Besides the fun of working together, i also managed to pick up several learning points that i believe would benefit me well beyond the duration of the course.
The first of which is how effectively a team can function if roles are specified and members carry out their roles conscientiously. For this module, i was "volunteered" by the group to take up the responsibility of project group chairperson. Having being in many leadership positions in the past i was perfectly comfortable with that. However, looking back, i realised that this is probably the only group project that has roles spelled out for the members. I've had experience in past projects where a small group of us would gather to discuss/brainstorm for hours, only to accomplish little. Without a sound structure or facilitator to facilitate a discussion, project group discussions often go nowhere. Members "wait for one another", not wanting to take too much initiative, for fear of sounding domineering. Having clearly defined roles certain helped for our project.
TEAMWORK =)
Facilitating discussions, setting timelines, and allocating work can become a source of conflict if situations are not handled properly. Keeping this in mind, i am reminded to always be tactful, polite and considerate when communicating with project mates. This is also where teamwork comes in, to meet others in the middle and to offer help whenever we can. For example, i remember the group agreeing to work around each other's schedules when a tough week comes around. Different project group members took on greater loads at different points in time. I feel really blessed to have a group that is so easygoing and responsible.
As for the technical aspects, i learnt how research can be carried out and how data should be represented in a clear and concise fashion. Analysing and interpretation of the data are also important skills. I'll keep in mind not to over-interprete some figures!
In retrospect, i believe we could have made better use of our face-to-face time together. Thankfully, this groups checks their emails regularly! This was certainly an enjoyable experience and i would certainly like to work with everyone again! =)
3 comments:
Maybe it is difficult to make it face-by-face as we have different timetables unless we do it in class with pocky.
Looking forward to having another meeting with pocky for our discussion on oral presentation. ^^
Hey! I'm glad that you enjoy having me as your group member! I was afraid that you may think that I was abit terrible after causing you to wait up for me till 12 plus midnight. Opps! Sorry! I'll try not to do that again. Sobx =(
On the other hand, I really had a great time working together with the 3 of you guys and I really feel that you're a superb chairman!! I think you have done an excellent job and taken up your leadership role really well. I believe that you can be a successful businessman next time. Want to alias with me? Haha!
I'll try to make myself more useful during class time by bringing more snacks? Hee. Alrighty, looking forward to doing up an impressive oral presentation with you guys! All the best to us!
A truly insightful post. I think both of us are really lucky to be in efficient groups. Can you imagine if we had conflicts within our groups like the situation brad brought up prior to the research report?. I guess being in a communications class really helps when working in groups in that everyone tends to make the extra effort to put his or her point across effectively. I believe that your previous leadership experiences also helped alot considering the fact that you were the chairperson of the group. looking forward to what your group has to present for the oral presentations :)
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