Working in small group: to accomplish certain set of goals

    Small group is formed to accomplish certain shared goals and might diminished after the goals has been accomplished. It can last as short as 30minutes or as long as 1 year depending on the tasks given. Small group may consist from 3 to 9 people. How it runs is depending on the leader.

    When I was in Nilai University College I had to serve the Students' Representative Council (SRC) for a year which means I had to work in a small group with other selected members. Members were elected through election and position were given base on their characteristics and knowledge of the pose.

   This is consider as a small group since there are 9 to 11 members with different task. The leader, known as the President has to work on certain ways to get all the members to work together to be a productive team. SRC does not only need to come up with events, we also need to interact with the students due to problems occurred. Our role is to represent the student to make sure they have their rights as well as work with the college to come up with the best solutions for both sides.

   The first few months is a struggle for all the team members since we have members from different country which leads to different culture; the way we conduct the meetings. Some may prefer a formal meeting, some may prefer a casual meeting or a day out. As we voted, we agreed to have both ways of meeting depending on the agenda and minutes of the meeting. Throughout the service, president try to apply the 3 categories of group; learning groups, self-maintenance groups and problem-solving groups.
  
    All members were required to attend a leadership course and learn how to work with the problem-solving skills. For example, we would come out with a budget and set all the criteria we need to achieve the goal. One of the major success was the "Drop & Go" Program and the Charity Program managed by the SRC team.

   In conclusion, small group has lots of benefits if all the team members take their responsibilities well and interact often to share their opinions or ideas. At the same time, conflict may arise but take it as a way in understanding others better. The results will be fantastic.

with love,
Azzy

How do you socialize at work?

  Hello wonderful people! How is it going so far? Time goes by pretty fast right? For all we know, tomorrow is our last class together and yes FINAL is just few days away. But I still have something to share with all.

You as the New Employee

    Do you still remember when you first enter the workplace and it is your first time working and everything seems to be out of place. You just don't know what to do, where to go, whom to talk to and even worst you did several kinds of mistakes. Don't you just feel lost and worried? I know exactly how you feel because I felt the same way when I first start working. 

  All of us will experience several stages of socialization at work. Starts off with Anticipatory Socialization where we all have expectations of what we can get from the organizations and what the organization can get from our service. Following, will be the encounter phase where the newcomer needs to clarify his or her duty in the organization an learning as well as attending a course to be a better employee. Finally, the stage of metamorphosis where the newcomer has indulge the self to be the true insider in the organization after obtaining various kinds of needs, skills and desires. 

    Now, the idea as a new employee does not necessarily stop there. It occur every time you enter a new workplace or new environment and atmosphere. It is different depending on how the company or that particular organization runs. Some work may need special training for you to complete in order to join the organization such as air hostess for Malaysia Airlines (MAS). All stewardess and steward need to undergo a course train by their seniors to learn all the tasks oriented for them to perform well in their work. This course may be varies starting from how you dress, how you interact with the passengers, how to serve them, and most importantly how to keep the passengers in safe all the time. All these can be obtain during the training course. It is also known as the Organizational Assimilation which is an effort put by MAS to create a better skilled worker as well as better environment for the new employee to socialize with the previous crew with a good response and feedback from the employee. 

    However, an employee need to be open to absorb new things an attitude while at it since the culture at the workplace are different depending on each department. Otherwise, it would be an Organizational Socialization where only the company make an effort to transform the new employee into their full-fledged crew. For example, the way cabin crew socialize within their members may be different with the way they interact with the ground floor crew. We need to adapt to the environment to be accepted. All we need to do is observe, ask question to clarify and learn from them. As old proverb says "Watch & Learn". 

Listen & Learn,

Azzy

Feeling anxious before speaking in public? At one point, we all do!

   Hey people! Everyone still excited bout the world cup? Well, tonight is Final, and if you are into it, you should head down to Bangsar. They have massive event and celebration there hosting by my friend, Burn. It's a free entry event but don't forget to get the tickets if you want free flow! You heard me right. Hahahaha.

