Group Leadership And Conflict Summary

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Group Leadership and Conflict Summary Sablan, Jenny SOC110 13 March 2017 Elisa Rowell Group Leadership and Conflict Summary My group interaction experience with my learning team was not at all what I had in mind. When I read the assignment, I assumed the members of my team would be completely involved and immersed in conversations. Reflecting on my expectations, I understand that I set the bar high. Interacting through a computer screen is quite arduous. I have no control over participation and creating an agenda that everyone will follow. Because this was my first experience with a learning team, I was hopeful that more members would contribute. Sadly, this is not what I received in this week’s team discussions. At first, …show more content…

They managed to discuss and provide solutions to their primary objectives. Although they did not appoint a leader, their member David, found ways to pull back the group's focus. Another member named Aisha came to the meeting prepared and assisted their purpose with her research. As for cohesion, this group did an excellent job working together when they barely knew each other. I believe an icebreaker or just a simple round of sharing would have helped them get to know each other better. Regardless, they still prospered. Each member contributed feedback and pushed their team closer and closer to their overall goal. They did not talk over each other instead made sure everyone had a chance to share. A member named Ray even threw in a joke towards the end that made the group more relaxed. My team and I all agreed that humor is essential in the effectiveness of a team. When a group is too serious, members lose interest and refrain from sharing their thoughts and ideas. This group only had one constructive conflict situation. When Betty suggested a bake sale to help raise fund, Ray and Phil did not agree with her. They did not believe a bake sale would drum up enough funds. What made this constructive was that it led Ray to contribute another idea which the whole group agreed was the better choice. Their small disagreement led them to find a solution that they all strongly believed in. Overall, their conflict was beneficial and made …show more content…

Although there was an instructor present, he did not help with group cohesion. There was no agenda to follow and members did not enter the meeting prepared with research. They also did not give each other a chance to speak. A major issue lied in their inability to listen to each other. “…groups cannot reach their maximum effectiveness unless all members listen actively to one another” (Beebe & Masterson, 2015, p. 151) Ellen and Trevor constantly created destructive conflict that made it hard for their team to focus on their purpose. They found ways to interrupt each other and struggled to express their feelings adequately. For example, Ellen would be expressing her thoughts and Trevor would interrupt her by sharing his ideas. It continued to a point where Ellen started to make unnecessary comments about Trevor. My group and I recognized how Trevor did try and be respectful in the beginning but Ellen did not try and change her tone. Consequently, their conflict escalated. “In a group, you must overcome the temptation to ignore those you think are boring, pedantic, offensive, or wrong. Good ideas can come from anyone, even from people with whom you disagree” (Beebe & Masterson, 2015, p.

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