End of week 6: Small Group Communication and Problem Solving

Small Group Communication:


Communication in small groups is considered interpersonal communication within groups of between maybe three and twenty individuals at a time. This usually takes place in an environment that mixes interpersonal interactions with social clustering.


People who have small group communication are normally people who don’t like the whole “ONE-TO-ONE-TALK” which can somehow be rather annoying and irritating.

Having more than one people in a group would allow a person to attain more information as well as feedback which can enable them to have a great choice or even options on how to get something done/how to solve something or whatever advise to gain and gather :]


It’s all about being comfortable and cozy as well as able to express their ideas more seeing they know that there are more than one people around, so they would not be judge single-handedly by one individual. Feedback would be abundant and one can opt to see whether everyone agrees or disagrees on a single idea, that way, one can be more confident in obtaining a specific answer.



Problem Solving:

"It's simple as ABC, like 123, DO RE MI"


Problem solving is process, just like baking a cake.. When you want to bake something, there’ll always be a procedure.. So problem solving is seen as a mental process and is part of the larger problem process that includes problem finding as well as problem shaping. Considered to be the most complex and difficult of all intellectual functions, problem solving has been distinct as top-order cognitive process that requires the modulation as well as inflection and control of more routine or even fundamental skills. Moreover, problem solving occurs when an organism or an artificial intelligence system needs to move from a given state to a desired goal state.


I like to think a problem solving case as a simple mind game of a Rubiks Cube.. It’s complicated, but able to achieve parallelism. Able to achieve uniformity, and most of all, ABLE TO BE SOLVED..


Problem solving takes sacrifices, egos are always on the watch, making sure we don’t let our guard down and making sure we don’t be the first one to lose the battle, but for a problem to be solved, you need to step up and be the better person, you need to see a flaw from all angle and in most cases, be able to accept defeat and accept that nothing goes the way we want them too. It’s all about making things right and making sure someone is doing something about it.


It’s always hard to say sorry, it’s always hard to say “IT MY FAULT” and it’s always hard to always be the first one to make things work out well, but someone has to do it, if not me, and not you, then who? SOMEONE! Problem solving is a mutual thing, it takes more than one party to step up, but it needs someone to initiate the process. It’s when you’ve worked things out, you’ll feel free, trust me :] I’ve been there, I’ve done that, so now it’s up to you to do the right thing and feel good about it!


My Story:

When I entered college, i've been sprung upon with so many dramas, it made me a professional at the problem solving game.. People love to talk and even if there's nothing to talk about, they'll somehow come up with something to talk about anyway. So yea, I've learn to deal with it, how? It's all about being patient and mature about it.. I stood up for myself and i've even helped others solve their problems, how? By hearing both sides of the story and making sure they know whose in the wrong and whose suppose to make things work. I am not bias, I'm simply there for emotions control, but not to butt-into anyone's problem. That's life, u got to step up, look at a problem from all angles and react fast. Forgiveness is never easy, but it is simply.



So think about it, a life without dramas can be boring, but a life with dramas can be depressing... So yea, Problems, can't live with them, can't live without them. ;]

End of week 5: Socialization of New Members in Organizations

Ever felt like a newbie? Like noone else cares? Well that's just what I'm here to talk about.. The Socialization of New Memebers In an ORGANIZATION!!


Being the new guy or girl on the job is never an easy thing especially if you have colleagues that's designed to give you a hard time for no apparent reason, then again, there's always a reason why they're giving you such a hard time.


So how does one make it through the organization alive? How does one deal with Cruel employees? How does one not break his/her spirit in the process of going through their first day/first week/first everything of the job? Simple, BLEND IN.. don't make them look as if you're able to be bullied, and don't be too cocky either.. Make sure you state what makes you comfortable and what doesn't, if they think you're too demanding, tell them you're human too and that you don't disturb them and they don't disturb you..


However, you still need good alliance with them seeing theyre gonna be the set of people you're gonna be working with from now on [till either one quits that is].


People always say, keep your friends close, and your enemy closer.. Well be good to your workmates and they'll be good to you.. Respect them and sooner or later, you will receive the respect you deserve ok :]


The only reason why employees always give newcomers a hardtime is because they know they've been there longer, they know theyre suppose to be respect and because they find it EXHILARATING and fun to do so.. Noone knows why bullying is fun, but to feel dominant and have someone below you can be an entertaining thing..


Why do some organizations have initiations? Because they want to gain your trust, to make sure that you are on the same boat as them, the same level of thinking and the same level of interest, making sure that you're someone they can fall onto for help, someone that can always have their backs, that's how life works, it's all about connections and how many people you can rely and depend on..