   Now communication seems easy to all of us until we come across something that we shouldn't say in public or we just feeling anxious standing before them. I experience obstacles in communication since I was a child. It's easy when it is a normal communication but when you are in competition such as story telling, debating or even presenting it can sometimes shower you with sweats and tears.
   Speaking by experience, my first public speech happened when I was 5. I was selected to represent my kindergarten in story telling competition. Everyday I had to stay back after school to memorize the story. My mother did help in preparing me to overcome the faulty in reciting. One day, I came to the school thinking that it is the same day as others for me to practice which I was wrong. I wasn't prepared as I thought I had another week to go. My teacher told me that the competition is today and I was chickening for a moment! Seriously, I don't even have my material fully covered. But I went anyway.

   Standing before others, I felt terrified, and everything suddenly vanish into the air. I can't remember anything. But I starts off by introducing myself, and told them that I wasn't prepared for today's competition. I was being honest and I ask them whether they are interested in listening to my story.I took a deep breath, and slowly open my eyes putting my self in a calm and relax position. The story line seems to crawl back into my mind and I manage to narrate the story from introduction till almost three quarter of the story. However, I let the audience to decide the ending as I don't have the time to memorize that part. The judges were impressed with my courage and positive attitude. So does the audience as I woo the crowd with my honesty. In the end, I won the competition with grand prize.

   Speaking in public is not about impressing the audience or showing off your skills. It's about putting yourself in a position where you have something to share and allowing the others to listen to you in the most empathetic way. I learnt to be the speaker I am today because of the incident that happened to me 14 years ago. It actually builds up my confident as I imagine myself towards the success.
   If you are experiencing anxious and nervous, it is something common even if the speaker is professional. It's just the adrenaline rush, but picture yourself in the positive manner and all will be well. Of course, practice makes perfect. So don't forget to practice, it's a key to success in communication! Think BIG!! ;>

Live your life to the fullest,
Azzy

Can you persuade people? First, you have to convince them!

   Convincing??

   Persuasion is easy if the person that we talk to is open to new suggestions and does not have specific point of view on certain things or values. But what happen if the person we talk to has a specific and certain mindset that most likely they would debunk and reject all the points that you present to them? Will you manage to persuade them? What should we do? Speech to convince is an alternative way to get them understand and listen to your point of view. No matter what, you have to use the right words and example to move them, to be able to see the point in your perspective. 

   For example, when I was elected as the representative of Youth Commonwealth Conference Education Minister last year, I had to persuade all the representative from each country to have the same point of view in fighting for our rights in education. Before we can convince the ministry, first I have to persuade the fellow youth to be in the same boat as me. To carry the same values and message but at different perspectives. In order to get them to feel comfortable and in unity, I have to show and prove to them that we all have the same common ground, the same wants and needs. Which is better education, better environment, better future! Once they feel that they belong in the same circle, the task seems to be easier to accomplish. All of them provide some ideas, open up to clarify conflicts and accept the differences between cultures.   

    Before the speech was given, all candidates were sent to live together with different people to create the sense of acceptance in the family, the program that we call "Home Stay". As they were the firsthand experience, they started to believe that concept we try to convey will succeed thus work as the evidence.

Later on, all of us work upon the points that we need to discuss with our minister during the lunch time in providing fund for a better education as well as our power and rights in the making of amendment.  

   Despite the conflicts that we had, we managed to prove to the government that we, youth should have the power to work on our education and to be able to stand on our feet. From there, we can learn from our mistakes but still have the guidance from them.Now, the draft has been set and the final say shall be held in Lagos University, Nigeria.  

 Special thanks to Dr. Fatihah for making the conference such a success between the representatives of youth as well as panel of ministers from all over the country. 

The world we live in,

Azzy

Basic Information for All Types of Interviews

     Hi people! Everything is good? Well, all the best with whatever you need to accomplish within these few weeks. I know assignments are pilling up, due date drawing closer and Final seems to be just a step away from us. But I'm sure we shall do good in all that. BE POSITIVE! =)

  

    Speaking of being positive, how many of us managed to overcome interviews with flying colors? At least we manage to get what we want or does not feel those sickening butterflies in our stomach during the interviews. I guess it depends to whom we are talking to and whether or not we are familiar with them.

   I would like to share my personal anecdote in the counseling interview. This is the interview that I have often undergo. It may be nerve wrecking for the first time but I think it gets better as we trust them and open up to them. 

