Interpersonal Conflict Situation

Conflicts are an unavoidable aspect in every interpersonal relationship. It occurs when the involved parties ‘only perceive that their idea, desire, event or activity is incompatible with the other’. However, for a relationship to be long-lasting, these conflicts have to be managed. Otherwise, the relationship can be severely weakened.

I recall an incident involving two friends of mine, Ahmad and Johari (Anonymous names used). They had similar character traits; frank, talkative and loud. All of us would occasionally meet up to talk about anything under the sun. The topics could range from schoolwork, sports, politics and what I feel is the most sensitive one, religion.

In these discussions, I usually played the role of a neutral listener while they tend to be passionate in their views. Even so, they rarely had uncontrolled arguments as both of them had a high tolerance and understanding of one another.

However, there was a night that that tolerance threshold was broken. We were all having a casual chat during dinner on the meaning of words. The particular word that was being discussed was “Worship”. Johari was well-versed in linguistics and believed that the word “Worship” could have several meanings. One of them was “to feel an adoring regard for any person thing”. He gave an example by saying “I worship Manchester United Football Club”.

Upon Johari saying that, Ahmad flared up. He vehemently accused Johari of blasphemy. To Ahmad, the word “Worship” should only be used in reference to God and no other. Johari tried to reason with him, citing Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary to prove his case. However, Ahmad could not accept his reasoning and left the fiery argument. Johari was left understandably upset after that. I attempted to shift the topic to another one but the damage was beyond repair by then.

At the end of it, I realised the importance of semantics in communication. A particular word may have various meanings. When a party grows attached to a specific meaning of a word, he would not be able to communicate well with the other party. I felt the situation could have been avoided if I had intervened much earlier before it had escalated into a raging one.

What do you think you could have done if you were put in my situation?

2nd Draft Application Letter

Greetings fellow classmates!

Below is the "job/scholarship" email that I'm applying for.

"Dear ME2 Students,

FMC Technologies scholarships of $20,000 each to our ME2 students

FMC Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:FTI) is a leading global provider of technology solutions for the energy industry and other industrial markets. The Company designs, manufactures and services technologically sophisticated systems and products such as Subsea production and processing systems, Surface wellhead systems, high pressure fluid control equipment, measurement solutions, and marine loading systems for the oil and gas industry. FMC Technologies has approximately 10,400 employees and operates 25 manufacturing facilities in 15 countries.

Singapore is the Asia Pacific & Middle East regional headquarters of FMC Technologies. Employing about 800 people, the Singapore facility specialises in providing Surface wellhead and Subsea systems equipment and solutions to clients across the entire region.

FMC Technologies will be offering eleven (11) scholarships to our ME Students. This is a good opportunity for students wishing to specialise in Offshore Oil & Gas Technology to get a scholarship and receive specialised training from the world's leading company in subsea systems, before disembarking into an exciting career in the Oil & Gas Industry. Please refer to the attachment for the criteria in taking the FMC Techologies Scholarship.

Note: Students who are interested in the FMC Scholarship are to complete the attached application and declaration forms and submit it to Mechanical Engineering Department (Blk EA #07-08) by 22 February 2011. Selected applicants will be notified by mid March 2011 for a selection interview.

** Ensure yourself meet the requirement when apply. Your application will not be process if the application and declaration forms are not duly filled and signed.

Thank you & regards

Eileen LIM (Ms) :: Assistant Manager, Dept of Mechanical Engineering :: National University of Singapore :: 65-6516 4494(DID) :: www.me.nus.edu.sg (W) ::"

The requirements of the scholarship are

1) Taking specific modules assigned with the specialization

2) Participate in a paid-internship from January to July 2012

3) Do a joint FYP between FMC and NUS

4) Bonded with the company for 2 years.

5) Hold a CGPA of above 3.2

6) Not be bonded by other scholarships

Below is my application letter to them. Looking forward for your critical comments!

Block 64

Wall Street

Singapore 112358

9 February 2011

Mr Lim Sock Hwang

Assistant Manager of Human Resource Development

FMC Technologies, Singapore

149 Gul Circle

Singapore 62960

Dear Mr Lim,

I am writing in response to an email regarding an FMC scholarship application that was circulated among the 2^nd year Mechanical Engineering students in NUS. I would like to apply for the scholarship, knowing that I have to be bonded with the company for 2 years upon graduating. I am a driven individual with a strong passion in the energy industry. In addition, I have much interest in the Subsea Systems field in which the Singapore facility specializes.

I qualify for the requirements needed in the scholarship and have done reasonably well in basic modules related to the field; scoring above average grades of A- and B+ for the Thermodynamics and Fluids modules respectively. I believe that the Mechanical Engineering Course has helped me in developing my analytical and logic skills. Furthermore, I intend to specialise in Offshore Oil & Gas Technology and join the industry in the future.

Apart from academic work, I have also led various volunteering projects which have benefited the community. For example, I was the Camp Director of a 3D/2N event consisting of 300 students for “Ace Psle EXams” (APEX), an organization which provides a mentoring programme for Primary 6 students in Singapore. Assuming the role as head of the camp taught me the importance of team work, communication and interpersonal skills. As the leader of the event, I also learnt a valuable lesson of work delegation to ensure that my team mates were not overburdened with their tasks.

Given the combination of my ability and passion, I believe I will be a valuable addition to FMC Technologies and contribute meaningfully to your team. I have attached my personal résumé, which outlines details of my education, experience and personal information for your perusal. I can be contacted by +65 9876 5432 or by email at Ikhsan.Ibrahim@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing a reply from you soon. Thank you for your kind consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Ikhsan Putra Ibrahim

Enclosure: Resume