How time flies! I was still expecting another exciting learning and communicating experience with CG1413 before I noticed that the time had come for farewell.
In the past three months, in CG1413, I was grouped into two different teams with different people, wherein by working closely with my teammates and under meticulous guide from Ms. Brenda Marshall, I was not only able to improve significantly in my communication and teamwork skills, but have managed to know much more about my course-mates as well. These are two of the most precious gains I have obtained from my CG1413 journey.
Being a team member in both teams, I have been trying very hard to contribute to the team as much as possible. I remember that in one of reading materials, one principle for effective teamwork is defined as “setting a good example”. I believe that it is only when everybody in the team can set each other a good example will the team be able to equip with the fundamental ability to work effectively and unitedly.
Effective communication within the team is another key factor for the team’s success. It enables the members of the team to articulate their feelings, express their plans, share their ideas and understand each other’s viewpoints. Realizing the importance of effective communication within a team, I took special caution when communicating with my teammates. Normally I would ensure my understanding by retelling what they said, and request them to do it the same way as I do. Because of this, as far as I remember, I haven’t had any communication problems with my teammates so far.
Speaking of effective communication, we mustn’t forget intercultural communication. Fortunately for me, my teammates from either team are all from different cultural backgrounds. Therefore I was able to implement the principles I had learnt from this module while working with them. To ensure the smoothness of our intercultural communication, I tried to have more casual conversations with my teammates during spare time to increase mutual understandings. It turned out to work very well, because not only have we avoided any form of conflicts so far, but we have become friends as well.
These are my general reflections on some highlights in principles of “effective teamwork”, “effective communication” and “intercultural communication”, which are involved in the process of the two team projects I was working on throughout the time frame of this module. In a nutshell, CG1413 is amazing, I have learnt a lot from it and I enjoy it a lot. :)
In the past three months, in CG1413, I was grouped into two different teams with different people, wherein by working closely with my teammates and under meticulous guide from Ms. Brenda Marshall, I was not only able to improve significantly in my communication and teamwork skills, but have managed to know much more about my course-mates as well. These are two of the most precious gains I have obtained from my CG1413 journey.
Being a team member in both teams, I have been trying very hard to contribute to the team as much as possible. I remember that in one of reading materials, one principle for effective teamwork is defined as “setting a good example”. I believe that it is only when everybody in the team can set each other a good example will the team be able to equip with the fundamental ability to work effectively and unitedly.
Effective communication within the team is another key factor for the team’s success. It enables the members of the team to articulate their feelings, express their plans, share their ideas and understand each other’s viewpoints. Realizing the importance of effective communication within a team, I took special caution when communicating with my teammates. Normally I would ensure my understanding by retelling what they said, and request them to do it the same way as I do. Because of this, as far as I remember, I haven’t had any communication problems with my teammates so far.
Speaking of effective communication, we mustn’t forget intercultural communication. Fortunately for me, my teammates from either team are all from different cultural backgrounds. Therefore I was able to implement the principles I had learnt from this module while working with them. To ensure the smoothness of our intercultural communication, I tried to have more casual conversations with my teammates during spare time to increase mutual understandings. It turned out to work very well, because not only have we avoided any form of conflicts so far, but we have become friends as well.
These are my general reflections on some highlights in principles of “effective teamwork”, “effective communication” and “intercultural communication”, which are involved in the process of the two team projects I was working on throughout the time frame of this module. In a nutshell, CG1413 is amazing, I have learnt a lot from it and I enjoy it a lot. :)
Dear Shiyan,
ReplyDeleteI have also learned a lot from this module and enjoy it a lot. This semester seems to end so fast because of many interesting module such as this one, CG1108 and CG1102.
In this module, what I has gained so far are not merely theories of communication and teamwork, but the practical skills and and some new friendships.
You highlighted the key role of intercultural communication during your post. You spent time increasing mutual understandings with your teammates which is very good. Because of this, you have been managed to avoid any form of conflicts, which is also very good. However, as I remember, Ms. Brenda said during my oral defense that sometimes conflicts are unavoidable so we have to learn how to solve them. You may have a stronger relationship after well-managed conflict.
Any way, working with you is memorable to me. Hopefully, both of us will be able to improve what we have learned from this module,
Regards,
Dam Tuan Long
Dear Shiyan,
ReplyDeleteI like one of the principle that you've picked up : Setting Good Example.
This is one of the Singapore Armed Forces values during one of the leadership courses I attended. It emphasize on leading by example. When you set a good example, people will respect you more. They will also try to be like you as people can respect them. Thus, it just requires one individual to lead by example and hopefully, the rest will be motivated to follow like him.
Adding on to your point on intercultural communication. It is also good to understand his/her cultures first. For example, in Malay culture, it is rude to tap someone on the head. Maybe for other cultures, tapping on the head may be a sign that you want to be friendly but it isn't for Malay culture. This are some of the things that we should watch out for.
Lastly, it is unanimous that this module is one exciting and memorable experience. I will definitely miss this module. Good luck for your upcoming exams.
Regards,
Eno
Dear Shiyan,
ReplyDeleteI think not having conflicts in your teams has its pros and cons.
The good point is that it shows us how good your intercultural communications skills are. The bad point is that you don’t get to practice your conflict management skills.
What I’ve noticed that sometimes we get irritated by the actions of others, but we just accommodate it. We simply put it aside. This prevents conflicts from occurring in the short run, but does not work in the long run. Think of it as bottling up all of your anger, and then all of a sudden exploding. This is obviously not good.
The root of the problem is not solved at all. Therefore, what I think should be done is to privately tell the offending person what he or she has done and how has that offended you. Don’t just bottle it up.
To conclude, I agree that I’ve had tons of fun in this module. I am looking forward to working with you in future.
Regards,
Russell
Dear Shiyan,
ReplyDeleteA very nicely written post that sums up your learning points from the module.
I must say that it was great working with you in the CELC project, I cherish the nights when we sat in SOC and made the booklet.
There is one quality in you that I really appreciate. I have noticed that you stay strong with your point and don’t give in easily. This is good as it told me that you are thinking hard and that you want the thing to be done perfectly. But a word of caution. Remember to give due consideration to other person’s view as well, lest you might come across as stubborn. Even though I did not feel it because we are friends, but when you are working with unknown people, this might be a problem. Keep an eye out for non-verbal cues. You may even occasionally ask them if they are alright with your way of working.
You are a delight to work with because you are always thinking and giving ideas.
See you around and all the best.
Anuj