My experience on interpersonal conflict...

Firstly, I would like to start off with this website:

http://www.drbalternatives.com/articles/cc2.html

It is only till today; I realized that having a conflict is not a bad thing after all. This website mentioned the reasons thus I shall not elaborate further on it. It also stated that it is not about the number of conflicts in a relationship that determines how “healthy” it is, but how the conflict is resolved. This brings me to my story, an interpersonal conflict among my girlfriends when I was studying in my junior college.

We were on an expedition during our March holidays. We had to bring our juniors for a short expedition to Mount Ophir and 2 other mountains, followed by a visit to Tioman Island. I was one of the leaders for the last day of the expedition. We had to walk from one end of the island to another, under the hot sun. As most of us were quite drained by that time, we were rather unmotivated and our movements were slow and unwilling. However, as a leader, I had to make sure that the activities are executed as planned; hence I got to rush them. Everyone was dragging their feet to complete it and struggling to resist the temptation of the cold beverages at the roadside stalls. This is where the situation started; my girlfriends bought the drinks behind my back. I gave instructions clearly that no one is allowed to buy or consume any drinks other than water but they went against it. This is partially due to their status of being seniors; hence the necessity to obey an instruction is quite redundant. I understand that but I was hoping to receive their support for me as a leader. I know that I was harsh on them as I was too focus on being a leader and neglected their feelings. However, I needed them to act as role model for the juniors to follow. After this incident, I did not talk to them for a period, as I was very angry.

When we gathered back in school after the expedition, some of them came to talk to me and apologized. I felt miserable as I felt that I was petty and allowed emotions to take over me. Some of us still stayed as close friends till today but some were lost…

If I could turn back time, is there a way we can all still stay as close friends?

What can Effective Communication do for me?

Everyone including me is practical in life. Thus, this leads us to the question, what can effective communication do for me?

That would be the number one question that most people would be pondering about, and the answer is simple; it helps us to convey our thoughts to others accurately. Being able to be understood by others can help to avoid conflict and misunderstanding amongst family members, friends and colleagues. In addition, it can also help to improve and foster closer relationships.

The importance of effective communication is actually relevant to our daily life. We require it almost every minute and every day. An example would be my usage within my conversations amongst my peers. I have to convey my thoughts and emotions in such a way where they can understand my ideas; these can range from discussing a physics problem to even plan for a gathering.

A personal example would definitely involve my academic needs at the present moment. Presentation skill is an essential skill in university level, where I have to present my ideas or theories across to the lecturers or my peers. Hence, if I can be equipped with the correct techniques to an effective communication, I am able to do well for my studies, and in the future, for my career as well.

Writing of blog posts and giving an oral presentation for my ES2007s module are some of the tasks given to me in this semester to build up my effective communication skills and teamwork. I hope to make use of these opportunities to learn to present my thoughts and ideas accurately across, so that I can have the ability to be successful when I enter the workforce!