Mgt 518 - Comm-Organizational Settings - Success in the Workplace

Running Head: WS2 PAPER

Mid-term Examination

Ronald K. Hampton

Indiana Wesleyan University

MGT 518, COMM-ORGANIZATIONAL SETTINGS

MSM 303

I have read and understand the plagiarism policy as outlined in the syllabus and the sections in the Student Bulletin relating to the IWU Honesty/Cheating Policy. By affixing this statement to the title page of my paper, I certify that I have not cheated or plagiarized in the process of completing this assignment. If it is found that cheating and/or plagiarism did take place in the writing of this paper, I understand the possible consequences of the act/s, which could include expulsion from Indiana Wesleyan University.

I am currently employed as a 3PL Logistics Site Manager, working within a large wholesale grocery warehouse on the Eastside of Indianapolis. My primary objective is to ensure that all aspects of warehousing operations are conducted efficiently and effectively thus achieving high quality standards and customer satisfaction on a daily basis. My company is based out of Norcross, Georgia, and all of my higher chain of command resides there, and/or works from there. I manage a team of warehouse workers whom are split between two different warehouses, one being a perishable dock, and the other a dry goods dock. Daily success in my workplace and the overall success of my team are dependent on my communication and problem solving skills.

I have managed this site for five years and upon selecting my team I wanted to ensure that I facilitated the creation of goals and objectives for all team members to share. Through the facilitation process I identified and elevated common interests, talents, and ideas. This way I was facilitating a shared path that leverages everyone's talents and strengths. It made everyone part of the solution and it made the team function as a unified, well-oiled group. By exploring and elevating common grounds I was also creating a resource-base of expertise and talent for the company.

Although, we thought we had the perfect team in place upon securing the contract and selecting a great team, there were still issues with communication. Actually, the issue was a slight cultural barrier, as the warehouse had no ethnic diversity prior to my team and me entering the premises. I realized that factors such as body language, personal space and appearance, which are influenced by the culture that one belongs to can lead to some serious miscommunication. A difference in background is one