Hostile Toward The Other Team Members example essay topic

Upon reflection regarding last weeks team assignment, certain truisms became immediately apparent. Regarding the five stages of group development, which include forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning, the team members found the following at each stage of development: 1. Forming - during this stage, the team members became aware of qualities they each had in common, such as geographic proximity, background, work ethics, years of experience, etc. They also became aware of what behaviors were acceptable to the other members. 2. Storming - at this stage of development, the members of the team did not allow themselves to become hostile toward the other team members; nor did they impose their preferences of beliefs upon the other members of the team.

3. Norming - the team members developed a closer relationship with each other while attempting to overcome some obstacles that arose in the completion of the assignment. Communication platforms were set up and the focus was concentrated upon positive reinforcement of each member's contributions to the assignment. 4. Performing - each team member provided motivation and encouragement to the others leading to a cooperative effort aimed at completion of the assignment. 5.

Adjourning - this stage of the group development has yet to occur, as there are other team assignments to be completed before dispersing the team as a whole. As for roles and responsibilities of the team, no formal steps have been taken in this area. Everyone has virtually the same roles and responsibilities. Each paper shall be compiled and posted for comment or recommendations by a different team member each week.

The team as a whole shall decide upon editing suggestions. The team works together providing input for the compiled paper. The team is considering assigning roles for the final paper submission. These roles could include preparing an outline, researching facts & documentation, preparing the rough draft and final presentation, formatting and proofreading before final submission. The members in Team B act responsibly and complete each thing asked of them in a timely manner, barring unforeseen circumstances. Time management skills for the team as a whole and individually are vital components of the satisfactory completion of all assignments.

While the team, as a whole did not manage their time very well on the last assignment, certain problems inherent in the last assignment appear to have been resolved, at least temporarily. Much of the information for the team paper was received at the last minute, which left little time for comparison or editing. Compiling the information received was rushed and left little time for additions or corrections to spelling, grammar, or structure. A suggestion has been made that each team member be assigned specific tasks to be completed on a scheduled date, in order to allow the other team members to comment, reflect and review each paper before it is due. On an individual basis, time management skills differ for each member of the team. One team member considers herself a "stay-at-home mom" whose time is a limited concerning the team as a whole.

Most of her time is monopolized in the raising of her children and the care of her family. Most team requirements must be met while her family is either away at school or work, or sleeping. This leaves little free time for either herself or her team. However, through the miracle of technology, she is able to communicate with her team members whenever necessary and complete any assignments required. Another team member uses various devices to aid in time management. She possesses a PDA with individual appointments scheduled using a sound cue reminder.

She has a calendar on her computer at her place of employment, as well as on her home computer. Assignments and appointments are scheduled in advance and reminders are set on whichever calendar is relevant to the job. While most job related matters are planned in advance, even the best-laid plans can be subverted by an emergency situation. School assignment deadlines are scheduled on both computers, but as was evidenced in the last group assignment, even those plans can be rendered moot when the equipment fails. The third team member feels that personal time management is an area in which she needs to pay more attention. Whenever unexpected problems arise which require her input, she takes care of them, rather than delegating the responsibility to some one else.

This leads to a very stressful situation for her, boot at her work and at home. Setting a schedule would probably be a benefit to this team member, as well as following the schedule as closely as possible. All of our team members manage their time both personally and professionally in the manner that suits them the best. Schedules and appointment calendars are good tools, but they are a benefit only if used in the proper manner.

Setting a schedule or appointment reminders does neither the team nor the individual any good when unforeseen circumstance precludes their use. Decision strategies for the team includes the use of MSN Messenger and the team folder postings. Decision-making is at the core of the team's performance and the effectiveness of that decision making determines the ultimate success of the team. The team makes decisions as a whole and majority decides any dissension or disagreement regarding process.

All decisions are made individually or by two team members and agreed upon by the whole team. Decisions for the team papers are based upon consensus of team members regarding the best approach to researching, compiling, editing, and posting the paper. The members of this team are each very competent in this regard. As for any conflict that may arise, communication between the team members is critical to its denouement. This communication takes place through telephone, team folder postings, or MSN Messenger. No serious conflicts have arisen, as we are all aware that this environment is composed of a fast-paced, short duration, distance learning team.

Attempting to place any situation into its proper perspective minimizes conflict, examining best / worst case scenarios, and above all not letting personal conflict evolve into team conflict. Each team member has its individual peak learning times. One team member feels that her best time is early morning. Another feels that mid-morning to late afternoon is better, while the third is better from mid-afternoon to mid-evening. None of the team members is free to use what each considers their best time.

Early mornings are tied up with getting children prepared for school or husbands off to work. Mornings and afternoons are dedicated to customers or other job-related occupations. It seems that we all have our lowest performance times in the late evenings, which is when all other priorities seem to die down. For that reason, none of us are at our best after working all day at either stressful jobs or child management duties, yet it seems that is the only period of time we have to devote to our studies. Assertiveness is the ability to express yourself and your rights without violating the rights of others.

This in turn will allow a person to improve their decision-making abilities. The members of Team B are assertive in communicating their ideas to fellow team members in order to complete designated tasks. No member is so overly assertive that it leads to conflict with fellow team members. Members are considerate of others feelings and opinions and communicate extremely effectively with each other. We maintain a clear and honest dialog between each other and do not pay attention to selfishness or act in an aggressive manner with each other..