TEOMAN SANCAKLI

JOURNEY IN AVANS

QUARTER 1 

ABOUT ME

ABOUT ME 

Hello everyone,

 

My name is Teoman Sancakli, and I am 21 years old. I was born in Moscow and lived there until I was 10 years old. Afterwards, I moved to Turkey, where I resided until I was 19. For the past two years, I have been living in the Netherlands.

 

 

I graduated with high honors from ISIK High School in Istanbul. My hobbies include training in grappling and arm wrestling. I have always been fascinated by the dynamics of global business and the intricate processes that drive international markets. This interest led me to choose International Business (IB) as my field of study.

 

 

The decision to study IB stems from my desire to understand the core principles of business operations on a global scale. I aim to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of international marketing and management. My goal is to leverage this understanding to contribute to the success of multinational enterprises and to eventually hold a leadership position where I can influence business strategies and drive growth.

 

MY YEAR 1

 

My first year of studies has been remarkable in terms of learning and growth. I obtained several certifications from Google, including SEO, Content Marketing, and Shopping ads. These courses have equipped me with essential skills and knowledge in digital marketing, enhancing my ability to navigate the modern business landscape. The courses I took at school have been instrumental in shaping my professional mindset. They have not only taught me how to conduct myself as an IB professional but also provided me with a solid foundation in various business principles. Through these courses, I gained insights into international marketing and management, helping me develop a comprehensive understanding of business operations on a global scale. Additionally, the projects we completed were highly effective in illustrating the practical aspects of business life. These projects allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, reinforcing my learning and preparing me for future challenges in the business world.

REFLECTION ON THE ABILITIES AND SKILLS GAINED IN SCHOOL (GROUP-WORK) AND WORK SO FAR

 

As an IB student, it is important to acknowledge the fact that we are in a multicultural environment and we have to adapt to that environment. The biggest skill that I gained is learning how to make effective communication and conflict resolution. In group projects, I learned to articulate my ideas clearly and listen actively to others. For instance, during a project on developing a marketing strategy, our team consisted of members from various cultural backgrounds. By fostering open communication, we were able to blend our different perspectives into a cohesive and innovative plan. Additionally, I developed strong conflict resolution skills. Working in a multicultural environment often brought different viewpoints and working styles, which sometimes led to disagreements. In a project where our team had differing opinions on the market entry strategy for a new product, through active listening and mediation, we were able to reach a consensus that satisfied everyone.

MY PITFALLS AND STRENGTHS

 

Quadrant 1: Independence-Oriented Workstyle

  • Core Qualities:

Independence: I possess a strong sense of independence, which allows me to take initiative and work autonomously. This quality enables me to handle tasks without needing constant supervision and to find creative solutions to problems on my own.

Determination: I am highly determined, which drives me to achieve my goals despite obstacles. My determination fuels my persistence and dedication in pursuing objectives.

  • Pitfalls:

Dependency: The downside of my independence can sometimes lead to a reluctance to seek help or collaborate with others, potentially resulting in feelings of isolation or overburdening myself with responsibilities.

Pushiness: My determination, if unchecked, can manifest as pushiness. This can lead to overly aggressive behavior or an inability to compromise, which may strain relationships with colleagues.

Quadrant 2: Group-Oriented Workstyle

  • Core Qualities:

Group Worker: I excel in group work, valuing the contributions of team members and fostering a collaborative environment. This quality helps in building strong, cohesive teams that work efficiently together.

Patience: I am patient, which aids in understanding and accommodating the different paces and styles of my teammates. Patience allows me to support others effectively and maintain harmony within the group.

  • Pitfalls:

Passivity: While being a team player, I might sometimes become passive, allowing others to dominate decision-making processes or not asserting my own ideas sufficiently.

Loneliness: My patience and group orientation might lead to feelings of loneliness if I overly focus on others' needs at the expense of my own, resulting in personal dissatisfaction or burnout.

 Summary

 

Reflecting on these quadrants, I recognize the importance of balancing my strengths with an awareness of their potential pitfalls. By maintaining my independence and determination, I can achieve personal and professional growth, provided I remain open to collaboration and flexible in my approach. Similarly, my group-oriented qualities of being a team player and patient are valuable, but I need to ensure that I assert my ideas and take care of my well-being to avoid passivity and loneliness. This introspection helps me understand the areas where I need to improve and adapt to maximize my effectiveness and satisfaction in both independent and collaborative work settings