As for new members in an organization, all they want is to survive the crucial faces of having to face their mentors, their seniors and most of all, to not be crushed, not everyone can take the pressure, but to succeed, you will have to, because trust me, wherever you go, you are bound to find people with the very same mindset, it doesn't run far from different organizations.


So listen up guys, it's all about patient and fitting in :] It takes time..


So if you've ever felt left out, here's a movie for u :]

End of week 5: Overcoming Obstacles to Communication in Organizations

In every organization, there's bound to be problems.. Obstacles one must face, cruelty, harsness, as well as STRESS and TENSION.. but hey, look at the bright side, the world is always changing, nothing stays the same, it's just a matter of time before things work the way we want them to.. The key is to never give to never look back and say "I should have done this better, I should have not done that", regret haunts, but what haunts the most is WALKING AWAY.. never walk away from your feers or problem, YOU MUST CONFRONT THEM.. look them in the eye and say, NOTHING'S GONNA GET IN MY WAY, that how you work things out, BY DEALING WITH THEM..

So how does one overcome obstacles in the communication organization? Simple, YOU TALK IT OUT!


How does one talk it out you may say? By facing what their problem is.. In an organization, there lies alot of people that come from a wide range of family background that can influence the way they think, the way they talk, the way they express themselves as well as the way they perceive someone, which can be very unacceptable to you and to everyone else.. But then again, what about originality? Isn't everyone suppose to be original in their own way? For sure! Definitely!


So how can one make it out of the organization alive and HAPPY? By talking to the people that's making you unhappy in the first place.. Talk to your superiors, talk to your subordinates, talk to whoever is equal to you, work things out, if you have a communication barrier, find some common ground that you two can agree on, trust me, confronting your fears always leads to positive results, even if it doesn't atleast you know you've tried.. I mean seriously, I'd definitely respect someone who has the guts to come up to me and to voice out their dissatisffaction, I might feel hurt or slightly mad at first [trust me, it's human nature, everyone gets mad every once in awhile], but I'd definitely respect and lookup as well as give props to the person for doing so..


Another way is to look at the world as a huge place, that nothing revolves around us, and that we must adjust to certain environments to survive, thats how we overcome obstacles especially in the communication in a specific organization. Adaptation and learning to accept new culture, something other than what we believe in or what we're brought up with.. Because as I've mentioned before, everyone different and everyone's got their own thinking and mindset, LIFE is a give-and-take situation, we win some, we lose some.. So be ready to accept defeat and to accept change, because it can be rewarding. Trust me, you don't have to give up all sense of good culture that lie deep within you, but try to go out of your comfort zone for once and you will see that there are others like you out there that's exploring that side of life for the first time too.. You're never alone!


My Story:

HOW do i OVERCOME obstacles to communicaton in an organization, in College, In my Martial Arts Team, and in My Pool and Rugby Team, how? I voice out my opinions, I accept whatever other have to say about it as long as I've said my part and done my part and if they can't accept me for me, then that's just something they have to deal with, but I still try to modify my style and attitude when it comes to group activities, because for something work out well you need to have an understanding, a mutual understanding, one where everyone can agree and fall on ;] life, that's what you need, you need your own life and you need to step up and be an adult, someone out there whose willing to take desperate measures as well as sacrifices just saw we can live in an AWESOME-CONFLICT-FREE-WORLD...


The word for the day:

Tell them who you are, and when times' are hard, TAKE ONE FOR THE TEAM! ;]

End of week 4: Persuasive Presentation

Have you ever persuaded someone to buy something? To get something for you? or to not watch some movie which you consider boring? If you answer yes, which I know all of you will, then congratulations, you have just carried out an act called PERSUASION.. PRESENTING a persuasive presentation :]


You're not a conman if you persuade someone to do something or buy somehting [well most of the time you're not, unless you have a motive to trick that person, then yes, you are a conman, if your aim is simply to promote truth, then you are simply, well erm, PERSUADING :] BEING PERSUASIVE]

What must you do to conduct a good persuasive presentation?


Well, one, you must sell the ART OF BELIEVE to the people you're about to present on. You must allow them to give birth to a sense of believe in you, to trust you and to put full HOPE on your word. Coz if its true, why not make them believe it true? Unless it isn't, then you're just lying to them. So first things first, Make sure your audience develop a sense of trust and believe in you, with that, you are on your way to a great presentation delivery.


People are always insecure about things.. If you tell them this product is good, they'll think theres a catch, that you're up to something, and if you tell them your friend told you this and that and they should believe you, they think you're pressuring them into buying something, SO MAKE sure you're prepared with stats, PROVES that can woo your audience, something in black and white if possible to make them realize that whatever that comes up from your mouth are all pure TRUTH and FACTS.


