Looking back at the 12 weeks we had, it definitely had been accompanied with a huge load of work. With the hectic schedule, the amount of work could have overwhelmed us to actually overlook the valuable lessons that were meant to be imparted. Doing a final reflection like this initiates us to ponder through the course and the valuable lessons that come with each assignment.
Reflecting back to my initial expectations of this course, I wanted to become a better communicator and specifically a better presenter. I must acknowledge the skills I have encountered and developed to better understand communication which was the intention of my decision to study this course. The communications skills transcends from verbal context to letters and emails, a very comprehensive learning process. As I have stated that my perception of communication at the beginning of the class was one that was very complex especially if it comes to effective communication, there are countless considerations to bear in mind. Now that I have gone through the 12 week long course, effective communications is still perceived to be very complex, the big difference is that I can confidently say that I am a more effective communicator.
I believe the true value of this course comes from the meticulous evaluations and feedbacks that were given to us. I thought that this was the best way to learn from our mistakes. Look at the countless assignments that we have done during our time in NUS, the only form of evaluation we had was the grades we got. Even though I have had presentations and report writings in the past, I felt the impact from this course with respect to the suggested way to go about doing it, not the contents in detail but rather the way the contents could have been delivered.
With that, I would like to thank Mr. Blackstone and classmates for your comments and feedback that attributed greatly to my learning in this course.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Reflecting on my presentation performance
I was rather disappointed with my performance during the class presentation. I could have presented my part in a clearer and more intuitive manner which would have made my part more easily comprehended. I am aware that I am not a natural presenter and it requires a lot of preparation on my part to do a good show. I really had a very tight schedule this week with 3 deadlines and 2 tests which really left me little time to prepare for the presentation. I know that this is more like an excuse than a reason as the rest of you had your fair share of commitments and you still managed to do a good job. I think it boils down to my time management; I really do have to work on it especially since I would be entering the workforce soon.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
My Biodata!
I am currently an undergraduate in the National University of Singapore (NUS), pursuing a degree in the Bachelor of Science (Chemistry). Besides majoring in chemistry, I have pursued a minor in Technopreneurship.
My interest in science was recognized since my secondary school days and my enduring interest in this field concurs with my inquisitive and evaluative nature. Apart from the knowledge and skills obtained during my course of study, I have become more analytical and logical in my mentality which is evident in my improved competence in handling problems and difficulties.
My decision to pursue a minor in Technopreneurship was motivated by my keen interest in entrepreneurship. The technopreneurship modules have broadened my knowledge and perspective while at the same time cultivating a business sense in me. The projects assigned required students to interact with professionals in the working industry and to submit business plans and reports which was definitely a valuable development process.
During my co-curriculum activities, I have taken on roles as a leader and member which gave me great opportunities to develop invaluable qualities in me such as leadership, teamwork and management skills. I have also realized I am rather personable as I do enjoy interacting with people and easily build rapport with people around me. As much as I do enjoy the company of people, I am glad to know that my company is valued by the people around me too.
My interest in science was recognized since my secondary school days and my enduring interest in this field concurs with my inquisitive and evaluative nature. Apart from the knowledge and skills obtained during my course of study, I have become more analytical and logical in my mentality which is evident in my improved competence in handling problems and difficulties.
My decision to pursue a minor in Technopreneurship was motivated by my keen interest in entrepreneurship. The technopreneurship modules have broadened my knowledge and perspective while at the same time cultivating a business sense in me. The projects assigned required students to interact with professionals in the working industry and to submit business plans and reports which was definitely a valuable development process.
During my co-curriculum activities, I have taken on roles as a leader and member which gave me great opportunities to develop invaluable qualities in me such as leadership, teamwork and management skills. I have also realized I am rather personable as I do enjoy interacting with people and easily build rapport with people around me. As much as I do enjoy the company of people, I am glad to know that my company is valued by the people around me too.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Communications at the Workplace
In this blogpost, I would like to talk about communication at the workplace.
There was once my troubled friend was sharing to a group of us some of the unhappiness he was experiencing at work. He was complaining that his superior was really a difficult person and the worst thing is that his superior can get really insulting at times. Among us, there were a couple of them who were already working and they started sharing their grievances as well.
