Apparently it's something I'm not good at!
I collected my commnications skills assessment form today and was shocked to discover I had only scored 10 out of a possible 42! I was always doubtful that I would pass, and I was prepared to fail as the mark didn't contribute to anything and because I really didn't put that much effort into the whole assessment. But getting 10 seriously hit me hard, I never imagined I would score so low as although I'm generally quiet I am polite, professional and likeable (or so I thought!).
There were only a couple of points where I actually agreed with the assessor that I deserved the low mark, but on the whole it felt like a character assasination! The comments that most offended me were:
Non verbal facilitation (nvb) and body language - Disaparate and unsynchronised nvb
Empathy, Reflection of clients feelings - Ignores client feelings completely
Respect of client's views & listening - Offends client or rushes without listening
Professional attitude and behaviour - Poor professional manner OR inappropriate behaviours
It would be ok if I actually thought these were my weak points but I don't feel they are and I have no idea how to rectify them.
It makes me so mad at the assessor my blood boils, and on top of that the "client" gave me a 0 out of 3. My confidence is at an all time low and I can only imagine because of that how much worse I'm going to feel the next time I have a communications session.
I'm going to arrange to meet up with the assessor and talk things over, but I'm skeptical about how useful that will prove to be.
All in all today has not been good.