Group Process Paper Working within a group setting can both be rewarding and frustrating. Enfaces no longer revolves around your singular ideas, but the ideas of many. Learning to work effectively in a group setting brings up many new challenges that must be identified and fostered if the group is to reach their common goal. As nurses, we must develop skills to become effective leaders and members of both work and professional groups (Kearney-Nunnery, 2008). Working on many group projects, within the BSN program, I like to think I have become more familiar with the group process. Kearney-Nunnery (2008, p.141) defines the group process as, the dynamic interplay of interactions within groups of humans. Interplay includes what is said and done in groups, as well as how members interact with one another and the group leader. Ultimately, the lessons I have learned should make me not only a better nurse, but a more valuable team member. Group Evaluation The group members I was assigned to work with were Kelsey Dysinger, Marcie Montgomery, Courtney Olach, and Carol Rajala. Like many groups I have worked with my group was eager to get started on our group project. Early in the project each team member posted positive and constructive comments of what needed to be completed and even gave suggestions of how to complete certain tasks. The one area that we struggled with was designation of roles. No matter how much dialog was exchanged the group could not come to the conclusion of how to designate roles. It was obvious, early in the group process, the group needed a leader to help organize and give direction. I have learned from past experience if a leader was not established early in a group project that group would not effectively attain goals GROUP PROCESS PAPER 3
or objectives. The group contract helped tremendously with establishing guidelines and expectations throughout our group process. The biggest obstacle that we faced was getting organized. Fortunately, while the group was getting organized the group was actively researching and bringing ideas to the table on what was going to be our main topic for our group project. Even though a leader was not established early in our project the group was actively working towards our first goal, developing a problem statement. If I were to state the defining moment in the group project it would have to be when I was elected group leader. This moment can be best described as the Storming phase as described in the 5 Stages of Group Development (CEO, 2007). Storming is defined by CEO (2007) as, characterized by competition and conflict in the personal- relations dimension an organization in the task-functions dimension. Although there was no outward conflict noted I perceived the group was seeking increased desire for structural clarification and commitment (CEO, 2007). After this phase the majority of the project went very smoothly, besides a few hiccups here and there. Self-Evaluation Self-evaluation and reflection is a topic that I am familiar with, yet at times I find it very difficult to objectively complete. I like to see myself as a good listener, communicator, and leader. I know these are very important qualities that are essential to the group process. According to Kelsey I am, A definite leader who motivates the group. Gives needed direction and sets dates. I have often been describes as a good leader, which I take in stride. I found myself at the beginning of the project following the flow of the group and working independently for topic ideas for our group project. Personally, I did not want to do the topic the group decided to go with, Chlamydia. I thought the data was too limited and that teen GROUP PROCESS PAPER 4
pregnancy among young African and Latino females was a bigger disparity with more hard data. I stated some data and my opinion, but the group voted on Chlamydia. As the group leader I stayed diplomatic and chose not to cause any conflict. My wife has told me, on occasion, that I have an aggressive personality. I have to be careful not to be over dominant and allow others to contribute their thoughts, beliefs, and ideas. I have no problem taking over a project that has gone astray, but I have to be careful not to run anyone over in the process. Even though I like to lead, I have no problem following. There is nothing more humbling and motivating that being part of a team with a great leader. It gives you a chance to reflect and incorporate all the great qualities that you deem as admirable. My biggest obstacle is allowing someone with less experience to take charge and lead. The great thing about the classroom environment is that it gives everyone a chance to develop good leadership traits and group processes in a healthy environment. The same cannot be said in the real working world where it has been quoted nurses like to eat their own. As with most things in life, the more we educate ourselves the more questions we find need answering. At the same time I learn more about my strengths and weakness. I have learned that I like to listen and observe my fellow group members so I can better understand who I am working with. Is there a dominant leader and what strengths or weakness do I observe in my group and myself? Even though our group seemed indecisive at first, with a little direction in guidance they functioned exceptionally well. They all worked well both independently and as a group. It was obvious that the group and I had learned a lot about the group process and what it takes to be an effective group member.
