Observation of Team Behavior: Intercultural and Interpersonal Relationships
Before beginning on anything, the 2 heavy words above need a definition :
(In context of a team)
Intercultural Communication : I am an Indian. My team-mates are Singaporeans. So "Intercultural" Communication would be the effective communication across cultural boundaries. (Wikipedia Defines it as "process of exchanging meaningful and unambiguous information across cultural boundaries, in a way that preserves mutual respect and minimises antagonism.")
A slide show about Inter Cultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication : It can be defined as communication among people who are dependent on one another or share a common history. As a team, the team mates will observe Interpersonal Communication.
Talking about my team for CG1413 (C04A), I have two brilliant people Rayner and Junius. They actively take part in team discussions during tutorials. I feel that interpersonal communication can only be achieved to the best level if team mates are good friends. We aim to share a good rapport and work effectively in all our assignments.
We are actually the smallest team in our C04 group (and the one without a girl), but I guess that should not be a problem as we 3 can specialize in the tasks that are needed for the projects and deliver a combined effort product.
I think if we all have a mutual understanding, conflicts don't stand a chance. And a good understanding can only be achieved through working together. In my other teams for another module, there is a common notion that "Shared Suffering induces Bonding". Working long hours towards a same goal automatically induces bonding.
At first, I noticed, we all were a bit shy and reserved while talking to each other. A bit of Cultural differences can be attributed to that, but now we have an Intercultural communication level and we now know each other well and even understand the non-verbal cues.
For good communication in a team - planning for meetings is of obvious importance. Meetings should be set with the consent of all team members and having an agenda is of utmost importance.
Thus with a project for CG1102, I believe we will be able to actually live through all the phases of communication. Looking forward to a great team-work and high spirits.
Posts
Hi Angad,
Giving a proper definition to the terms you are about to use is a good practice. :) It tells the reader that these are your definitions of these word and avoids ambiguity (because certain words/terms are subjected to different interpretations). This actually enforces the concreteness of your post. :) Well done!
However, I'm not too sure about the placement of the slide show there as it doesn't seem to have much relevancy (other than in name) to the topic at hand. Personally, I feel that you should only upload videos/slideshows if:
- It is relevant to the issues you were discussing
- An important concept that the audience need know in order to appreciate your post
- It aids you in getting the message across
Also, might I suggest that if you are to put slides/videos on your post. You should also give some elaboration and mention to it within your post itself in order to link it to your idea. :)
Regardless, your post was well-written and very nicely done. :) I apologize if I was being too harsh but I hope you won't take it to heart. :x
Yours sincerely,
Juncheng Chen
Hi Angad,
Having a clear definition allows the reader to be informed of the topic been discussed. However, the slideshow you included defeated that very purpose and effort you did on the definitions.
I got confused comparing what you have defined earlier and to the presentation's key points. As Juncheng said, a video is supposed to aid you, not sabotage you.
The use of bolded key points was indeed useful and served to prompt readers about the message you were giving.
Overall, this was a good post, with exception of the presentation. A video or just a simple example might have been more useful.
Yours faithfully,
Junhao Quek, C04e
Hi Angad,
It is really very effective to insert a slide show in your blog! I think it gives very clear information that you want to convey to us. However, I think it would be better if you can make a summary of the slide show rather than just copy and paste directly the window there. That would show people more of your personal understanding of "intercultural communication".
It's really good to use your CG1102 project team as examples. It shows how you apply the rules and methods of communication on the paper to real life. However, if you can do more analysis and make a strong and convincing argument, your article would be very good!
Yours faithfully,
Xiangyu
Hi Angad,
What I really liked about your post is that it's short and straight to the point.
Regarding your slideshow it's informative but as Juncheng already pointed out I don't feel it's relevant here.And writing important points in bold is a good way to catch the reader's attention:).Also,I like your thought about shared suffering inducing bonding.
On the whole,good job!!
Cheers,
Meenu
Hi Angad,
What I like about your posts is that you always put the definition on top. With the definitions, we will have the background and better understanding of what you're saying next.
At first, I was also shy in the team and doesn't talk much. But after that, I try to improve my listening and talking so that I can communicate in a multicultural team.
Your points are clear, concise and well written. Well done!
Regards,
Tuan Vu
Dear Angad
Did you not say it is easier to work with a team who are not friends?
What about the idea that one might be less critical if one tried to focus on being tolerant?
Regards
Happy
Dear Miss Happy,
I have clarified my point of view in the comment here:
http://angad-cg1413.blogspot.com/2010/02/interpersonal-conflict.html#comments
Regarding being tolerant - one might not be able to critique the ideas of the teammates but actually being tolerant to some extent actually gives the time for reflecting on the ideas and suggestions put in by the team mates. They can always be put to testing if not executed. Being tolerant does not mean keeping a low profile and accepting things as they are put up. One must have a dual outlook towards things to get the bigger picture and then decide effectively.
Regards
Angad