Interaction

Looking Back...

2008-11-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

ES2007S is coming to an end. Looking back then, I took this module mainly because it was non-examinable! (Hahaha! Let's face it. :p) However, it has been such an enriching experience for me, picking up many useful communication skills along the way, as well as making 16 new friends! It has been really stressful in the laboratory this semester, but whenever I go for the ES2007S class, it sort of take my mind off labwork, which is pretty relaxing.

For the first half of the semester, I got the chance to interact with different members of the class, discussing answers to the questions in the skill builder worksheets. I feel that this is a good way of building and practising effective interpersonal communication skills. It also provided the chance to build relationships as compared to not knowing anyone else from the class, the latter being a typical scenario for many of the modules. Next came the project, which allowed me to clearly understand the importance of coordination and team effort. Though the timeframe given to complete the report was short, I am really glad we pulled through it. Then came the resume and cover letter writing. I must say the skills that I have learnt in the process are truly valuable and definitely applicable in the near future when I will be job-hunting. Lastly, blog writing for this module has been an interesting experience because of the chance to read other blogs by my classmates. It also plays a role in helping me gather their opinions on certain issues and some of them really give very insightful thoughts on their blogs.

My understanding of the value of effective communications skills has not changed from the very first post and I still believe mutual respect is essential. To me, mutual respect encompasses the different aspects of effective communication skills such as active listening, mannerisms, etc. Taking this module has reaffirmed my belief. I am very satisfied with what I have taken away from the course and I know that the skills I have learnt will stick with me for life.

I would like to thank Brad for being a great teacher, for sharing his interesting life experience with the class during lessons and for the guidance and help given. Thanks to all the classmates who contributed in making the lessons enjoyable!! We should go for a class lunch on the last day of school after the quiz! (^.^)

Biodata

2008-10-18T00:51:00.000-07:00

Ke Yizhen Joyce is a fourth-year Chemistry major studying at the National University of Singapore. Currently, she is engaged in her final year project, which involves active researching in the laboratory. She has been trained to solve problems methodically and logically through the intensive coursework in the Chemistry field over the years.

Joyce has gained an enriching working experience from holding various temporary jobs in her vacation time. She has learnt to be sharp and precise, and has honed her interpersonal skills through her short stints as an assistant in the finance department of two different companies. It has also given her an insight to the working environment in the finance sector. Joyce was also able to carry out her responsibilities as an administrative assistant efficiently as she is a well-organized and meticulous individual.

Being an active person, Joyce enjoys playing various sports and she is always open to trying out new ones. She has participated in various activities such as recreational netball and aerobic exercises in the university. She was also a table-tennis school team player during her secondary and junior college days. Through six years of diligent and intensive training, Joyce has learnt to be disciplined and has since been motivated to jog regularly around her neighbourhood.

EDITED 19th October 2008

Reflections on project

2008-10-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

In the past three years of my varsity life, I had done several projects for different modules. Of them all, the report that I’ve done for ES2007S is probably the most structured one. There were clear instructions and guidance from Brad throughout the report writing process. It was definitely a positive learning experience as I have picked up proper skills in preparing and writing a professional report.

Most importantly, I learnt that effective communication between group members truly plays a crucial role in churning out a full-length report. One could not have done it alone given the limited timeframe for the report. Amidst the busy schedules that my project members and I have, we had to rely largely on emails and text messages to communicate with each other regarding our individuals’ roles and responsibilities. The tone used in these messages had to be appropriate in order to avoid potential conflicts or miscommunication. Ideas or any instructions conveyed using these forms of communication had to be clear and precise so as to facilitate clear understanding. Separate tasks had to be completed on time to facilitate the progress of the report. Similarly, I have learnt that teamwork is particularly important in this aspect. For instance, updates on individual’s progress in the assigned task are necessary so that each member knows the parts that have been completed and the parts that need further chiselling. In this way, efficiency and productivity can be ensured and that everything can go about smoothly.

