I worked in several different groups in different classes when I was getting my Bachelor's degree. I also have been a part of some small group discussions during trainings. The one that was the hardest to leave was my one class in college where we were a part of the group for the entire class. Almost every assignment was done as a group so we had a lot of time to get to know each other and became close. Luckily, many of these people were in the same degree program so we would still have classes together, but it was not the same as when we were working together. I can still remember one group session at a training that I was so thankful when it was over. We were split up into small groups at a training where we had to discuss and review our literature to answer some questions and then we would share with the whole group. We had one member who felt she had to disagree on every point and was very rude in her disagreements. By the end we had to just override all of her disagreements and write down what the rest of the group agreed on just in order to finish our task to share with the whole group at the the training. While we were sharing our answers she would yell out what she thought it should be. It was very embarrassing and frustrating. We could have had good discussions and learned from each other's different views and perspectives, but she was not willing to listen to other viewpoints and her manner of insisting that she was right made it difficult to listen.
I do not think I have ever had any closing rituals in any of the groups that I was in and I am not even sure what I would consider for a closing ritual.
I think adjourning is an important stage of teamwork because it brings a closure to the group and helps to show an accomplishment. The adjourning stage from my group in my college class was when we received our final grade. This helped us see our work together had meaning and was productive. The adjourning phase for the other group during the training session was when we shared our answers for the rest of the group. It provided an ending to the discussion and allowed us to move on to the next part of the training.
Jennie,
ReplyDeleteI agree adjourning brings closure to the group. It also shows you your weaknesses and strengths and can hopefully teach you how to work better as a group. While for most people it is hard to work in a group especially myself group work can definitely teach you a lot.
Jennie
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to work in a group where someone is argumentative and not willing to be open to considering other perspectives it is was good that the group was able to push on to finalize your task. I also agree that adjourning can give you closure to simply know you have completed what you started.
Hi Jennie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for being such a valid asset to the group discussions and blog assignments. I enjoyed reading your post and answering your questions on the discussion board, it had made the course a lot more interesting. Best of luck to you on your future courses!!
Crystal
Hi Jennie
ReplyDeleteGood Luck as you continue on your professional journey. Thank you for sharing your ideas during our blogs and discussions.
Hi Jennie,
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure reading about your thoughts and experiences. We have come a long way and I wish you very much luck on the rest of your journey! We are all in this together during this difficult yet amazing goal we all have. I am always here for extra words of encouragement!