It's all about giving out the evidence. Assuring them that they are getting firstclass services all the way.. A lil white lie can't hurt, but don't lie to an extent where none of the facts even EXIST! :] Well what I can tell you about conducting a persuasive presentation is that you have to be focus at all time, you have to have CONFIDENCE that you can deliver your message clearly and CONVINCINGLY.. it's not how much you say or talk, it's how much you are willing to get back in return, how many eyes you've caught, and how many people you are able to convince and sway..

This is a harsh world, everyone is competin to be the best, but that doesn't mean you can't have a shot at becoming one of the best and one of the favourites.. Everyone's got a shot, and it's all about perseverance, whoever's willing to run it all the way to finish line and to the top of the chart, it's about charisma, it's about delivery and it's about COURAGE, whether your willing to step up and ignore the obstacles :]


MY STORY:

Everyone's been telling me that I'm a good talker and that I talk too much sometimes.. Maybe I do.. I don't know, but you can't blame me, It's genetics, I grew up from a family that likes to talk and from a family that sweettalks perhaps? Haha.. Ok I think i'm exaggerating here a lil'.. Well it's about the art of making someone believe in you, like how I always convince my friends on the nices place to eat and the best movies to catch, so far, everything's been going my way, everyone's been liking my good judment, and one of the best qualities abt me that people have stated would be [before that, I'M NOT boasting or anything, seeing you want real life experiences, there u go, this is mine] I have a good taste in music.. From the latest to OLD-SKEWL-Flavour, I have them all.. I tell people what song suits what themes, what song selectiong suits a video scene, and etc.. So if you want advice, come see ;]


Last but not least, The ART of Conducting a Persuasive Presentation would be to NEVER FORCE.. Convince as much as you want, but NEVER, I repeat, NEVER FORCE.. Forcing is never a gentleman or a noble act, The art of persuasion is all about skills and charisma, it's when you've obtain good results through it that you'll truly feel and be in content.. It's when you force, you are going against certain principles in life that's been set forth not just by our four fathers, but by the elements of the earth.. Trust me, Karma exist.. What goes around, Comes around, what you do to other, you do onto yourself... So go out and spread the Good News, go and persuade for as much as you want, BUT, however, whatever the consequences is, either people choose to accept or reject whatever you have to say, You just have to deal with it.. We don't always get what we want anyway, That's Life.. Thing's happen... ;]

End of week 4: Basic Information for All Types of Interviews

Do you think you’ll be prepared if you were asked to attend a very important interview the very next day? Then again you may ask “What sort of interview are you talking about?” There are a lot of different types of interviews out there indeed.

They range from One-to-one interview, phone interview, group interview, panel interview, mock-interview, career fair interview, site interview, screening interview, telephonic interview, behavioral interview, stress interview, mealtime interview, video interview and so on.

Why do people have interviews? Well that’s simply, to relay information from one party to the next obviously. Answers are always simply, it’s a matter of how you look at a subject.


Well honestly speaking, an interview is basically a process.. An ongoing process. Most often than not, a conversation in which the interviewer questions the interviewee in order to attain information. Since it first existed, interviews can either be a formal or even an informal process, structured or even unstructured for that matter. They can be conducted in one too many way.


Interviews are a very common research tool in many fields especially the social sciences, and as such, attract a great deal of commentary and discussion. Other than that, the most famous type of interviews that can be seen today would be JOB INTERVIEWS..


So here’s a video regarding tips on how to make a job interview successful or even prepare for it..

End of week 3: Nonverbal Communication In The Organization.

MAYBE SOMETIMES WORDS JUST AIN'T ENOUGH:


Say what? Who’s saying things? Who’s saying nothing? Who’s saying something by doing nothing? Man, I’m confused, or am I?

Non-verbal communication, what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you see this sentence? That we can’t talk? That we don’t need to talk? That people shows signs of content to express how they feel, like using the middle finger and whatnot? :O

Well readers, non-verbal communication is all about pressing the MUTE button on life, making sure that all expressions are expressed not through our voice and not from the mouth :]

Non-verbal communication then includes facial expressions, eye contact, and the tone of voice, body posture as well as motions, and also positioning within groups. It may also include the way we wear our clothes or the even the deafening silence we keep.

The most common ways of non-verbal communication would be through the usage of Facial Expressions:

How do we giveaway a facial expression and still portray a meaning? Well, what I can tell you is, a smile, frown, raised eyebrow, yawn, and even a sneer all convey information, I’m not even kidding, people do it for a reason, and that is either because they can’t talk or too lazy to talk or to be sarcastic or even give the silent treatment but with HINTS. Facial expressions constantly changes during interaction and are always monitored and observed relentlessly by the recipient or other people who’s observing. There is evidence that the meaning of these expressions may be similar across cultures, then again different cultures bring different meanings to their facial expression. So what do we do? We DEAL with it! Seeing there is nothing better we can do anyway.

