Reflection on Principles of Communication/Teamwork on programming and problem-solving projects

In the blink of an eye, I am now approaching the end of my second semester in NUS, concluding my first year as a NUS student. Looking back and picturing myself at the start of this semester, i realized that in these 3 short months, i have learnt many lessons that would prove to be invaluable in the near future.

When I was first introduced to CG1413, I did not know what to expect and frankly, I was rather skeptical about how the syllabus was going to be like. There were no tedious mathematical calculations, no complicated formulae to memorize and definitely no confusing programming work. Unlike the other modules where hard skills are constantly drilled into students, CG1413 focuses on imparting soft skills to students that are just as equally important. After attending 3 months of CG1413, I can now better understand the importance of communication and teamwork, and how to go about doing a good job at it.

In this semester alone, I was allocated to a total of 3 pre-assigned groups, which meant that I was required to work together as a team with 12 other new acquaintances. Hence I felt that attending a module that teaches effective team communication this semester is very apt.

In my previous experiences, I never thought that I had any issues working in a team and communicating with other people. Only after attending this module, did I realize that communicating effectively and maximizing a team’s potential is not as simple as it seems.

In my CG1102 project group, I was grouped with Duy, a Vietnamese and Shiyan, and Chinese. Coming from different cultural backgrounds, we were all unsure of where to begin, not knowing if what we said would offend the others. However, following the advice of the first few lessons in CG1413, we took the initiative to ask, and know more about each other. This simple act allowed us to warm up to each other much more quickly, as compared to simply being passive. I feel that a strength of mine would be that I am willing to take the initiative to go up to people and know them better. This is especially important when the other group mates are more reserved. On the other side, one thing that I failed to do well enough is to listen. Being the leader of the group, I was rather authoritative when expressing ideas at times, and perhaps failed to place other group mate’s opinions into consideration. Knowing this weakness of mine, I would definitely try to improve on it and not commit the same mistake in future.

As for my CG1413 problem-solving project group, I was actually rather disappointed with the fact that some group members were not putting in as much effort as the others. Situations like group members engaging in other activities during presentations, and seemingly uninterested with the Q&A sessions made me feel like the effort the rest put in was not worth it. However, looking back now, it was just a matter of different working styles, and knowing how to accept some one else’s working style that is different from your own is a critical factor for success in any team.

Working in teams, I feel that my best strength is also my greatest weakness when not utilized appropriately. Being very vocal, I am often the one suggesting ideas, or how to go about dealing with certain problems. However, there are times when I tend to come across as overbearing. Hence in future, I must be sure to keep myself in check, and constantly remind myself not to cross the line.

To end off, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Brenda and all my group mates from the various groups. Thank you all for your guidance and patience.