While listening to them, it struck me that this is a common occurrence at the workplace. Then I started wondering about how we were told so often that a good EQ is one of the attributes of a successful person, some would argue it is even more important to possess good EQ than IQ. If this is the case, then why are the people up in the hierarchy often the ones with the attitude problem?
I brought up this question during that same discussion and they commented that these people were not like that when they were fresh in the workforce. I thought that the comment was quite sensible as I observed this quite often in shows and I guess inspirations were drawn from the real world. Then I questioned myself about what exactly is EQ, emotional intelligence quotient? I compared it to IQ, intelligence quotient and thought that IQ, a measure of your intelligence is something that is consistent with time. However, EQ, a measure of the management of your emotions and others’ is however something which does not stay consistent and appears very much like a skill, once attained, you employ it only when you want to.
Hope you can give some of your opinions to enlighten me on this matter.
There was once my troubled friend was sharing to a group of us some of the unhappiness he was experiencing at work. He was complaining that his superior was really a difficult person and the worst thing is that his superior can get really insulting at times. Among us, there were a couple of them who were already working and they started sharing their grievances as well.
While listening to them, it struck me that this is a common occurrence at the workplace. Then I started wondering about how we were told so often that a good EQ is one of the attributes of a successful person, some would argue it is even more important to possess good EQ than IQ. If this is the case, then why are the people up in the hierarchy often the ones with the attitude problem?
I brought up this question during that same discussion and they commented that these people were not like that when they were fresh in the workforce. I thought that the comment was quite sensible as I observed this quite often in shows and I guess inspirations were drawn from the real world. Then I questioned myself about what exactly is EQ, emotional intelligence quotient? I compared it to IQ, intelligence quotient and thought that IQ, a measure of your intelligence is something that is consistent with time. However, EQ, a measure of the management of your emotions and others’ is however something which does not stay consistent and appears very much like a skill, once attained, you employ it only when you want to.
Hope you can give some of your opinions to enlighten me on this matter.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
An Awkward Experience
I would like to share an experience I had which involved a couple of my colleagues during my internship. This is a classic example of a lack of cultural knowledge that led to some uneasiness among the parties involved.
It was John’s birthday and he invited us to a restaurant which he strongly recommended for their steak. John is an American and he has been in Singapore for half a year. 3 of us who were local accepted his invitation and we went for dinner together.
John was very spontaneous and started ordering the food for all of us. Everything went on fine and we had a wonderful time chatting. We agreed to head to a pub to continue the celebration. Then it was time to settle the bill, the rest of us assumed that it was John’s treat and showed no signs of paying our share. John then prompted us to pay him for our share, since we did not see this coming, we were quite shocked and I guess our facial expressions revealed our emotions. There was that few seconds of silence that left all of us feeling very awkward, anyway we paid him and left for our next destination.
The atmosphere was rather awkward until the booze took effect and we were all back to normal if not better. These are moments when the booze really comes handy.
Thinking back about the situation, the misunderstanding arise due to the different culture that we were accustomed to. I spoke to some American friend to enquire more about the culture with respect to this context and learnt that they often go on Dutch. As for the Chinese, it was generally accepted that the person who invited would be the one picking up the tab.
That occasion definitely strike upon me the importance of cultural intelligence.
It was John’s birthday and he invited us to a restaurant which he strongly recommended for their steak. John is an American and he has been in Singapore for half a year. 3 of us who were local accepted his invitation and we went for dinner together.
John was very spontaneous and started ordering the food for all of us. Everything went on fine and we had a wonderful time chatting. We agreed to head to a pub to continue the celebration. Then it was time to settle the bill, the rest of us assumed that it was John’s treat and showed no signs of paying our share. John then prompted us to pay him for our share, since we did not see this coming, we were quite shocked and I guess our facial expressions revealed our emotions. There was that few seconds of silence that left all of us feeling very awkward, anyway we paid him and left for our next destination.
The atmosphere was rather awkward until the booze took effect and we were all back to normal if not better. These are moments when the booze really comes handy.
Thinking back about the situation, the misunderstanding arise due to the different culture that we were accustomed to. I spoke to some American friend to enquire more about the culture with respect to this context and learnt that they often go on Dutch. As for the Chinese, it was generally accepted that the person who invited would be the one picking up the tab.
