OBC: Kolb Paper

Concrete Experience: In the fourth tutorial of Organisational Behaviour and Change, our tutor assigned us into small groups. We were able to discuss any major influences in our lives that have had an effect on our personal development. This activity allowed me to speak about five key moments which have occurred in my life that has affected me. My Kolb paper will focus on one of these significant moments. I am in serious trouble, I dont know what to do! exclaimed Tracy. It is twelve oclock midnight who could possibly be downstairs speaking with my mother at this hour. I hop out of bed swiftly and sit at the top of the stairs carefully listening and watching the conversation. You have got to calm down, tell me what happened? my mother said. I have lost everything; I got kicked out by my landlord. I cant pay my debts, my boyfriend has left me. I dont know if I will ever be able to get back to where I was. Tracy cried to my mother. Look, I am here to support you, try to let go of what has happened. You are not alone. My mother replied. But I cant, I have no home, I dont think I can get through this cried Tracy. At this moment I saw her mentally break down and cry. My mother quickly hugged her. I could feel a heightened sense of alertness and empathy that travelled throughout my body. I felt really sorry and could only imagine what she was going through. How about you stay with us for a while. my mother said. I dont think that would be appropriate, I will speak to some friends who can help me. Tracy said. Stay with our family for a while, before you find a new place. I dont think you should be alone right now. replied my mother. I could see that Tracy wanted to accept the offer but was still insecure. I was subconsciously telling her Think about it, you need a fresh start. At this point I wanted to run down the stairs to convince her to stay with us. But clearly I didnt think it was appropriate. Ok, I will stay here, but please allow me to help out, do not treat me like a guest. said Tracy. Thats fine, just remember; I am always here for you. responded my mother. I felt calm and consoled by Tracy accepting my mothers offer. I quickly went to bed before anyone noticed me at the top of the stairs.

Reflective Observation: In reflecting in this observation between my mother and Tracy there were many occurrences where the communication channel was boundless. My mother does not know this individual at a close level but readily opened up to her. As I heard the voice of an individual that was stressed and panicky, it dawned on me that something negative has occurred. My sense of urgency became apparent and I moved quickly to see what was taking place. When Tracy first spoke to my mother she still was holding back on her true feelings. Her tone of voice was emotive but not to the point where she was confident with where she was. Tracy was openly seeking empathy and emotional support from my mother. Only when my mother began to communicate at the same level through her body language and words did Tracy truly open up with her real emotions. Once my mother hugged Tracy as she psychologically broke down, I could see great humility in what she was doing. At that point I was really moved and gratified with the situation they were both in. I really wanted to join them but the connection these individuals had was overwhelming; it would be inappropriate for me to connect. I was stunned and astounded at how powerful a small act of random kindness would have such an effect on a person. As Tracy began to think about the option of staying in our family home, there was a small amount of angst, but she was able to overcome this and fully accept what my mother offered. I only went away when I felt satisfied that the situation reached a stable level. Ultimately I could see that my mother has an extraordinarily big heart, that she would be willing to help a stranger without even giving it a second thought. To this day, this is one of those moments of my life that I will always remember. I help and give to others in any way possible and never expect anything in return for it.

Abstract Conceptualisation: We can see from the experience mentioned that the two individuals dealt with issues effecting their emotions and strongest needs (Hersey, Blanchard & Johnson 2008, p. 30). An individuals behaviour at a particular moment in time can be seen once they seek a need they desperately require. Maslows Hierarchy of Needs demonstrates this through a persons activity and drive (McShane, Olekalns & Travaglione 2010, p. 172). Once a person has all their physiological needs such as food, air, clothes, shelter they begin to seek other levels of needs (Robbins 2005, p. 49). As physiological needs are filled, safety becomes more predominate (Hersey, Blanchard & Johnson 2008, p. 31). Individuals fear they may lose their food, shelter therefore other things in their life are not as imperative.

In particular instances individuals may show particular emotions even though they are not experiencing it themselves. For example signs of sadness when we hear of another persons misfortune (Hayes & Metts 2008, p. 374). Emotions allow us to determine where we need to head towards to be able to fulfil a personal objective. This may allow individuals to see the great importance in providing a sense of hope and trust to others. If individuals relate well with their significant others they are more likely to see authority as a positive and guiding light (Kapur 2009, p. 42). At times we may see that individuals put an effort to alter their emotions so that they are suitable for their surroundings (Marsh & Mussoon 2008, p. 34). Thus emotions can be withdrawn or masked (Marsh & Mussoon 2008, p. 34). Individuals may only reveal their true feelings when they see fit. All individuals have the right to present their feelings as they see best in their lives.

Active Experimentation: As a young and nave individual currently studying, there is still much to learn about communicating with others. A key area is being able to genuinely show empathy for an individual who may be facing difficulty. From the experience I was able to see the great power of human interaction. As human beings we naturally seek security and safety within our lives. Once these important aspects have been taken away from us we are likely to find it difficult to be able to function normally. Individuals then may become desperate and show their real human instinct. Once we do not have any reason to continue to function in our daily lives, we will continue to search for it until it appears. I myself have faced such difficulties, however with people around that support me I am able to pick myself up and continue with any challenges I face. My family and friends are important to me as they give me the security that I require and a place where I am comfortable about expressing my true feelings. However I would like to continue to build on from these existing relationships by having more intimate discussions and regular gatherings. Within university I intend to continually challenge myself to meet new people and try to understand their identity. This will occur through providing open communication channels and showing greater enthusiasm when speaking to new people. Also taking every chance to network with individuals and share my knowledge with them. At my workplace I will now show greater compassion, as I do not know what people are going through outside the work environment. This will involve me speaking to my staff

more often to reduce tension within the workplace. I will need to be confident in expression of my own identity before anyone else within my workplace will. Team bonding activities may be introduced to allow for greater intimacy among the work group. At times actions can speak louder words; therefore I want to be more prepared when the opportunity arises for me to help others. Giving without the intention of not expecting anything in return is a powerful act. I would like to continue to live a life that is selfless and be willing to serve everyone around me.

References: Hayes, J, & Metts, S 2008, 'Managing the Expression of Emotion', Western Journal of Communication, 72, 4, pp. 374-396, Communication & Mass Media Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 16 September 2011. Hersey, P, Blanchard, K & Johnson, ED 2008, Management of Organizational Behavior, 9th edn, Pearson Education, New Jersey. Kapur, R 2009, 'Managing Primitive Emotions in Organizations', Group Analysis, 42, 1, pp. 31-46, SocINDEX with Full Text, EBSCOhost, viewed 16 September 2011. Marsh, K, & Musson, G 2008, 'Men at work and at home: Managing emotion in telework', Gender, Work and Organization, 15, 1, pp. 31-48, PsycINFO, EBSCOhost, viewed 19 September 2011. McShane, S, Olekahns, M & Travaglione, T 2010, Organisational Behaviour on the Pacific Rim, 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill Australia, NSW. Robbins, S 2005, Essentials of Organizational Behavior, 8th edn, Pearson Education, New Jersey.