COUNSELING INTERVIEW
    

    Counseling interview occurred between me and my School of Humanities Dean, Ms. Shariffah Bahyah. When I first came into Nilai University College(NUC), I was a fresh SPM leavers and of course I am lost with how the way we handle things in college. I am sure that I don't know what subject to take next and I have a vague description on my course that I take which is American Degree Program. So, I decided to pull myself together and went to the office to clarify my pathway of studies. 

    Ms. Sha is a friendly person and she has this approachable attitude which calms me down when I first saw her. Otherwise, I might use the exit door straight away, hahahaha~. During the consultation hours, she ask on my personal background first just to break the ice and I am sure it is one of the way for her to gain my trust. From there she started asking me what have been bothering me about this course and what seems to be the flaws in studying. As I am getting more clarification upon the subjects that I need to complete, I also told her that I need some time to sort things through especially in studies as it is different from school. She provide a positive feedback without judging me and guide me through the whole process of studying when I was in NUC. She clearly states that she understand the pressure that I went through and willing to give a hand to help. Furthermore, she is very concern about the student not only upon career and study related, she is also capable of helping student sort out most of the interpersonal problems.  The way she conducts her counseling is very sincere and that is the most valuable thing that I have ever received, specially being able to learn a lot of things from her. I really want to thank Ms. Shariffah for being a great Dean as well as an understanding lecturer throughout my time studying there.

This is me and my Dean, Ms. Shariffah at Glitter & Dazzle Night at Sime Darby Convention Center

I wish I could write more, because there are so many things to share upon different types of interviews, but the words seems to limit me from doing so. I shall share my anecdote on the next topic which is Persuasive Presentation (kind of stressful I must say) ;>

enjoy reading,

Azzy

Body Language says it all!!!

   NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

   Azzy is back! And this time as promise I would like to discuss with you about our Body Languages. It does sends out various meaning depending on how you interpret it. However, most of the time we would trust the nonverbal cue rather than what you said because it comes out naturally. Confusing? I bet it happens all the time. I know it happens to me. Do you know that I even smile when I'm sad or angry? Hahaha~ I know it's weird but yeah that's me. That's why it's confusing!

Facial Expressions & Eye Contact

   Some facial expressions can be very confusing to others especially when we are talking about strangers. Usually, we would adapt and understand the normal facial expressions made by our friends because we are used to communicate with them. One minute she can smile and the next thing you know she gives that frowning face all the way back to you. And without knowing why, you probably start to blame yourself for the words that you said to her earlier or perhaps it is just another argument that she had with her boyfriend who turns her into this zombie walking lady. Hahaha~ But then again we all have to make sure that we have the right face appearance in work! Otherwise, you won't last long in the industry. I have to say it's a challenge especially for those stewardess who was forced to smile even when the passenger was criticizing or cursing her. Remain calm and response nicely is the best way to lower down their level of anger. After all, smile is like a common thing that you have to do everyday, even when you don't feel like it. 

   I just want to share this particular incident that happen at my work place in Coast London Boutique, Pavilion. My store manager has a good working skill but not really friendly jolly type. There's a day where a customer came in and ask me why she looks so furious. She never smiles and she has the face worst than a black cheetah. Hearing that, of course I want to burst into laughter but knowing the etiquette of working I just told the customer that she had a tough day. By doing so, perhaps she would just leave it at that, but apparently the customer went straight to my boss and said that she needs to learn to be friendly and smile like me. In fact, she ask my boss to learn from me! Hahaha~ I can't believe I just heard that. One of the reason why my boss don't really like me because of my friendliness. Customer always came in and find me. But she can't say much as I boost up the retail market instantly the moment I join in. 

   Clothes & Appearance 

   Another situation that occur at my workplace which I found rather astonishing is that when customer started asking me about the business there. Most of them thought that I am the boss there as I could wear whatever I want as long as it is in black color since I'm just a temporary staff. But I guess people hold the concept of the darker the color you wear the higher your position is. Well, can't blame me though, because the other senior staff has to wear uniform in purple or red. As for me, I am wearing black pencil skirt with blouse. With my bun hair and my pearl earing who wouldn't thought I'm the boss right? hahahah~ But I'm just following the handbook, the proper way to dress as my position is Fashion Advisor. I have to look good since I'm dealing with big customer like president's wives, ambassadors, CEOs, actress and other major artist. The look upon me as their role model, so I have to gain their trust to dress them up. here is one of my picture with well known Malay actress, Zizie Ezette. She is such a bubbly person and I enjoyed working with her, because she listens to my suggestion. 

