A631.2.5.RB_FogartyShawn

After we had completed the team assignment, A631.2.4.LT, I would consider the group to be mutually interdependent team members. Each team member both supports and depends on the others to complete assignments. We operated completely opposite of the various divisions in the Exely Chemical Company since we had outlined and embraced that communication was the primary factor for success. Further, we aimed to provide positive communication to avoid the many intergroup operating problems as expressed in our text (Brown, 2011, p. 297-298).

The behaviors that helped our team successfully complete its task this week were positive communication and timely feedback. Since we’re relatively limited in mediums to communicate successful completion of each assignment, it is incumbent on individuals to routinely check for messages and reply accordingly. Also, the tasks are straightforward and some team members took initiative to get the ball rolling; this positive energy will make for healthy team collaboration on assignments in the future.

The factors that inhibited the group in decision-making or problem solving were limited, however, time was a factor. Our group consists of five team members and even with positive communication, there was still a momentary idle between the flash and bang. The team charter assignment was straightforward and not much time was wasted on decision-making and problem solving.

Information is shared principally online through the discussion threads throughout the team members. This worked well in the past and having been in previous groups with some individuals will likely be the way ahead on future assignments. Depending on the complexity, we have historically held teleconferences to expedite task orientation and individual functions. It is relative and dependent to the complexity of each assignment.

There have not been any issues of authority or power conflicts within the team. The only historical instances where this became a problem was with task orientation as a vague assignment had our team spinning our wheels aimlessly throughout the week. Saturday came and we hadn’t made much progress as there were disagreements as to the deliverable required which was clarified through the instructor in order to meet the requirements for the course. In hindsight, the third-party intervention was needed to allow us to move forward.

There was not an issue relating to competition influence, however, as far as collaboration, our team was flawless within discussion thread posts. I’m excited to move forward, and I suspect we’ll be very productive as an online and remote team.

There was a myriad of process interventions amongst team members. I was brought onboard a little late and received a warm welcome, which is a form of support. One team member in charge of consolidation had to question another as he likely inadvertently skipped a section by accident. Overall, the team mutually provided feedback and synthesizing (Brown, 2011, p. 203-204).

Brown, D. R. (2011). In An experiential approach to organization development (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Prentice Hall