People at work/college/school are always giving away non-verbal communication, why that happens we’ll never know why, WHY WE THINK THAT HAPPENS, well I guess we can always assume the fact that people are all lazy. We don’t like talking, even when we do, we still give out non-verbal expressions to make a conversation even more interesting. Then again, people are always creative with their non-verbal expressions; they think it makes them mysterious and sexy to not say anything, but to show signs of communication through other expressions. Interesting topic indeed, as much as a stare is just a stare, a stare now means something else, it can mean that you’re rude or a creep, then again, it can also mean that you admire the things surrounding you, for example, I normally stare at my crush, and when she asked me why I’m starring at her, I’ll just say “I’d admiring BEAUTY”.. HOHOHO… lolz.

People also use Non-verbal communication to be different.. For example random groups come up with their own personal handshakes or even ways of communication through different expressions. In addition, people tend to use non-verbal communication to curse or to express signs of discontent. As weird as the world may look and be, non-verbal communication is considered an art :] Just check out mimes, people who do mimes and people who dance, :] it’s all about the BODY LANGUAGE!


Story time:

Someone once asked me, “How many languages do you know?”
You know what I told that person? I said THREE! “I know English, Bahasa Melayu and BODY! BODY LANGUAGE!”… haha :D

End of week 3: Effective Listening

Whose Listening to you, me, and them? Is anyone even listening? The Question is, who even listens nowadays?

In this modern era, just about everyone earnestly believes that he or she listens, better yet, effectively.

In such a way, due to their very own self-assumption critique, very few people think they need to develop and improve their listening skills. Being a hypocrite you may say? I don’t know. Why don’t you be the one to tell me?

Listening effectively is something that only a handful of us can accomplish, seriously, not everyone has the ability to do it. It's not because listening effectively is somewhat a very difficult task to do, but it’s just that most of us have just never developed the practice and lifestyle that would make us all GREAT 'effective listeners'!

Then again, it is believed that through listening effectively, you will be able to gain more information from the people you administer, and you will inevitably increase other peoples’ trust in you, not only that, you will also be able to reduce the amount of conflict that normally occurs in this ever changing world, and you will better understand how to motivate others in so many ways possible, as well to possess the skills and qualities needed to inspire a higher level of commitment in the people you want to manage..

Story time:

So I have these two friends.. Jesper and Joey, they are the two most craziest friends a guy can ever have. So their skill of effective listening was put to a test when it came to a scene where they were making a bet at Some Cafe' back in Kota Kinabalu Sabah. So Jesper had this empty bottle in his hand and went up to Joey and said "Hey Jo, what would you give me if i can hop in-to the bottle? coz dude, I can!".. So Joey told him "Dude if that's even possible, I would buy you a glass of milkshake!".. You know what Jesper did? He put the bottle at the front of the door, walked out of the Cafe'.. and a few second later, he HOPPED into the Shop, and infront of the bottle, and said "There I did it!".. And Joey was like "Huh? You didnt Hop INTO THE BOTTLE!"... Jesper simply replied "I didn't say "INTO", i said IN-TO.. I was outside, so i HOPPED IN in the shop, and TO the Bottle.. Basically I used the words 'IN' and 'TO'.. So therefore, I hoped in to the bottle, so now u owe me a MILKSHAKE!!"..

Weird, but smart.. Technically Joey wasn't paying attention to what Jesper was saying, either that or he was simply using the act of ASSUMPTION.. The act of assuming that Jesper meant INTO instead of 'IN' and 'TO'.. Therefore, it is always important to listen effectively :]

Fruit for thought:

Why do people wanna be an effective listener? Is it because they think it's cool? Because they wanna be accepted? Because your LECTURER asked you to? Hmm... Well why is the sky sometimes blue? How high is up? Whatever happened to Amelia Earheart? Like how theres no answer to these questions, we can't question the human mind either, people have cravings and desires all the time, the question is, how to be an effective listener? Well lemme' tell you :]

1) An individual himself/herself has to have a strong passion and desire to be a better listener
2) Stop talking too much!
3) Start looking at the speaker instead of diverting your view! :O
4) Don't let your emotions get the worst of you (learn to control man!)
5) Leave no room for distractions, so don't multi-task while tryna Listen!
6) Try to get the main point and idea the speaker is trying to deliver yo!
7) Don't think too much or have bad thoughts about the person in your mind, BAD! BAD!
8) Try to listen and discover the "HIDDEN MESSAGE", whatever that is not said
9) Seriously, Don't Jump to conclusions ok
10) Don't judge the speaker negatively at the first impression!
11) Try to recognize your own prejudice

THere's no guarantee this will help, but hey, don't say I didn't Try :]