On Day 13, we focused on finalising our poster for the Closing Ceremony. The poster was a team effort and summarised the main lessons learnt during the programme. What did we learn from professors? from company visits? from cultural and outdoor activities? from working in teams and accross cultures? and what could we take home?
Our 9 groups worked really hard to complete these posters. Throughout the process, we learnt a lot about ourselves and how to work effectively in teams. Below are some of our insights on working in teams, on some of the challenges we faced and how we overcame these challenges as well as how we connected and built trust across cultures.
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- Teamwork can be really awkward when everyone has different mindset and way of working.
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- By spending time together in and out of the classroom, by taking part in team building activities such as karting and climbing, by playing football, we found shared interests and friendships and were able to work effectively together.
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- We learnt that effective teamwork is about complementing each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
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- Teamwork can be very frustrating. Turn off the cellphones, keep calm, take frequent breaks & have some fun!
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- It is important to listen and include everyone’s voice, mindset and background when working in teams.
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- It is okay to ask questions about cultural and social boundaries.
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- Do not judge. Forget stereotypes. We may have very different cultures but we are alike in many ways. Look for similarities, don’t focus on differences.
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- Follow O-Ren Ishii’s wise words “As your leader, I encourage you to — from time to time and always in a respectful manner, and with the complete knowledge that my decision is final — to question my logic. If you’re unconvinced about a particular plan of action I’ve decided is the wisest, tell me so. But allow me to convince you. And I will promise you, right here and now, no subject will be taboo.” Kill Bill by Quentin Tarantino