Business and Professional Communication: Keys for Workplace Excellence

Preface Our Organizing Feature: KEYS for Workplace Excellence Overview of the Book: Entering, Developing, Excelling, Presenting, and Surviving in the WorkplaceAcknowledgments1. Business and Professional Excellence in the Workplace Business and Professional Excellence in Context KEYS for Workplace Excellence Defining Communication The Importance of Communication Communication: A Complex Process Principles of Communication Communication Apprehension Communication Ethics Summary Discussion Questions Terms to RememberI. ENTERING THE WORKPLACE2. Landing The Job The Job-Seeking Process Stage One: Exploring Stage Two: Researching Stage Three: Applying Stage Four: Interviewing Stage Five: Following Up Stage Six: Accepting Keys to Excellence in the Job-Seeking Process Discussion Questions Terms to Remember3. Getting to Know Your Diverse Workplace Learning Your Workplace Culture Assimilating College Students Diversity in Your Workplace: Some Important Concepts Examples of Diversity In Professional Contexts Keys to Excellence in Getting to Know the Diverse Workplace Discussion Questions Terms to RememberII. DEVELOPING IN THE WORKPLACE4. Building Relationships Through Interpersonal Communication The Importance of Layers and Listening Exploring Relationships Types at Work The Line Between Professional and Personal Professional Etiquette Keys to Excellence in Interpersonal Communication Discussion Questions Terms to Remember5. Strengthening Connections With Team Communication How Do Groups Differ from Teams? The Role of Communication in Team Building Sharing Leadership Problem Solving Cultivating Innovative Thinking Conflict Keys to Excellence in Team Communication Discussion Questions Terms to RememberIII: EXCELLING IN THE WORKPLACE6. Communicating Excellence With Technology Communication and Technology: Tools for Professionals Maintaining Professional Excellence Online Drawbacks of Technology Keys to Excellence With

Kelly M. Quintanilla is the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She earned her Ph.D. in Communication from the Pennsylvania State University in 1994, joining the A&M-CC faculty that same year. She was a Professor of the Communication for 16 years, teaching courses in Business & Professional Communication, Teamwork & Leadership, Organizational Communication, Public Relations, and Public Speaking. Additionally, she served as Department Chair/Program Coordinator in Communication from 2000-2009. Over the years, Dr. Quintanilla has received awards for her teaching, service, advising, and scholarship. She has also worked as an executive coach and an organizational communication consultant for a variety of industries. Although she loves her career, her greatest love is spending time with her husband, Anthony and daughter, Logan on the sunny beaches of the South Texas.

"The KEYS feature will help students apply their learning, and the Keys in Action exercises are extremely helpful. The conversational, coaching tone of the text is excellent: in many sections, students are given advice with explanations of how the advice will help them succeed in the workplace. I am impressed with the readability of the text and its relevance to students' workplace communication needs."