The First Intensive - Understanding self and others
Before the start of the first weekend intensive, we were told to attempt a few questionnaires and go through the readings. The questionnaires we attempted were the Influence Dimension, Assessment of Management Skills, Belbin Team Roles Profil and Tolerance of Ambiguity.
On the Friday evening when we got started, we played a simple game by going around the class and getting to know everyone. There were 35 students in the class and we mapped one of the behavioral or interest characteristics mentioned in the sheet to the person's name. Thereafter we were brought to understand the context of Leaders and Managers.
The first picture below is a photo of Ms Lois from the University of Adelaide giving us a lecture on management. The different schools of thought on management were gone through with us and how business environment affects management style during the second day.
By the third day, we touched on Understanding self and that's where the questionnaire we have attempted comes in. We were segregated into the different groups and I am an Analyzer.
I find the topic on Understanding Self to be very applicable in our day to day life. There is a natural tendency to discriminate against people who are different and band together with people similar, but from this course I have learn to understand and appreciate differences. Actually differences is a good thing. There is also the danger of Group Think in that if we have people of same mindset and character together, priority maybe in preserving harmony over what is right, creativity and innovation maybe stifle by Group Thinking.
Group Project - Interviewing the Managers
As part of our group assignment (which take up 30% of the percentage allocation for the course), we have to interview two leaders. Two of our team mates recommend their managers and on the 23rd October (Saturday) morning we went down to Jurong East and interview the General Manager of a Japanese company (below).
And also a senior financial manager from Prudential below.
During the interview with the General Manager of the Japanese Company (he has more than 30 years of working experience), he shared with us on his life perspective and leadership style. I have learn a lot from him during this 3 hours long interview. He shared with us on financial management, spending within our means, of leading by example and relating to people around and finally of leaving a legacy behind in life. He told us not to work for the money but to work for the passion.
Group Project - Preparing the Report
We spent several evenings chilling out at TCC Boat Quay for our project work. It's a great place to hang out. But do note that it closes at 11pm. I still fondly look back at the many evenings we spent there.
The Second Intensive - Presentation and Group Photos
As part of our course assessment, everyone have to give a presentation. We were the first group to do the presentation. The photo below shows another group conducting the presentation. After each presentation, we were individually given feedback via emails on our presentation.
Here is our group photo. We had lots of fun together. From left we have Adeline, Michelle, Edwin, Kar Yong and me.
Another group photo with Lois in there.
Here is a group photo of another group.
The Second Intensive - Supportive Communication and Conflict Management
One of the key learning from the second intensive is on Supportive Communication and Conflict Management. These are the most practical skills which I have learn from the course. There are actually certain ways of communicating which can be positive to people around. And when we encounter conflicts, what are the methods of resolving it. It is all taught in the FOL subject.
This is definitely one of the most applicable subject.
