Project managing with Non-violent Communication
Biography:
Hey there! My name's Camille Shokrian, my pronouns are they/them. This summer, I'll be earning my Bachelor's of Science degree in Environmental Science. I am considering persuing a Master's Degree after gaining some experience by working in the field. My ultimate goal is to work towards creating a society that is mutually symbiotic with nature, and each other.
Background on Project Choice:
Over the summer I learned about the ecological work Dr. Gerrad Jones' and his team are conducting at Oregon State University. Gerrad's passion for his students and the research projects was very inspirational to me. After speaking with Gerrad about how research was being conducted in his lab, I realized there was a need for a project manager to streamline the important work they were doing.
I chose this project as a way to learn and practice nonviolent communication skills in a project management capacity. Nonviolent communication will help me become a strong leader in my professional career. I also want incorporate the practices of nonviolent communication into my personal life to promote positive interaction and build community.
Hey there! My name's Camille Shokrian, my pronouns are they/them. This summer, I'll be earning my Bachelor's of Science degree in Environmental Science. I am considering persuing a Master's Degree after gaining some experience by working in the field. My ultimate goal is to work towards creating a society that is mutually symbiotic with nature, and each other.
Background on Project Choice:
Over the summer I learned about the ecological work Dr. Gerrad Jones' and his team are conducting at Oregon State University. Gerrad's passion for his students and the research projects was very inspirational to me. After speaking with Gerrad about how research was being conducted in his lab, I realized there was a need for a project manager to streamline the important work they were doing.
I chose this project as a way to learn and practice nonviolent communication skills in a project management capacity. Nonviolent communication will help me become a strong leader in my professional career. I also want incorporate the practices of nonviolent communication into my personal life to promote positive interaction and build community.
Nonviolent Communication
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History:
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) was developed in the 1960's by psychologist, Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. After witnessing ongoing conflict during his childhood, Dr. Rosenberg was compelled to better understand why conflict arises, and how it can be empathetically mediated. NVC evolved in the 60's, during Dr. Rosenberg's work with civil rights activists, out of a need for an efficient and effective conflict resolution model during Dr. Rosenberg's work with civil rights activists. NVC was used to facilitate peaceful desegregation of long-standing segregated public schools. |
NVC in Project Management:
The majority of NVC in project management revolves around the fourth basic of NVC, making requests. I met with Professor Petzold to learn more about strategies for making effective and respectful requests. She shared a framework with me that I found extremely beneficial. As a project manager, it's essential to pose request that are actionable and reasonable. The main way to identify what is reasonable for a specific person is through inquiry. Clearly framing requests with positive and specific language creates better understanding, making requests more effective . For example, instead of asking someone "what barriers do you have to getting something done?" you could ask, "what could help support you in meeting the goal?". Wording questions and requests in a positive manner, with room for choice, communicates support, understanding, and respect for the individual.
Approaches for Constructive Requests:
The majority of NVC in project management revolves around the fourth basic of NVC, making requests. I met with Professor Petzold to learn more about strategies for making effective and respectful requests. She shared a framework with me that I found extremely beneficial. As a project manager, it's essential to pose request that are actionable and reasonable. The main way to identify what is reasonable for a specific person is through inquiry. Clearly framing requests with positive and specific language creates better understanding, making requests more effective . For example, instead of asking someone "what barriers do you have to getting something done?" you could ask, "what could help support you in meeting the goal?". Wording questions and requests in a positive manner, with room for choice, communicates support, understanding, and respect for the individual.
Approaches for Constructive Requests:
- Frame the request using positive language.
- Ensure the request is clear, specific, and reasonably doable.
- Provide a concrete time to complete the request.
4 Basics of NVC and Approaches for Constructive Request are adapted from materials provided by Heather Petzold and the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC), see link above in button.
Lab Project Profile: PFAs in Fish populations
Oregon State University’s Lab of Ecological Chemistry
Lab Project:
One of the projects that the lab is working on is an interdisciplinary approach to investigating PFAS pollution in freshwater fish populations. This project involves collaboration between a fish biologist, watershed hydrologist, and chemical engineer to gain a holistic understanding of the impact of PFAS pollutants. Project Manager Role:
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Ecological Significance:
PFAS are being identified in freshwater fish populations at alarming rates and concentrations. PFAS bioaccumulate and biomagnify up the food web, meaning that they remain in the body and are passed onto predators upon being eaten. Not only is this harmful to animals that consume PFAS-containing fish, but also recreational fishers. There is evidence that PFAS are changing the behavior of fish. This may lead to increased mortality and reduced spawning rates. The full effects of PFAS on the environment are still being understood, and studies like the one conducted by this lab group reveal new information every day. |