The one interpersonal conflict that left a deep mark under
my skin was the time where I was involved in a group essay project. In our
group of five, we divided the workload equally and scheduled the deadline for
compilation. Unfortunately, there was a member who failed to turn up for our
scheduled meetings. Thus, I approached her for an explanation. She explained
that being a Music major, there were rehearsals scheduled late till night for
the upcoming concerts but promised that she would try her best to turn up for
meetings and do her part of the project.
Despite making a number of calls and leaving text messages,
she did not respond positively. She failed to submit her part on time and her
absence from meetings became a pattern. As it was a group project in which all
of us had a responsibility to shoulder, it was only fair that she played her
part regardless of other commitments. Afterall, weren’t the rest of us filled up to the
brim with a heavy workload as well? At that time, I began to feel annoyed and
wondered if the late-night rehearsals were simply an excuse to escape from her
responsibility.
The situation escalated to the point that the
teacher-in-charge was informed of the current happenings. Through an arranged discussion with the teacher, it was only then that I realized that contrary to my thoughts,
she was truly kept busy with late-night rehearsals five times per week. Nonetheless,
she did not receive the grade awarded for our project.
Upon reflection, I was wondering if more could be done to prevent
the situation from escalating to such a drastic point. Perhaps, we could have put
ourselves in her shoes and understand her schedule. Yet at the same time, this would
have required active response from her.
Do you think our group made a right choice by reporting about
her lack of contribution to the project?
