Group Habits Forming
The initial forming of the group was via e-mail
introductions. Members sent out e-mails to each other with brief introductions, which
included occupation and family status. The first two meetings of the group tentative and
extremely task oriented around completing the Turnaround projects. At this point in the
group development, it was still unsure as to what roles each would play in the group. The
first meeting to work on Turnaround was difficult—answers were chosen based on
majority rules leaving some members feeling as if they had been "outvoted."
Storming
The moment of truth for Group 1- Groton was the Energy
International exercise. We did not work well as a team on this exercise. We didn’t
approach the task in an organized and cohesive manner. Seeking and giving of information
was tentative, resulting in the wrong conclusion. We all knew that we had to work on our
group building skills. We had approached the assignment in a disorganized manner. Sharing
of information was key to this project and the group did not accomplish this.
There was also some internal conflict as to times and
locations of the meetings.
Meetings had to be changed to accommodate individual
schedules—generally went fine but occasionally raised some conflict.
Norming
By the fourth meeting it was easy to observe the group
building and maintenance roles in progress. There was a great deal of emphasis on
coordinating as well as supporting. The tenor of the email communication has
changed—it is friendly, joking and down to business but in a supportive and open
manner. The group is able to add fun and humor to the tasks at hand.
One of the greatest difficulties faced by the members of
this group was the allocation of time. Most members were taking at least one other course
simultaneously and trying desperately to find a balance between work, school, and family.
We decided as a group that meeting on Sundays would be the most convenient for all. The
group was flexible—and ready to change times and locations to ensure that all group
members are present.
During this stage of Group 1’s development there is a
mediating and harmonious overtone to the meetings. Members are starting to feel
comfortable with each other.
Performing
After a few false starts, the group has agreed on a
project. All were excited about the Kite Building/Flying project. The group extensively
shared decision making as to the actual make and model of the kite. We looked forward to
the actual date of implementation. In the beginning of our group formation, our idea of a
project would be one that was extremely structured and functional. As the group got more
comfortable with each other it was much easier to conceive of doing project that would be
structured by the group members and not an external influence. The group was comfortable
with problem solving.
