This
week we learned about the five stages of team development: forming, storming,
norming, performing, and adjourning (check out http://www.projectsmart.co/uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html).
Each group/team goes through two or more stages when working together towards a
goal. Each stage moves the team towards success, but some groups can get stuck
in the beginning stages depending on the situation and people involved. For this
assignment we were asked to focus on the adjourning stage of team development. In
this stage, the project has come to an end and group members go their separate ways.
Personally, some groups are easier
to say good-bye to than others. I think the easy groups to leave are those
where there was lots of confusion, lack of communication, unclear goals, etc.
These groups are frustrating and draining. There have been some meetings that I
just could not wait to leave because the group I joined with was filled with
confusion. Some groups also have a lack of focus. The meeting leader would assign
a task and three out of 7 people would be focused on the activity. This is very
challenging.
On the other hand, I have been in
groups where all members were focused on the task at hand. We would challenge
each other in order to complete the task at hand. These groups were exciting
and there would be a constant flow of information. Before separating from these
group members, everyone would exchange email addresses and other contact info to
stay in touch. These group members make great networking buddies.
I think that is why the adjourning
stage is so important. When meeting with people for the first time, it is always
a good thing to establish a networking relationship. It is also a good thing to
have resources in other areas to use when needed. At the end of this program
with Walden, I hope to have gained some new networking buddies in order to
share successes and lessons with. You can never have too many resources.
You're right, Ryan! We can accomplish a whole lot more in life through networking! When people say, "it isn't what you know, it's who you know" I agree whole heartedly. Not because of the privilege that this saying may imply, but because of the many opportunities available and wisdom shared with those we network with!
ReplyDeleteGreat point!
Hi Ryan,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. When a group clicks and they are all professionally moving toward a common goal then you know that these are people you can count on to bounce ideas off of. I too feel that networking with others is very important and I feel that as early childhood professionals learning together in the masters program we have the potential to do just that. It is good to bounce ideas around with people who understand the profession and share a common goal.
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteGreat points! Some groups are easier to say goodbye to, especially if it was unproductive. I also would like to network with my colleagues to continue to share ideas and experiences.
Hi Ryan,
ReplyDeleteYou made some interesting points. I must agree that groups are easy to adjourn when the members are not happy and or unproductive.
I think that we all need to create a blog where we can stay in contact after our well earned journey here at Walden.
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteThank you, for sharing your insights and feedback on my blogs posts. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.