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After the initial class, Group 1- Groton got together online and made our online introductions. We posted messages about ourselves—occupations, where we lived. All very tentative and formal in format. We agreed online to meet one hour early for the second class so that we could begin Turnaround #1. The First Meeting 1/24 : We met before class to complete Turnaround #1. We had completed the individual portion prior to meeting. Our initial method of agreement on Turnaround was simply—majority rules. There was some frustration on the part of those in the minority but we forged ahead. At this point—not working as a team—but as individuals put together to become a team. We were forming! Meeting 1/30 : We scheduled our second meeting outside of the classroom. We decided to meet at John Lanza’s work conference room. We worked on Turnaround #2—the group was still fairly formal, however, there was much more discussion on this Turnaround. There was a great emphasis on seeking group consensus to come up with our selections. At this meeting, our personalities began to emerge. The setting was conducive to work. Some members felt it was too formal, so the group agreed to try someplace more casual next time. Meeting 2/6 : The meeting to complete the third Turnaround was at the Mohegan Sun Buffet. Some group members found this setting to be just a bit too informal. It was smoky and noisy. Not everyone was intrested in eating a meal either. This was more offensive to some members than others. Despite the distractions, Turnaround #3 was completed. Meeting 2/20 : The group decided to meet at John’s office conference room once again. The intention was to complete Turnaround #4; however, not all members were able to attend. We deferred the completion of Turnaround #4 and began brainstorming different ideas for our group project. Utilizing brainstorming, we threw out a myriad of ideas for our project. The suggestions vacillated between projects that would be sheer fun and projects that would be humanitarian in nature. Initial suggestions ranged from Food Shelter work to line dancing. We decided to fully complete turnaround #4 and then progress to the project selection project. Meeting 2/26 : We had our first test of the group! We had decided to meet at John’s office and then go on to Margarita’s in Mystic for supper together. In class we opted instead to meet at the Groton Public Library and then go on to Margarita’s. One member sent out a posting confirming the meeting at John’s office. So---some of us met at John’s office and one member went to Groton Public Library. This caused some confusion but we were able to quickly adapt, we contacted the library and meet at Margarita’s. The group is made of members who adapt fairly well according to our LIFO scores. We were able to deal with the situation with humor and forge ahead on our task. We completed Turnaround #4 with ease and a great deal of laughter. Our initial method of "majority rules" had evolved to become consensus seeking. Meeting 3/5 : We decided to meet at Trader Jack’s to discuss our project. We were all to come with some more ideas to toss around. Well—we arrived at Trader Jack’s—they are closed on Sunday! This required an immediate alternative plan. Being the flexible group that we are—we moved on to Daniel Packer Inn, only a short drive down the road. We had an enjoyable lunch. We each suggested some possible group projects and then chose the idea that all agreed on—to work on a Habitat for Humanity house. Meeting 3/12 : The group got together at Steak Loft again to discuss the group project. We had just discovered that the habitat project was not going to be feasible—the homes had lead paint and would require extensive preparation. The work date was pushed back to the end of April. So—back to the drawing board. The idea of making a kite together, flying it and having an enjoyable day was mutually agreed upon. Ganga took pictures of the group to put with our Bio pages. It was decided that the group members would bring their children/families for the kite flying day. Two of the members felt strongly that the children would distract from the actual project. All agreed to keep the project date specific to the group members. Meeting 3/19 : Next meeting was scheduled on 3/19 at the Mystic Lobster House in Mystic. This meeting was ill fated—one member was involved in a car accident enroute to the meeting, another became ill, and a third member was called in to work. Discussion focused around the logistics of putting together the kite—should it be from a kit or totally self built? Several of the members who had visited a kite shop were excited about some of the kits they saw. A meeting was set for all to meet at the kite shop to render a decision. Meeting 3/26 : On 3/26 the entire group met at the Mystic Kite Shop. It took us about a half-hour to come o a consensus, but we decided on a 3-part stunt kite---The Rage. It was unanimous! We all headed over to Avery Point for our kite flying adventure. We stopped for lunch and beverages on the way. It was a glorious day to fly a kite. Initially we had some technical difficulties but the team all worked together to get everyone flying. It was a success! Meeting 4/2 : The group met to finalize the presentation at Ganga's office in New London. The group was very happy and pleased with the final product. Ready to present! Meeting 4/9 : The paper is due in a week and we want to have it completed by tomorrow. Much discussion about format and content—we want it to be just right! We met at Ganga’s Pfizer office at 10 am. Worked for two hours—broke for lunch and then reconvened. The team agreed we still needed more work on the content and would meet again the following week. Meeting 4/16 : Final meeting; we reviewed the paper and incorporated all the last minute changes necessary prior to turning it in tomorrow. Back to Top |
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