you truly connects with the other. If you have a
    conversation with someone, and you cannot remember exactly what they said five minutes
    later, you heard them, but you did not actually listen in an attentive way.

    Properly listening to someone requires more than mere acknowledgement, and it takes
    practice. You should absorb what they say, while gleaning new information and finding ways
    to relate to them. Never assume you already know or understand what the other person is
    saying. The next time someone is talking to you, periodically respond with what you think they
    are saying. This is useful for two reasons. First, it gives the other person an opportunity to
    confirm your understanding or correct it if needed. Second, it demonstrates that you are
    making an effort to understand them. It shows that you are present and that you value them.

    When you listen, the other person should do most of the talking. This means a lot of your
    responsive communication will be nonverbal. Looking the other person directly in the eye
    helps demonstrate that you are present, as does refraining from fidgeting with your hands,
    clothes, or office supplies. Make a conscious effort not to seem imposing. Stand or sit close to
    the other person, instead of standing on the other side of the room or sitting behind a big

    3 TEDx Talks, “The Power of Listening | William Ury | TEDxSanDiego,” YouTube, January 7, 2015,
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saXfavo1OQo&feature=emb_logo.

    JWI 505: Business Communications and Executive Presence
    Week 2 Lecture Notes

    © Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be
    copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University.

    JWI 505 – Lecture Notes (1206) Page 6 of 6

    desk. These steps are particularly important if you are a supervisor talking to one of your
    employees. Psychologist Dolly Chugh explains that: “… when you are in a low-power role,
    you are really good at reading nonverbal cues, remembering more of what was said, being
    attentive, because you have more of a need from a survival standpoint.”4 So, if you are a
    leader, your position of authority may reduce the impetus to be attentive, but it is important to
    make a conscious effort to do so. Remember that your listening skills should make the other
    person feel empowered, not disparaged or endangered.

    Looking Ahead

    In this lecture, we explored the importance of effective interpersonal communication in business.
    We learned why empathy is such a critical component of your communications, as well as how
    to demonstrate it when you speak and listen. Every interaction you have is an opportunity to
    connect with others. Being authentic and present will build strong relationships and inspire your
    colleagues. Everyone in your team or your company will be better positioned to win.

    In the next lecture, we will explore the foundations of intercultural communication. We will delve
    into the components of culture, as well as the cultural variables people exhibit in their behavior
    at work. We will also enhance our understanding of how to communicate with colleagues from
    different backgrounds and cultures.

    4 Businessolver, “Rewards Multiply with Workplace Empathy,” The Washington Post, n.d.,
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/brand-connect/businessolver/rewards-multiply-with-workplace-empathy/.

    **Discussion2Communications.jpeg**

    This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/discussion2communications-jpeg)