This week we have been asked to answer the following:
1. What behaviors seemed to help your team successfully complete its task?
Melissa initially contacted the group via email and volunteered to start off the assignment as well as submit it. As a team we communicated both via email and our group discussion board. We shared our joint assignment via the file exchange.
2. What factors inhibited decision-making or problem solving?
We were unable to make contact with Calvin until late in the week. He was returning from out of country so it was not for lack or wanting to be able to contribute. Calvin did email the team and notified us as soon as he had internet connection to let us know he would have his portion completed and he did. I was more concerned for his safety than the assignment to be honest. I was glad to hear he had returned home safely and the group is now whole.
3. How much time was spent on decision-making or problem solving?
For this week our focus was on how we wanted to proceed as a team on future assignments. Our Team Charter, emails, and group discussions reflect the various conversations and the themes we want to focus on during the course of this term. Communication was the major theme we discussed. We also would all like to "meet" during the course of the term using video conferencing, namely Google Hangout or Skype (we are leaning more towards Google Hangout).
We communicated via ERAU email and the group discussion board in order to complete the Team Charter.
5. How did issues of authority or power affect the team?
This team did not experience any conflict regarding authority or who was in charge. I do not anticipate there being an issue with this group over who is in charge or for there to be a power struggle. I feel a sense of unity from our group as well as a genuineness to work together. I did suggest that all decisions be reached by group consensus. If an issue arises I think that we could use intergroup team building to address our concerns.
6. How did collaboration and competition influence the outcome?
This team did not work in competition. We worked together to complete our assignment in a timely manner and ahead of our deadline, even with Calvin coming into the group later in the week. We collaborated and discussed what we wanted to accomplish as a team and set goals. As Brown (2011) wrote "Group behavior research suggests that cooperation promotes productivity in some situations." (p. 300). I would suggest that our team working together will promote productivity and embrace this process.
7. Did the team members make process interventions?
At this time we have not had to have a process intervention. Will we in the future? Possibly. But as of right now the team all seems to be on the same page. We have openly discussed our expectations of one another, made our goals clear, and have a common purpose. I think we are off to a pretty good start. I very much so look forward to working with this team. I think my teammates' experiences will help me to grow. With Melissa and Shannon's work experience and Calvin's military background I think we can be a contender for top team this term. That is not my overall goal as I do not want to turn this learning opportunity into a competition with other groups, however I do want us to be a successful unit. I think as long as we abide by our team rules and are honest with with one another and not afraid to disagree we can be successful. Either way I am happy to be along for the ride!
Brown, D. (2011). An Experiential Approach to Organization Development. (8th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.
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