Yazira Yusoff: The Government

I woke up at quarter to seven, grabbed the towel and hit the shower.

It was still so dark and chilly outside (sunrise : 7.45am) that I almost threw my head back to the pillows and bed, but I managed to turn the radio on. Now let me tell you a secret. While I was working during the summer, I discovered that listening to music in the morning while getting ready actually helps to keep you happy and energetic for the rest of the day. Try it!

But of course, exception applies to when your kitten dies at mid-day.

Anyway, the real reason of waking up so early is because I was expected to be at Shell Centre before 8.45 am. It took me a good forty minutes to get to Waterloo station, and another twenty to find the office since I was alone and hehe, I got lost. Only after fifteen minutes of wandering in and around the station that I realised that the building was just next door. Luckily, I wasn't late. Phew..

Can you spot a shell? Hehe

Shell was so kind to invite us to participate in their business challenge.

For confidential purposes however, the study case information is not to be disclosed.

But basically, the day was spent to represent the government of a country in which Shell has interest in developing an oilfield and requires to get permit from. The country is a make-believe one obviously, but as a government, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered when making a decision. External pressure, the People, the legislations etc all add up to being nightmares!!

The program lasted the whole day, with long discussions and debates taking place in between. Each party has their own interests and needs that the settlement process was protracted and mutual agreement seemed impossible. Everyone was firm on their stance, very few were willing to compromise but these made the meetings fun and interesting.

I'm a dwarf. No, I bent the legs!!

At the end of the day, we learnt that prioritising is vital, with laying every single detail known on the table leads to massive destruction. It is also important to take a stand back to criticise the performance and restructure the negotiation.

Anyway, we were also taken to their viewing gallery on the top floor. The view was outstanding!! We like to believe that these people get so stressed out most of the time, and come to this area to shout their lungs out. To release the tension that is. How thoughtful the admin people are.. Hehe.