Teamwork is also essential in trying to overcome difficulties. For example, in this project, the initial number of survey respondents did not meet the expected quota and hence, we had a problem of a small sample group. However, we managed to put our brains together and came up with suitable ideas like mass emailing all of our friends to complete the survey.

For the upcoming oral presentation, I would like to convey our project ideas to the audience as clearly as possible. This will require constant practising and rehearsing with the team in order to give a fluent and well-prepared presentation. Once again, team coordination is essential in this aspect.

Edited 12 October 2008

Intercultural Differences

2008-09-27T02:30:00.000-07:00

The incident that I am going to relate happened during my junior college days. I was having a late lunch with my friends in the canteen when three teachers came to the canteen to buy food as well. One of the female teachers, Ms Inconsiderate, bought a plate of rice from the Malay stall and what happened next was quite shocking. She took her plate of rice to the neighbouring Chinese stall and requested for some 'char siew' (roasted pork) to be added to her plate of rice. The Malay stall owner also saw what Ms Inconsiderate did. She was frowning and gesturing to her co-worker about what had just happened. However, that teacher was oblivious to her reactions.

When Ms Inconsiderate came back to sit with her colleagues, they asked her why she had added the pork to the Malay food that she had bought earlier. The reply was equally shocking. "Nothing wrong what! I like to eat these!" One of the other teachers, Ms Sensitive, immediately responded and reminded her that Muslim food was Halal. Ms Inconsiderate replied, "Aiya! Nevermind one la! Just a few pieces of pork only!” She then went on to eat her food.

When Ms Inconsiderate had finished her food, she stood up to return the plate to the bucket that was placed in front of the stall which served to collect the dirty dishes. However, I noticed that there were still bits of 'char siew' on the plate! Apparently, Ms Sensitive noticed this too and stopped her immediately. She explained that Ms Inconsiderate’s action was rather inappropriate and disrespectful. That being so because it has always been the Muslim custom to not consume pork. After hearing this, Ms Inconsiderate cleared her plate and took it back to the Malay stall and apologised to the lady owner. In fact, she offered to wash the plate. However, the lady owner just shook her head and took the plate to the back of the stall. I supposed she threw the 'contaminated' plate away.

I felt that Ms Inconsiderate was very insensitive and ignorant. Perhaps she was unaware of the Muslims’ customs, which I believe is highly unlikely. After all, Singapore is a country made up of different races and cultures. Undoubtedly, there are many chances of intercultural and inter-racial interactions. She should have known what the term “Halal” means. Moreover, she is a teacher! I would have expected more from her. Although the Malay stall owner did not quarrel with the teacher, I could tell that she was displeased with Ms Inconsiderate’s actions and her lack of respect.

The word “Halal” means lawful and in the Quran, Allah commands Muslims and all of mankind to eat only lawful food. Food that is not religiously appropriate is considered haram, which means unlawful. For the food to be Halal, it should not have any additives that are haram as well. Hence, when the teacher added pork to her plate of Muslim food, she had 'contaminated' the plate with haram food. It was also disrespectful of Ms Inconsiderate to do what she had done even with the knowledge of “Halal” food.

Edited

"Hooked On a Cause"

2008-09-06T03:09:00.000-07:00

Problem Identified

"How can you not have shark fin soup on the menu! It is a MUST in wedding dinners!"

OR IS IT? The above is what a typical Chinese of the older generation would say during preparation for a wedding dinner. Due to the value of respect for elders, the younger generation often do not think twice about the consequences of including shark fin soup on the menu. How much do we know about the practice of finning? Shark finning is the barbaric act of hacking the fin off the shark while it is still alive. The body is then thrown back into the sea where the shark sinks to the bottom of it and gets eaten by other fish, starve to death or drown. Sharks are being slaughtered at an unsustainable rate to satisfy the demand for shark fin soup particularly in Asia where it is viewed as a delicacy. It is also representative of wealth and status. Most people are ignorant of the severe impacts of shark finning. These include the loss of stability in marine ecosystems and decline in water quality etc. However, even if people are aware of the consequences of shark finning, do they care enough to take any preventive actions?

