Interpersonal Conflict

Ann and I were close friend since 1996. We went to the same school, attended the same church and we live only about 2km apart. Although we spent much time together every day, it was still difficult for me to comprehen her emotional state because it fluctuated so frequently.


One lively Sunday in 2004, I approached Ann after church fellowship and something unusual happened.

“Hello, Ann! Let’s go for lunch together?” I asked.

“…”

She acted as though I was non-existing. So, I tapped Ann on her shoulder and continued, “Ann, did you hear me? I…”

“I don’t want to talk to you, leave me alone!”

I was deeply shocked and hurt as Ann pushed my hand off her shoulder and walked away leaving me standing motionless. I tried in vain to recall if I had offended her in any where, and I deduced that it must be the result of her poor EQ. I was certain I had not done anything wrong. Nonetheless, our friendship meant so much to me that I could not bear to lose it. I decided to write Ann a letter to enquire about the unpleasant incident. In the personal letter, I mentioned that I was more than willing to apologize if I had offended her unintentionally.

After a few days of waiting in anxiety and anticipation, our ‘cold war’ finally ended when Ann replied to my letter. My face was red with embarrassment and guilt when the reason dawned upon me. How could I forget Ann’s birthday on the previous Saturday? I had promised that I would make her her favorite chocolate brownie yet I had let her down. I was so grateful that Ann accepted my sincere apology.

This year marks her14th birthday celebration with me. I better start brain storming and plan a fabulous birthday!

Through this incident, I have personally experienced the unpleasant consequences of making my judgement too quickly. However, I am thankful that this conflict was merely ‘velvet-hammer’ lessen that taught me the importance of being more socially aware and to overcome interpersonal conflict.

My dear classmates, if you were me, how would you perceive Ann's bad attitude at that point of time?

-EDITED-

Why Effective Comminucation Skill is So Important?

This is my very first blog entry written in English! I would like to dedicate my appreciation to all the ES2007S’ lecturers for making the E-portfolio one of the assessments in this course. Why is this so? Being a full time Science student, my academic life has always been haunted by countless laboratory reports, dry tutorials and sitting in large lecture theatres where I have no choice but to exercise only my listening skill, with very little chance to practise my verbal communication. I think this is one of the reasons why scientists are relatively blunt in their choice of words…

Therefore I present ot you my answer on why effective communication skills are so important to me! After my six-month-long internship in a Small and Medium Enterprise, I realize that effective communication skills can sometimes speak louder than knowledge. I used to think that being a researcher will only require excellent laboratory skills and technical knowledge to produce results that would benefit my employer as well as the society, so communication proficiency would never be significant in my career path. However, my perception has recently been overturned when I observed how an elaborate report or proposal can minimise confusion and misunderstanding within and among the departments. In addition, through my internship, I have also learnt that a captivating presentation would stand a higher chance of capturing VIP’s attention and agreement and the “you-attitude” is also vital in securing a friendly working environment.

Besides that, due to my peace-loving disposition, I always aim to eliminate every single destructive argumentthat results from misunderstanding. I believe that living in this collective society, effective communication skill can be a master key to open doors to various opportunities in social life, academic andmy ultimate in life.

This is the reason I am writing this blog, as I trust ES2007S can bring me closer to my goals with the skill of effective communication.