Saturday, October 11, 2008

Research like a professional

As I start to draw the curtains on my research project, it is time to look back and reflect on my learning experience. For me, the most important lesson that I have learnt is the benefit of a good and effective meeting. I have learnt that meetings should only be called when there are things to be discussed and that preparation for a meeting is very important. When members of the group turn up for a meeting unprepared, he or she has effectively single-handily wasted the whole meeting. This is especially evident in a small team where there is even more reliance on each other.

Throughout the course of the research project, my group has had many meetings since lessons were set aside for discussions. I remember vividly that our first few meetings were feeble attempts at trying to put a report together because we did not have the required research done. Instead, we spent the time surfing the Internet and comparing which girls in class were prettier (I’m sworn to secrecy about this). It was only towards the deadline when we started doing our own preparations at home that the meetings became more productive, as we were able to discuss about what was lacking in our report.

I have been able to apply this lesson to my life. As head of my hall’s committee, I have learnt to call for a meeting only when I have an agenda. Even so, the agenda should require the physical presence such that an email cannot suffice. Not only have I learnt about the Marriage and Parenthood package in Singapore, I have also learnt many intangible lessons about communication. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my group members for a wonderful time spent learning together.

Talk Properly!!

A Japanese was walking out of the lift when he bumped into an American. Out of courtesy, he immediately apologized.

"I'm sorry."

The American knew it was not his fault and so apologized as well. "I'm sorry too."

Not wanting to lose out, the Japanese immediately said "I'm sorry three."

At this juncture, the American was puzzled. He asked, "What are you sorry for (four)?"

Moral of the story: Next time you knock into someone, do it the Singaporean style and just walk off to save trouble.