Group Behavior Essay

Communication:
Key to any group is the communication of its members. Realizing that we would be working together for a full quarter, the team members were quick to exchange cell phone numbers and email addresses. The cell phone numbers were key as texting proved to be the most efficient method to ask and answer quick questions from other group members while we were on the go and dealing with other aspects of our lives.
According to Kirst-Ashman, four aspects characterize positive verbal behavior in effective task groups. These are an open communication structure, seeking feedback from each other and those outside the group, providing practical and useful feedback to one another to achieve group goals, and the ability to put to use the feedback

For example, in the early weeks of our working together one group member was demonstrating with his or her body language (slumped shoulders, body slightly turned away from the group) and lack of eye contact some nervousness whenever we were faced with beginning a new task. Whatever the emotional origins of this behavior were, this group member was lacking the confidence needed to feel comfortable putting forth his or her ideas toward the group creation process. Without being overt in their intention, the other group members would strive to bring that person’s ideas to the group by gently asking them in an open and accepting way what they felt would add to our project. Having experienced this a few times, the person loosened up and became more willing to share

Our group was highly motivated to make all decisions affairs of consensus. Any large questions regarding process or direction were decided by the group. After assignments were divided up, if a team member had a concern that his or her work would alter the intent of the group’s plan of action, a group email would be sent or in-class discussion would occur to determine the group’s desire. Additionally, as a last step, we would all convene and read through our entire presentations line by line. Interestingly, when this part of our process was mentioned to other groups it was inconceivable to them. This detailed read allowed us to make last minute decisions about wording as it related to best expressing our intent and preserved the integrity of the original section author. The “team leader” position rotated through the group. Generally speaking, the team leader was primarily responsible for stitching together the submissions from the individual team members after an assignment had been divided up into sections that could be worked on independently. The team leader also communicated with the group, generally through email, when sections were still requiring submission, or when seeking clarity regarding order or