Critical Reflection

For Module: 

Before embarking on this communication subject, my initial expectations were tinged with anticipation of a potentially mundane and uneventful experience. I have little interest in writing as well, as I am someone more inclined towards logic and numbers, and writing held little appeal to me. I approached this communication module with the belief that it might be a tedious venture and my expectations were not set high.  Initially, writing seemed like an insurmountable challenge to me as I had doubts about my ability to develop any interest in this seemingly foreign domain.

Along this journey, this module unfolded in many unexpected ways. Rather than being mundane, it revealed to me the dynamic and expressive nature of communication. From writing reports to engaging in discussions and activities, I learnt to stay open-minded, as this module transformed from a communication module to a powerful path that enabled me to learn to convey my thoughts and emotions clearly. My preconceived perceptions formed in Poly have also taken a turn along the way. 

The turning point came with the results of the reader response, it was an assignment I approached with uncertainty. However I got back my results and it was shocking for me, although it is not the pinnacle of perfection, the realization that I was able to achieve more than I thought makes me proud. The small affirmations, coupled with the support and guidance given to me played a crucial role in transforming my mindset. Now reflecting on the 13-week journey, I found myself not only understanding but appreciating the art of communication, from someone who is putting little effort into this module to now enjoying all the writing and reports that I am doing, just as writing this reflection makes me appreciate how beautiful language is, enabling myself to express my thoughts through words. 

In conclusion, this communication module has been more than an academic pursuit for me; it has been a journey of my personal discovery and transformation. From expecting mundanity to embracing the art of communication, the experience has altered my perceptions in ways I could not have foreseen. I am so proud of the progress made, the small victories and the newfound appreciation for the beauty of language. This journey, with its challenges and triumphs, will be a milestone that will be implanted in me for the rest of my life.

Project Learning:

The group project I undertook with the role of a leader was a significant and fulfilling journey for me in terms of personal and leadership development. In the beginning, I grappled with uncertainties and a lack of confidence in expressing myself, hindering my ability to provide clear directions for the team. However, this experience illuminated the valuable lesson that leadership is not an innate trait but an acquired skill that is forged over time, through practical experiences such as the challenges presented by this project.

As a leader, I began this journey struggling to articulate my thoughts effectively to my groupmates. This initial hesitation to voice out my thoughts hindered my ability to provide clear directions and instructions to my groupmates, resulting in a sense of aimlessness within the team at some point in time. However, it was also this challenge that created a turning point for my personal and leadership growth.

I first took a step back to understand the strengths, weaknesses, and emotions of each team member and learnt to be more attuned to their feelings, hoping that it would help open up conversations between myself and my groupmates. Indeed, this proved successful in fostering a positive and respectful working environment, where everyone's thoughts are being heard and considered. Embracing the diversity in working styles and opinions within us created a space for collaboration, leading to success in our group project.

The project also reinforced the importance of having an open mindset and the ability to adapt to different personalities and learning styles. Initially, I faced situations where certain ideas suggested by my groupmates conflicted with my own beliefs, but I chose to listen first and withhold my feedback. Over time, I learned the balance between staying open-minded and expressing my opinions constructively. This not only creates a respectful working environment but also an environment where ideas can be exchanged and discussed efficiently and respectfully.

While embracing an open mindset, I also learnt that it is equally crucial to share my opinions with the team - effective communication. Communicating my thoughts allowed for a more transparent and collaborative decision-making process. As such, leadership involves not only giving directions but also taking responsibility for the team's outcomes, by constantly checking on my team, and ensuring that communication is smooth. Embracing this accountability, I proactively checked in with my groupmates on their progress, offered support, and ensured that decisions made collectively aligned with our project goals.

In conclusion, working as a leader in this group project has been a dynamic journey of growth, from overcoming early uncertainties to embracing the complexities of team dynamics. The experiences from this module highlighted that leadership is not only about giving directions but also about taking responsibility for outcomes. My newfound appreciation for open-mindedness and adaptability has also enriched me. This project has not only transformed my understanding of leadership but has also instilled a sense of confidence in navigating future challenges. As I reflect on this journey, I recognise that working in a team is an evolving skill, and each challenge is an opportunity for continuous improvement and development. I am appreciative of the things I gained from this project and also my groupmates, without their collaboration, this journey would undoubtedly have taken a different turn.