What makes a good blog? First lets define what a Blog is, a blog is an website in which one can post personal reflections, that are typically updated on a daily bases. However, the key to creating a great blog is its readability. Good blogs are informative, informal and frequently updated (Marsh, Guth & Short, 2009). Having the right content in a blog also makes it easy to read.  Using the correct font size makes it easier on your eyes, as well as the color of the background, is also what brings out the page. You should also use sufficient line spacing, so that the reader can move easily throughout your blog. Most blog pages have no distracting graphics, buttons or links that allow readers to easily navigate to other areas of the organization’s Web site (Marsh, Guth & Short, 2009). Being that the content in your blog is the most important part within your blog, having the right content is what helps your blog to attract the right audience. Capturing the right audience is major when it comes to blogs, having the attention of audience keeps your audience coming back to your blog. For this week’s discussion question we were asked to observe three of our class mates blogs, as I have observed these different blogs I have learned that a blog must be pleasing to the eye, must allow target audience to interact with the site, as well as having quality content of interest.
          The first blog which I reviewed was Terrance Banks with the web address of http://www.tbankscomm.com/. Terrance blog had really good design content; however the background is a little busy. Although you are still able to read the content posted on it, some may find it difficult to read. Furthermore, there were no pictures to enhance his blog. I suggest that he added a couple of pictures to bring his blog out. Nevertheless, visually his blog did a lot for me as a viewer, the blog somewhat was lacking in content and it did prevent from interaction besides the leaving of comments.  With a little more fine tuning, I can see this blog being a great blog.
             The second blog I viewed was titled Moore in the Evenings which was created by Shuan Moore with a web address of http://moorentheevenings.blogspot.com/. Shuan blog has a good design content, that utilize colors that seem to work really well together. The blog is so bright and welcoming.  You can tell that Shuan had his visitors in mind. There is such a great usage of photos that really enhances his blog. His blog had more content then the other blogs I have reviewed, giving viewers much more to read and enjoy. The only revision I saw was that he needs to make sure that all of his pictures come through. Overall this is the best blog I have reviewed so far.
                The last blog in which I reviewed was Amy McDonald with a web address of http://ammcdocommunicationsblog.blogspot.com/. After reviewing Amy’s blog, it seems as if she is off to a very good start.  Amy lacked the usage of images inside her blog to break up the lengthy amount of words. Moreover, with this simple change your blog would look more professional. Her blog somewhat lacks content and a very strong visual preferences.
                 After I had reviewed the three blogs of my classmates, I have come to the decision that I need to make several changes to my own blog. My first change will be my font type; I want to make it more attractive visually. Also I am going to add a new tab that will give you an introduction to my blog. Nevertheless, the audience I am trying to capture is those in who is interested in communication theory. The last change I am considering is moving some of my content around to make more room on the blog.

            Within these last four weeks of this course, I have created a blog that is actually starting to look like a real blog, like the ones I frequently visit. What I have learned is that creating an effective blog is a process. According to Marsh et al., reading other blogs. You’ll not only learn more about blogging and particular issues for your own posts; you’ll also discover blogs to which you may wish to link. (2009). I do have to admit that I have learned a lot from my classmate’s blogs. Nevertheless, what I believe that separates blogs from other online sites is that type of visitors that blogs attract.

Reference

Marsh, C., Guth, D.M. & Short, P. (2009). Strategic writing, multimedia writing for public relations, advertising and more. Boston: Pearson

“Delivering Bad New Tactfully and effectively”

Having to approach an employee in regards to their job performance is never easy when you are a manager, especially when the news is bad news. After reviewing this case study on “Delivering Bad New Tactfully and effectively” my approach to this employee would be to request a meeting to discuss the complaints that have been made against them.  During this particular meeting I would make it known to this employee that I have received several complaints from customers and co-workers in a very warm and inviting voice. I want to make the employee feel comfortable and relaxed while in this meeting as we discuss this important matter.

Explain how you would approach this employee.
I would get straight to the point with this employee making them aware that we are here to discuss his or her work performance lately. However, I would not make mention of those that actually made the complaints against this particular employee. By this approach it will assure the employee that we are only here to discuss their performance only. Then I would go into the facts in relation to the complaints regarding the confrontational behavior that has cause such a hostile work environment for the department. I would make it known at this point that if there are not improvements then you are subject to dismissal.
Anticipate the employee’s response
When discussing an employee performance and behavior issues can sometimes cause an employee to get upset and become hostile. Assertive communication behavior gives others a chance, which is a good idea when a relationship is important to you” (Abigail & Cahn, 2011, p. 57). With this being said, I would not make light of the situation, I would be on alert of some type of anticipation of this employee possibly become confrontational, I will try my best to make the atmosphere less unpleasant as possible. However, would be as honest as well as optimistic within my communication with this employee.  By recognizing the different dynamics occurring at each stage of a conflict, one can appreciate that the strategies and tactics for participants and interveners differ depending on the phase of the conflict (2003, September). I myself would remain focused on the facts in which I was given, while still respecting the employee’s right to disagree with the facts given. On the other hand I would not be forceful towards the employee to make them be compliant. I will allow the employee to ask question and will give them to time to answer the questions. Moreover, to defuse the situation, I will give the employee time to take in all what has been said during this meeting.

Analyze which conflict resolution techniques you would use.
Know that the possible of dismissal will only upset the employee; I would therefore keep clam with the same tone, that I used from the very start of the meeting. Giving the employee and opportunity to express his or her own emotions; I would not verbally lead on as if it is the employee’s fault, however, I would make known that the issue must be resolved.

Instead of using a linear model of communication, endorsing the goals of only one side of the conflict, I will use of the transactional model of communication which offers a positive approach to resolve the conflict (Abigail & Cahn, 2011). Being that using more of a collaboration and compromise as examples of communication style can possible lead to what is consider a more productive and positive outcome of all parties involved. However through my effective communication, I will encourage a change in this particular employee behavior, consequently with him keeping his job and giving the best outcome for all parties involved. 

Reference:

Abigail, A., & Cahn, D.. (2011). Managing conflict through communication (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Beyond Intractability. (2003, September). Conflict Stages. Retrieved from http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/conflict_stages/