A Framework for Effective Teams and Groups

1. group |groōp| noun [treated as sing. or pl. ] a number of people or things that are located close together or are classed together • a number of people who work together or share certain beliefs

1.1. New node

2. 1. What is a group member?

3. 2. What are the characeristics of groups?

4. For a group to work effectively, I think each member of the group has to be on the same level of understanding of the tasks set out in front of them. Gaining an understanding will then help a group to move on to tackle their pending tasks, together.

5. 4. How do groups communicate effectively?

5.1. Groups communicate effectively when everyone is involved. Everyone should be voiced and heard. Everyone should share their feelings and ideas and I think encouragement towards each other is an important factor. I think you also have to be sensitive to each person as every individual is different.

5.2. Group communication can only be as good as the level of communication ability of each of the members. Each member needs to contribute information, share views and opinions and take on groups tasks. In order to achieve good communication levels, each group member needs to be encouraged to contribute and participate on all levels. All group members needs to be confident and competent to use all methods and types of communication available to the group. Communication is helped if all members actively seek information, ideas and views from others members, ask for clarification if things are unclear and give feedback on ideas and proposals. In general an open, positive, enthusiastic and confident communicator will help enhance group communication and task related outcomes immensely. (Mohan et al, ch 7)

5.3. Groups work by keeping in touch with each other and everyone sharing ideas and thoughts. An example of keeping in touch with each other would be if someone will be late or will not be in class on a day in which the groups will have a task to complete, letting someone from the group know about this will let them know where you are and will not cause conflict within the group.

6. 3. How do groups work effectively?

6.1. Groups work effectively through open communication. Communication let's everyone knows their roles in the group, links people and their ideas together to result in a common goal.

6.2. In order for groups to work effectively it helps if they collect and agree on procedures of working together as well as on methods of organising the task. Goals needs to be defined, decision making methods established and task choosen or distributed. Communication patterns should be clear to all members, as well as norms and rules agreed on. It is helpful if the groups engages in team building activities and develops problem solving and consensus finding strategies. (Mohan et al., chp 7)

6.3. Groups work effectively when everyone is being involved and included in group discussions and also making sure everyone shares their thoughts in which they might feel the opposite to what others in the group are thinking