   I guess that's all  for now. I do have a lot to share but I don't want to drag your eyeballs towards tiredness. I shall stop here then. But one thing I have to say that we have to bear in mind nonverbal can be varies and I have to say people who are deaf and mute has the most respect from me as they can still communicate without using any verbal. As showing the respect to them, I took an effort to learn sign language which I practices from time to time with my grandfather. He helps me a lot in understanding the less fortunate as he is the man behind the "OKU" organization. 

I shall teach some of the sign languages in the class if you are interested.

Check out these links on youtube, there are helpful! Watch & LEARN! 

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi6h8zktO1s&feature=related
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX3eBScTQNQ&feature=related
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhU5QZPdZ70&feature=fvw

Till then,

QueenAzzyDalla ;>

How well is your listening? Be Amazed how CONFUSING it can be!

   Happy SUNDAY everyone!!! How are you feeling? Hope you have the greatest weekend ever! What about you Ms. Allison? Had a great time at the training I supposed? Which required lots of Effective Listening Skill right? hahahaha~ Hope it went good on your side. I know how draggy it can be if I attend one of those, just need to find something FUN from it. 

  Do you know that being an emcee require you to have an extra effective listening skill? Because there's simply loud noise from everywhere and you need to keep everyone in the flow! On top of that, you have to pay attention to your partner as well so that we can interact casually without any stumble words in between. (Jose & me hosting for Legend to Life Night)

Jose as MJ & me as Marylin Monroe!!! =)

   

    Anyways, how well do you think you do when listening to someone? Do you understand exactly what the person says? I know sometimes it can be hard. In fact, we usually have the tendency to assume what will happen or how the story ends. The listeners we are today is widely constructed by the previous response also known as STROKES given by our parents and surrounding when we are young. If you received positive strokes and people listen to you most of the time, most likely you would listen to others when your adults. However, if your mom keep on shush you every time you try to give your point of view, you may think that speaking is important than listening. In the end, you just can't wait to say something and won't listen to the main point.

   Honestly, we all love to talk. We can talk from day till night without stopping if we can, that is if someone willing to listen of course. Otherwise, there's no point of talking anyway. In my life, I have never encounter any problems with my friends or had any arguments except with my boyfriend. That is a different story because we have to argue to show some love with your boyfriend, right ladies? hahahaha~ Frankly, my friends love me because I'm a good listener. Most of the time they caught me at the wrong time like when I'm in the cinema watching movie or when I'm having important dinners. But as a friend, I know I have to be there for them in time of need. I would listen to them without any hesitation. What we don't understand about effective listening is that we always thought that when we listen to someone's problem, we should give advice or solutions to it. But actually that's not what they want, that's not how it works! All they want is for you to LISTEN!  

   Personally, I have people coming to me from time to time to share their problems. Sometimes, I feel like I'm an unqualified psychologist. Sat in my room and listening to people's problem. But I do quite a lot of preaching as well! When my house mates are bored, they would ask me to tell my past experience story such as how to deal with family matters, relationships, friends and life. It's always good to listen to other people as it will give you some insights of what they really are and how they would react to their problems. 

   For example, my ex-boyfriend would always come to me to share his opinions about anything or problems. Even my best friend ask why on earth he's still come and find you when he has a girlfriend to talk to. The answer is simply because I listen and she don't. There were a time where all we have to do is just listen but not giving any solution. It is their life, and they should take control of their life and not us.

   Last night, I received a news from my friend saying that one of our friend commit suicide. She is a good Indian friend but the way she tackles her problem is just wrong. I was so devastated when I hear that because I was away and I could not be there to hear her problems. She decided to kill herself when she knew that she was pregnant. Instead of discussing it with her parents she kill herself. She says that her parents will never understand and they would never listen to her. See how effective listening is vital in someone's life? it can even lead to fatal. 

   

   There are some nonverbal gestures for you to pay attention to when listening to others. It may seems little or less important but these are the signs that will give you the hint of how the person really feels inside and what's playing in their mind. I shall discuss it in my next post. Till then, just make sure you listen to your friends when they need you!

  P/S: I would like to take this opportunity to say a gargantuan thank you to my mom for being there for me and listen to me without any complains! You are the BEST MOM ever! Love you to heaps!