Hypotheses

The younger generation (students) do not understand the causes and consequences of shark finning well and are nonchalant towards having shark fin soup in wedding dinners. They do not feel the need to participate in the prevention of shark finning.

Research Questions

How much do the younger generation (students) know about the causes and impacts of shark finning and whether they think that shark fin soup is a MUST in wedding dinners? Do they think that it is of concern to them to contribute towards prevention of shark finning?

Objectives of the Research Study

One of the objectives is to determine to what extent is the younger generation aware of the causes and impacts of shark finning. The study also aims to find out if the younger generation think that they should take constructive actions, such as refusing shark fin soup, in support of the ban of shark finning.

Purpose Statement

The objective of the report is to inform the relevant authorities, such as Singapore Environment Council and National Environment Agency, about the knowledge and attidtudes of the younger generation towards shark finning. The report would also serve as an indication that awareness of shark finning and its consequences needs to be raised so that students can also play a part in the prevention of ill-treatment of sharks.

Reasons for surveys

The surveys will reflect how much the younger generation know about shark finning and tell if there is any need to further promote the awareness of such an activity. We can also understand the reasons behind the nonchalance of the younger generation towards the inhumane act of shark finning and hence convince the authorities to educate the younger generation on the importance of helping to conserve shark species.

Interpersonal Conflict

2008-08-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

"Hey, I think we need to appoint a group leader and I will volunteer myself. Any problems?"

That was what ED said when SP and I just met him and his friend, GH, at our very first project meeting. We had just introduced ourselves and I don't think he even paid attention. SP and I were so startled that we could not respond immediately. Before we even uttered a word, he commanded, "So that's settled then, let's go and get lunch before we discuss the project."

Question marks were appearing all over my head and my friend was rolling her eyes. Apparently, she was having the same thoughts as I did. What a male chauvinist bighead. His ego was so inflated that I'm surprised he could even see where he's walking. (-.-") Anyway, it was an awful first impression and sadly, it did not improve.

Over the next few meetings, I had enough of him. There was no room for discussion at all. What he wanted was things to be done his way. I get very annoyed when I meet such people, thus I made a lot of noise of course. I gave him my opinions on the project but before I could elaborate my point, he always cut in and made remarks like, "No, it will not work." or "I think what I do is right." or "Let's just do it this way." When pressed for explanation, he could not come up with one to explain why he thought it was wrong, yet he remained aggressive, determined to get us to agree with him.

Finally, after four or five meetings, we had an argument as I really could not stand his attitude. The other two group members supported me but GH was ED's good friend, hence he was not in a very nice position to say anything against ED in front of us. However, both SP and I could sense that he was also getting a little exasperated with ED. SP tried to convince ED that he was being too high-handed but I guess it sounded like SP was just lending me support because she is my good friend. When I tried to reason with him, he did not bother to listen and simply sat there with a mutinous look. In the end, SP suggested that we split the workload between the four of us. ED and GH were to do the research paper, which took up 30% of the grade, while SP and I were to do two short assignments, each accounting for 15%. ED agreed without hesitation and added sarcastically, "The best idea today. Then I don't have to sit around and waste time man." What the hell?! I had NEVER had my patience tested like this. I felt that there was no need for that comment. It's not as if I want to waste time on him too. *Growl*

After the argument that day, I received a message from GH. He apologised for ED's behaviour and attitude, and explained that ED has always been an opinionated guy. He told me that ED was once a commando in the army and has always felt the need to lead and to feel in control of EVERYTHING. He agreed that ED's domineering character is an extremely ugly side of him. Sigh. I feel sorry for GH having to put up with such a friend.