That occasion definitely strike upon me the importance of cultural intelligence.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Business Correspondence critique
I have come across a letter from an insurance company which I thought could be improved with more emphasis on the characteristics of the 7Cs. The content of the letter is as stated below.
Dear Policyholder,
Policy Plan: Dependant’s Protection Scheme (DPS) – Top up
We would like to inform you that the sum assured allowed under the DPS is $46000.
Do take note that there are insufficient funds in your CPF Ordinary/Special Account to deduct the premium for this sum assured, we therefore encourage you to do a top up premium to enjoy the full coverage.
You may pay the premium by sending us a cheque made in favour of “XXXXX” (Company name) together with the completed “Application for Top-Up” form. Please indicate your name, NRIC no. and policy no. on the reverse of the cheque. Alternatively, you may pay by Cash/NETS at any of our servicing branches.
Should we not hear from you by 19Feb 2009, we will deem that you are no longer interested to top up your premium. We would then proceed to cease your policy coverage.
__________________________________________________
In the first paragraph, the word “allowed” is redundant which makes the sentence structure incorrect.
Suggested phrasing:
We would like to inform you that you are insured under the DPS for $46,000.
The suggested phrasing has reflected more courtesy as it suggests a closer affinity between the insurer and client.
_________________________________________________
In the second paragraph, it lacks courtesy in the phrasing.
There is a punctuation error as well, the sentence is too long.
There is a lack of clarity for the following phrase, “to deduct the premium for this sum assured”. The premium for the sum could be stated more clearly.
Suggested Phrasing:
Kindly note that there are insufficient funds in your CPF Ordinary/Special Account to deduct the premium of the above mentioned policy. We encourage you to do a top up premium to enjoy the full coverage of the policy.
_________________________________________________
In the third paragraph, there is a lack of completeness as inadequate information was presented. The details such as the amount of the monthly deductions were not stated. There was no mention of the amount of top-up to be done. Furthermore, since such premiums are paid on a regular basis, it is not stated the number of months that this particular top-up would cover.
__________________________________________________
In the fourth paragraph, there is definitely a lack of tact and courtesy.
Suggested phrasing:
As XXXX (Company name) wishes to continue insuring you, we hope to hear from you by 19 Feb 2009. Should we not hear from you by then, we shall assume you have other plans and would cease your policy coverage.
Please do give your comments. Thanks
Dear Policyholder,
Policy Plan: Dependant’s Protection Scheme (DPS) – Top up
We would like to inform you that the sum assured allowed under the DPS is $46000.
Do take note that there are insufficient funds in your CPF Ordinary/Special Account to deduct the premium for this sum assured, we therefore encourage you to do a top up premium to enjoy the full coverage.
You may pay the premium by sending us a cheque made in favour of “XXXXX” (Company name) together with the completed “Application for Top-Up” form. Please indicate your name, NRIC no. and policy no. on the reverse of the cheque. Alternatively, you may pay by Cash/NETS at any of our servicing branches.
Should we not hear from you by 19Feb 2009, we will deem that you are no longer interested to top up your premium. We would then proceed to cease your policy coverage.
__________________________________________________
In the first paragraph, the word “allowed” is redundant which makes the sentence structure incorrect.
Suggested phrasing:
We would like to inform you that you are insured under the DPS for $46,000.
The suggested phrasing has reflected more courtesy as it suggests a closer affinity between the insurer and client.
_________________________________________________
In the second paragraph, it lacks courtesy in the phrasing.
There is a punctuation error as well, the sentence is too long.
There is a lack of clarity for the following phrase, “to deduct the premium for this sum assured”. The premium for the sum could be stated more clearly.
Suggested Phrasing:
Kindly note that there are insufficient funds in your CPF Ordinary/Special Account to deduct the premium of the above mentioned policy. We encourage you to do a top up premium to enjoy the full coverage of the policy.
_________________________________________________
In the third paragraph, there is a lack of completeness as inadequate information was presented. The details such as the amount of the monthly deductions were not stated. There was no mention of the amount of top-up to be done. Furthermore, since such premiums are paid on a regular basis, it is not stated the number of months that this particular top-up would cover.