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References Creating Excellent Organization (CEO). (2007). Leadership development resources. 5 Stages of Group Development. Retrieved from http://www.drexel.edu/oca/l/tipsheets/Group_Development.pdf Kearney-Nunnery, R. (2008). Working with groups. Advancing your Career: Concepts of Professional Nursing (4 th ed. pp. 141-154). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis
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Collaborative Work Skills: Community Assessment Group Work Peer/Self Evaluation
Evaluator: Aaron Phillips Person being evaluated: Aaron Phillips CATEGORY Description For each behavior provide specific examples of behavior. Contributions Routinely provides useful ideas when participating in the group. A definite leader who contributes a lot of effort. I routinely provided useful and timely feedback. I was nominated as group leader and designated specific roles within the group. I developed the group contract and template the group used for our group project. Quality of Work Provides work of the highest quality. I believe my work submitted was high in quality. I functioned as a leader in which if assisted in all aspects of the group project. Time-management Routinely uses time well throughout the project to ensure things get done on time. Group does not have to adjust deadlines or work responsibilities because of this person's procrastination. I was able to effectively manage my time and met all deadlines. I gave positive reminders to not only help others keep their timeline commitment, but mine as well. Problem-solving Actively looks for and suggests solutions to problems. Our contract covered problem solving. Our group the democratic approach and voted on all important areas of interest, majority rule. Even though I did not care for the group topic I went along with group to avoid conflict and the best interest of completing our project. Attitude Never is publicly critical of the project or the work of others. Always has a positive attitude about the task(s). All communication was positive and done in a professional manner. Focus on the task Consistently stays focused on the task and what needs to be done. Very self-directed. I do not recall having any difficulty staying focused. One benefit of group leader is that you are so focused on the entire group you do not have an option not to be focused. Preparedness Brings needed materials to meetings and is always ready to work. The majority of our group work and communication was done through posting. We did not utilize any live conference or chat rooms due to group member work schedules. With that being said, it was easy being prepared because you did not have to bring documentation to a live table. Pride Work reflects this student's best efforts. All work was submitted in a professional manner and in the groups best interest. Monitors Group Effectiveness Routinely monitors the effectiveness of the group, and makes suggestions to make it more effective. I monitored group activity at least every 48 hours and daily during the last week of the project. I actively offered ideas and suggestions to strengthen various parts of our group power point project. Working with Others Almost always listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others. Tries to keep people working well together. It was a pleasure working with my group. At no time did I feel like there was conflict, lack of participation, or someone not pulling their weight. I had no issues with any group member. This was the best all-around group that I have worked with in the BSN program. GROUP PROCESS PAPER 7
Evaluator: Kelsey Dysinger Person being evaluated: Aaron Phillips CATEGORY Description For each behavior provide specific examples of behavior. Contributions Routinely provides useful ideas when participating in the group. A definite leader who contributes a lot of effort. Contributes routinely with useful ideas. Initiates group conversation. A definite leader who motivates the group. Gives needed direction and sets dates. For example, Team I am working on a rough draft of the group contract tonight. Once I finish it I will start a new thread labeled group contract and attach it to my post. This thread should only be used to discuss the contract. I would like everyone to look at it and make revisions by this Friday 6/13/14. When you make revisions, please upload the contract, highlight your changes, and re-upload the newest form of the contract so that the group can continue to use the most current form of the contract for revisions until completed Quality of Work Provides work of the highest quality. Provides high quality work. No spelling or grammar errors noted. Thoughts are clear and concise. Time-management Routinely uses time well throughout the project to ensure things get done on time. Group does not have to adjust deadlines or work responsibilities because of this person's procrastination. Contributions to group project have been made in a timely manner. Does not delay the progression of the project. Encourages others by setting dates when things should be done by which I think is somewhat needed in our group. Problem-solving Actively looks for and suggests solutions to problems. Puts forth ideas and opinions to improve the group project. Attitude Never is publicly critical of the project or the work of others. Always has a positive attitude about the task(s). Good attitude, stays positive about the project and others work. Focus on the task Consistently stays focused on the task and what needs to be done. Very self-directed. Yes, stays focused. Very self-directed. Preparedness Brings needed materials to meetings and is always ready to work. Not very applicable, but has internet access and is able to use power point that is needed for the group project. Pride Work reflects this student's best efforts. Yes, work is of high quality. Monitors Group Effectiveness Routinely monitors the effectiveness of the group, and makes suggestions to make it more effective. Makes suggestions toward group work in a positive way, but evaluating our group effectiveness is something that our whole group needs to work on. We have just been going along with the flow. I think we could be more effective, but so far no one has made any suggestions on how to improve group work. Working with Others Almost always listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others. Tries to keep people working well together. Works very well with others. Responses are encouraging and suggestions are made when necessary.