The main problem was that ED refused to listen to others' ideas and wanted people under him to be within his control. As I refused to cooperate and be submissive, he felt angry towards me and shut me out when I was trying to iron out issues with him. When we were doing the project, I was frustrated and irritated by the fact that he rejected others' contribution. I did not like him as a person and this clouded my objective view of the matter. Admittedly, I was not able to speak nicely to him and perhaps my 'rebellious' tone aggravated the situation. In addition, maybe it was because SP and I did not express our concerns early enough and thus, being the egocentric person ED is, he just could not accept it when we started to disagree with his ideas.

How could I have resolved the issue? While reflecting on this now, I cannot help but think there could have been a better way to manage the problem. Yet, I still see no way to be able to deflate ED's big head then.

Everyone knows that teamwork is important for a successful project. Effective communication between all members definitely play a huge role. But what if? What if you meet with such unreasonable bigheads like ED? Do you still continue to reason with him when he obviously just snubs you everytime you try?

*To end the story, the project went on well as everyone did put in the best effort to do the assigned jobs. There were email updates from GH regarding his and ED's progress. SP and I did both the short assignments together and we also updated GH on our progress. ED was completely left out of the communication circle.*

The Importance of Effective Communication

2008-08-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

I was running my NMR samples in the lab one day and I had a few minutes left to run my last sample. Time was tight but I was sure that I could have done it before the time was up for the next user to run his samples. When I wanted to put in my last sample, the next user who was already there in the lab said in an aggressive tone, "No, no, NO! YOU can't do this now! I WANT to run my samples as well!", as if this was not enough, he jabbed and pointed while shrieking at me. I get your point many times over dude. (-.-")

Totally offensive. And this is why people need to learn and develop effective communication skills, so that ideas and meaning can be conveyed clearly without the need to be aggressive.

To me, good communication skills simply mean mutual respect for one another. This can be shown through many aspects of communication, for instance, body language, tone and manner of speaking, listening and even thought process. Body language includes maintaining good eye contact, the positioning of your body and head, your actions, facial expressions and so on. All these are forms of non-verbal communication. For example, keeping eye contact and leaning forward indicate to the speaker that you are being attentive.

Next significant aspect of communication is the tone and manner of speaking. I think this is especially important as wrong ideas can be interpreted if one uses a wrong tone to convey his meaning. Referring to the scenario at the top of the post, I understand that the person might be anxious to complete his task on time but judging from his rude behaviour, it shows that there is still much room for him to improve on his effective communication. To avoid any misunderstanding, I think it is essential to learn to speak with an appropriate tone and express our messages and feelings correctly.

To have a better understanding of the message being conveyed in words and actions, it is important to listen with your ears and see with your eyes. Some people tend to hear things but never listen. Sometimes hearing is not enough because you will tend to forget what is being said easily. Therefore, we need to practise active listening! This is an interesting article that I have found, entitled 'Seven DEADLY sins of (NOT) listening'. Click here.

Developing communication skills is important to me because firstly, I think I have committed a few of the 'deadly sins'. :p I believe many of us know the right way to communicate. Sometimes, it just takes a lot of practice to do it well. So do I. :) Having good communication skills will allow me to build closer ties with my friends and family, build stronger rapport with people and create a bigger network of friends in school and in the workplace in future. Possessing effective communication skills can also contribute to building self-confidence. I think that it is a great boost to my confidence level when I know what to say and how to express my ideas, be it in presentations or simply in conversations. Lastly, effective communication skills are most needed to resolve any conflict and problem. I believe that being receptive and calm can aid to resolve unnecessary arguments. In this case, if communication skills are lacking in BOTH parties, it will most likely result in a heated debate, and thus an unfavourable communication breakdown, which ultimately leads to irreparable cracks in the relationship. In situations like this, what is valuable to both parties is basic respect and willingness to listen to what the other party has to say.