__________________________________________________
In the fourth paragraph, there is definitely a lack of tact and courtesy.
Suggested phrasing:
As XXXX (Company name) wishes to continue insuring you, we hope to hear from you by 19 Feb 2009. Should we not hear from you by then, we shall assume you have other plans and would cease your policy coverage.
Please do give your comments. Thanks
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Conflicts within the Family
Conflicts arise in our lives very often, we may be one of the parties involved or play the role of a mediator. Therefore, I am pretty sure all of us have a fair share of experience in this aspect. I have a knotty problem that is ongoing which I would like to share. Your opinions to the matter would be very much appreciated.
This matter involves my very close aunt and her husband, my uncle who had stopped working for about 2 years and had since been at home looking after the grandchildren. The family was contemplating to send the children to a private or government pre-school, all except my uncle agreed upon the government pre-school as the fees were more affordable. My uncle stressed that the money would be well spent for the better education. After much discussion, they went ahead with the government pre-school which left my uncle very unhappy and he let out his frustrations on my aunt, rattling that the family have lost their respect for him just because he is no longer contributing to the household. My aunt rebutted, saying that my uncle does not understand the financial situation they are in. From then on, my aunt and uncle would have arguments over the slightest reasons, my uncle would be very defensive and took my aunt’s harmless comments very personal. My uncle would always bring up the conflict they had with the pre-school decision.
My aunt on her part has kept communications to the minimum stating that this is the best solution. Would avoiding the issue even be a solution let alone being the best solution in this situation?
This matter involves my very close aunt and her husband, my uncle who had stopped working for about 2 years and had since been at home looking after the grandchildren. The family was contemplating to send the children to a private or government pre-school, all except my uncle agreed upon the government pre-school as the fees were more affordable. My uncle stressed that the money would be well spent for the better education. After much discussion, they went ahead with the government pre-school which left my uncle very unhappy and he let out his frustrations on my aunt, rattling that the family have lost their respect for him just because he is no longer contributing to the household. My aunt rebutted, saying that my uncle does not understand the financial situation they are in. From then on, my aunt and uncle would have arguments over the slightest reasons, my uncle would be very defensive and took my aunt’s harmless comments very personal. My uncle would always bring up the conflict they had with the pre-school decision.
My aunt on her part has kept communications to the minimum stating that this is the best solution. Would avoiding the issue even be a solution let alone being the best solution in this situation?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Importance of Effective Communication
Communication may seem very simple and straightforward to many but however to do it effectively is definitely a different thing. There are countless things to consider, like the tone used, your body language and the choice of words used among the long list. I have realized the greater significance of this skill as I advance to the later stages of my life, where interaction with people becomes more formal and necessary at times. Apart from conveying the message across to the other party, we have to create the desired image that we want to portray.
I do enjoy very much interacting with people, the process of developing a rapport with someone is indeed very satisfying. While I enjoy doing so, I must admit that I am not totally comfortable doing it. Having keen interest in business studies, I have taken a couple of business modules over the semesters where their interactive teaching style was definitely not something I am familiar with, as compared to my core modules where all the speaking was done by the lecturer. It was during the business classes where I experienced frowns and uninterested behaviour from the audience of my presentations that I realized my impoverished communication skills had to be polished.
I have also realized that knowing the elements to be an effective communicator is not sufficient, it must be coupled with a lot of practice. This explains my desire to study this module where I believe I can enrich my communication skills with the good mix of theory and practical lessons that will be exposed to us.
I do enjoy very much interacting with people, the process of developing a rapport with someone is indeed very satisfying. While I enjoy doing so, I must admit that I am not totally comfortable doing it. Having keen interest in business studies, I have taken a couple of business modules over the semesters where their interactive teaching style was definitely not something I am familiar with, as compared to my core modules where all the speaking was done by the lecturer. It was during the business classes where I experienced frowns and uninterested behaviour from the audience of my presentations that I realized my impoverished communication skills had to be polished.
I have also realized that knowing the elements to be an effective communicator is not sufficient, it must be coupled with a lot of practice. This explains my desire to study this module where I believe I can enrich my communication skills with the good mix of theory and practical lessons that will be exposed to us.
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