Our CG1102 team has the first meeting on last Friday at COM1. The agenda for the meeting was sent to us few days ago so that we could be well-prepared for the meeting. There was no tutorial room without any students at that time because we were afraid of disturbing other people. Therefore, we could only choose a place that as less people as posible although we cannot sit face to face with each other.
This is the video of our meeting: http://vimeo.com/9430351
As the person who began in the meeting, I think I did not explained well to my teammates because I did not speak fluently enough and my voice was not clear so that it made my teammates be a little bit confuse with my idea. Although all of us were still confused about what we were going to do, every member in the team had already prepared for the meeting so that the ideas were come up with very fast. In addition, we also discussed with each other about the topic so that it become more clear. Generally, we agree with other ideas. However, there were some points that I did not agree with them so that I usually spent time to think the way to persuade them or ask for clarification which slowed the process. Moreover, everyone was always trying to protect their own idea at first. Fortunately, at the end of the meeting we were clear about the topic and equally divide the tasks for each member in team. However, we also asked our tutor for some clarification about the topic and to be sure that we we were going on the right way.
In general, this is a successful meeting because we could finish all the tasks listed in the agenda, be more clear about the project and discuss a good way to do. However, there are some points that we need to improve for the next meeting so that we can work effectively and efficiently with each other.
Hi Khoa,
ReplyDeleteMistakes do happen during the first meeting. That is what the filming is for: to capture our shortcomings and bad habits for further improvements.
Humans tend to be protective of ourselves at first, but as time goes by, people would be more familiar with one another and will gradually be more open. Next, clarification would be needed to understand the message better. Do not be afraid to question if you are not sure. Most problems in team project often arise because of assumptions and misunderstanding between each other.
The process of exchanging ideas/opinions is the main reason behind the meeting. The team would be able to expose to as much ideas as possible and then decide on the best one to implement. Some disagreements may unavoidably appear, but it would give rise to even better ideas and solutions to the task at hand. Peaceful conflicts are actually beneficial to the team.
Just take note of the points to improve and the next meeting would be a better one. :)
(It would be good if you posted your team’s video link. It will allow everyone to be able to give more constructive comments.)
Regards,
Kevin Lin
Hi Khoa,
ReplyDeleteIt is always a pleasure to know that teams are able to resolve the conflicts or difficulties they face. In this case, your team was able to compromise (somehow), and reach a consensus as to which idea to implement.
Like you, I do face the odd periods where I could not bring my point across to my group mates effectively. This often lead to misunderstandings. But that could be improved over time by forcing yourself to speak up more. Do not be disheartened or frustrated when your team mates misinterpret your point, be patient and clarify whatever you have to say. Do let them know your sincerity and willingness to do your part for the team.
A sore point in your reflection would be the lack of specific details. For example, if you were able to describe which were the points that should be improved, readers like me would be able to visualize the situation better. However, this is trivial. What is important is that you learn from your mistakes and work on them.
I am sure by then,your group meetings would be more successful. Never give up even when all the odds are stacked against you!
Regards,
Justin
Hi Khoa,
ReplyDeleteYou have described the details of your first meeting, which is good. However, I find it hard to pick up the areas that you wish to improve on. Perhaps, you could choose a few areas for improvements to talk about and write them in separate paragraphs. You could talk about your flaws and how you can improve in each paragraph. Your ideas would be clearer this way.
Also, there are a few grammatical errors in your post. Maybe you can try to proofread your post a few times, or show it to your friends for proofreading before you post it in your blog. =)
Hope that you would be able to achieve your desired improvements in your next meeting!
Jing Mei
Your meeting was successful in that the objectives were met, tasks allocated and confusions cleared. This is good especially for a first meeting.
ReplyDeleteHowever bad you may be at the start of the meeting, it does not matter anymore as long as the objectives were accomplished. It was good that your team managed to do so at the end of the meeting. There are definitely going to be confusion and misunderstanding of the problem in any task, but that is what the meeting is for.
You managed to identify the places to improve on for the next meeting. However, you stopped at that and it is of no use to the team. What you can do is to discuss all these issues with the team and together find ways to improve. This not only makes the next meeting more effective, it also facilitate bonding in the team.
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteThis is the first meeting so the review is necessary for me to recognize my weakness and tryng to improve myself. I am very grateful for all of you to take time reading and commenting my blog. It gave me many valuable advices. I will take not all the thing and try to make a better performance in the future.
Regards,
Khoa
Hi Khoa !
ReplyDeleteWe always fumble when its our first time. But this is a chance to learn from the mistakes we make and improve and do a better job the next time.
During meetings it is very common that each person has their own views and that they may try to defend them. In contrast to your view I feel this is necessary because when each person comes up with an idea and also justifies it, you end up with a number of solutions. Furthermore, as you know the advantages of each solution too, you are also equipped to weigh them all and choose the best of them.
Do improve upon your communication skills and do not hesitate to speak out your opinions and to voice your ideas as this will prove beneficial to your project. I hope you work on your shortcomings and that the meetings that follow are much more successful.
-Lakshmi
Hi Khoa,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we are all pretty well-prepared for the meeting hence allowing for a rather successful meeting at the end. :) However, I suppose I'm one of those who are to protective our ideas. >.< I really need to tone that pride down.
Not being well-versed in English is a flaw that you recognize and one that you should improve upon. Feel free to practice your English skills with us. :) We won't laugh, we won't ridicule you. If you feel that we aren't getting your point, try to clarify yourself - if you are willing to explain, we are willing to listen. If language fails, I find that pictorial explanation does work quite nicely. :P I tried it the last time with you, remember? ;)
To conclude, I'm really glad to have you as my teammate, Khoa. :) Let's work hard to achieve our goals together. :)
Yours sincerely,
Juncheng Chen
Hi Khoa,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and Juncheng that we were well-prepared for the meeting and it really helped us in working efficiently throughout the meeting.
I think you proposed your idea nicely and also contributed to our ideas. You also accepted our ideas however I think you were a bit confused towards the middle of the meeting. By the end, you managed to catch up and understood everything.
I understand that Khoa does not have a very good command over English and at some instances; it becomes difficult to communicate effectively. But Khoa don't be shy. Feel free to say anything. If we don't understand you can try to explain to us and we will also try our best to help you improve. We are always there to help you in whatever way we can.
Though you mentioned at the end of the blog post that there were some points to improve upon but you failed to explain and evaluate those points clearly in your post. One point could be the venue. Giving everyone equal chance to talk and express their ideas could be another area of concern. Also when you were confused we should have given you further clarification. Even you should have asked us to do so. Though the meeting went on smoothly it could have been better especially the opening and closing of the meeting. (It was the first time so not so good.)
I am having a great time working with you guys and hoping to succeed in our project.
Thanks
Best Regards,
Nitika