Working in Groups 1

 Working in groups may be one of the most important skills you learn in college.  The ability to work in groups is an essential employability skill according to government – along with verbal communication and the ability to make decisions and solve conflict. The Challenges of Working in Groups 2

 Group interaction – a necessity for effective group communication in both face-to-face and virtual meetings  Group members are interdependent – the actions of an individual group member affect every other member  Group members come together for a reason: a collective purpose or goal that defines and unifies the group – work to accomplish a common goal The Challenges of Working in Groups (cont) 3

 Groups outperform individuals acting alone  The lone problem solver can’t match the diversity of knowledge and perspectives of a group  Working in groups can enhance learning when members share information, stimulate critical thinking, challenge assumptions, and establish high standards of achievement. Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Groups 4

 Requires time and energy  Potential for conflict among members  Behaviour of some members may create problems Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in Groups 5

 Groups that are responsible for making decisions, solving problems, implementing projects, or performing routine duties Work Groups 6

Virtual Group  Relies on tools such as , audio conferencing, videoconferencing, and Web conferencing to communicate across time, distance, and organizational boundaries 7

 Learn to balance individual and group goals  Primary tension – the social unease and inhibitions that accompany the get-acquainted period in a new group – often over polite – decreases as become more comfortable  Try to be positive, energetic, patient, open-minded and well prepared Balancing Individual and Group Goals 8

 Group membership – sometimes we get to choose the groups we work with, and sometimes we are assigned groups  Hidden agendas – when a member’s private goals conflict with group’s goals  Discussing hidden agendas during early stages of group development can counteract their disruptive power  What are the groups goals?  Do any members have any personal concerns or goals that differ from these?  What outcomes do members expect? Balancing Individual and Group Goals (cont) 9

 Conflict is valuable in groups because it forces us to analyze our opinions and decisions  Groups also benefit from cohesion – the mutual attraction that holds members of a group together  Secondary tensions – frustrations and personality conflicts  Joke about tension  Work outside group setting to discuss personal difficulties and anxieties Balancing Conflict and Cohesion 10

 Group Cohesion – All for one and one for all!  Cohesive groups are united and committed to a common goal, have high levels of interaction, and enjoy a supportive communication climate – teamwork; willing to use creative approaches to achieve the group’s goals – happier and get more done – treat each other with respect Balancing Conflict and Cohesion (cont) 11

 Norming – how will the group work – balance a commitment to group practices, rules, and standards (conformity) with a willingness to differ and change (nonconformity)  Constructive nonconformity occurs when a member resists a norm while still working to promote the group – sometimes this is needed and valued  Destructive nonconformity occurs when a member resists conformity without regard for the best interests of the group and its goal Balancing Conformity and Nonconformity 12

 Group members assume different roles depending on the nature of the group, its membership, and its goal.  A group role is a pattern of behaviours associated with an expected function within a particular group context  Every group member brings unique talents, preferences, and perspectives to a group Balancing Task and Maintenance Roles 13

 Task roles focus on behaviours that help manage the task and complete the job  Maintenance roles affect whether group members get along with one another while pursuing a common goal Group Task and Maintenance Roles 14

 Leadership is the ability to make strategic decisions and use communication to mobilize group members toward achieving a common goal.  Communication is the glue that connects all leadership competencies  Motivating others is a critical task for leaders  Managing group processes is one of the most important functions of leadership  Effective leaders must make decisions Developing Group Leadership 15

1.Be ready and willing to mentor every group member 2.Encourage and invite others to lead 3.Inspire optimism 4.Create appropriate balance and boundaries Mentor Members 16

 Defining the problem  Analyzing the problem  Finding out as much as possible about the problem  Determining solution criteria  Identifying possible solutions  Evaluating solutions  Deciding  The expert opinion method  The majority rule method  The unanimous decision method Your Turn! Problem Solving in Groups 17

Constraints on Effective Decision Making  Cognitive constraints – occur when a group feels under pressure because a task is difficult, information is lacking, or time is limited  Affiliative constraints – occur when some members are more concerned with harmony than making decisions  Egocentric constraints – members of group have high need for control or driven by other personal needs 18

In your teams complete the following “case study.” 1.Define the problem. 2.Evaluate the solution. 3.How did you come to a consensus? 4.What constraints did the group have? 19

As Marketing Requested It As Sales Ordered It As Engineering Designed It As Data Processing Programmed It As Service Installed ItWhat the Customer Wanted CASESTUDYCASESTUDY 20

 No class next class… go online to worksearch worksearch 21

 Go to “Getting Started”. Now click on #1 where it says Career Planning. On right side of page it says Sign up. Do it and then log in when you are signed up.  Again go to Getting Started, Career Planning and then scroll down to the boxes. Click Know Yourself. Scroll down until you see seven quizzes. Complete all of them. Ensure you hit Get Results every time you want to leave the quiz so that your info is saved. If you don’ you have to start over for each quiz. DO NOT GO TO CAREER CHOICES. Just got to the next quiz.  You can go in and out of this website anytime as you are now a member of it. 22