Whose Mess is This?

Submitted by Krystals Group

Colby Densley, Brooke Gledhill, Sara Kingston, Krystal Noris, Korry
Wagstaf
Salt Lake Community College
COMM 1010 - 406

Table of Contents
Executive Summary.................................................................................................... 2
Project Description..................................................................................................... 3
Methods...................................................................................................................... 4
Conclusion................................................................................................................ 16
Works Cited.............................................................................................................. 17
Appendix 1 - Group Contract
.
18
Appendix 2 - Solution Analysis Chart
....19
Appendix 3 - Group Participation Points
.20

Executive Summary
This report is part of a communication project in which our group chose a case study
and followed the reflective thinking process to reach a solution for the problem
described in the study. This case was about dealing with messy roommates and how
this behavior affected each member of the house. The information provided by our
instructor about problem solving processes was very helpful in obtaining the most
viable solution. The creation of a group contract was required. Before starting, each
member of the team participated in setting up the policies, terms and conditions of
this contract. Everyone agreed to fulfill the contract requirements.
The problem solving process involved the description of the problem. During this
part, the challenge was to identify the issue and create an open-ended question.
Moreover, by analyzing the problem the characteristics and symptoms were
identified. Once the problem and characteristics were clear, it was time to begin
thinking about several effective solutions. The solutions were evaluated and
analyzed according to the criteria previously agreed upon.
By using the reflective thinking process, we determined the best solution was to
hold a meeting with all involved members to discuss feelings and issues, as well as

to create an organized rotational system with a task checklist controlled by a

scheduled captain.

Project Description
Our group set out to accomplish many tasks during this project to help us apply
what we learned not only to our personal lives, but also in a work environment. This
project allowed our group to utilize the communication skills we have learned thus
far, as well as giving us an opportunity to expand our communication experience
and understanding. The reflective decision-making protocol was also brought into
play to construct a realistic resolution to our life-like situation, which was to find
steps that would create a mess-free environment that is fair to all roommates. In
addition, we were also able to improve our writing skills through this journey.
The purpose of our group was to create clear goals and incorporate a diversity of
ideas and viewpoints into the project. Having clear goals in place allowed us to
improve our communication skills within the group, create harmony, and have a
shared sense of responsibility. Throughout this project we discovered each individual
had different personality types that balanced the groups dynamic and helped with
brainstorming. We found that some group members strengths compensated for
other members weaknesses.

Finding the solution to a problem is a very important part of the decision-making

process. As Steven Covey once quoted, begin with the end in mind. Its crucial to
keep this thought at hand as a person or group is attempting to search for a
resolution. If problems were never solved one would not be able to make any
progress personally or in the workplace resulting in chaos and failing businesses. As
for our messy roommates, finding a solution to this problem was critical to avoid
resentment amongst them. Also, by creating the command center the house can be
maintained with the equal participation from all roommates.

Methods
To begin the project, our group established an initial meeting in which we prepared
a Team Contract that included a list of Relational Norms as well as Task Norms that
we would use for the rest of the project. (See Appendix 1) We then utilized the
reflective thinking sequence to prepare a solution to our messy roommate problem.
The reflective thinking sequence (Alder, Elmhorst, and Lucas, pg.236-237) is a stepby-step process that a group can follow to achieve their final goal of establishing an
effective solution to a problem. By following this outline, the group is able to keep
an open mind and avoid pitfalls such as group thinking and brings forth effective
ways to brainstorm. Below will be a description of the outcome of each step our
group took, as well as our end product.
Part I: Definition of the Problem
To begin, we needed to identify the problem we were solving and state a probative
question (Alder, Elmhorst, and Lucas, pg. 236). This enabled us to explore the
problem and identify a well thought out solution.

Our problem statement was, What steps can be taken to create a mess-free
environment that is fair to all individuals involved?.
Part II: Analysis of the Problem
A crucial step in problem solving is to fully understand the problem at hand, and to
do so we must examine every aspect of the problem. One pitfall many will find
themselves in is jumping straight to a solution without identifying if it has been tried
before, what methods have worked, who is affected, and many other aspects that
are commonly overlooked.
To analyze the problem, we looked at aspects such as characteristics,
stakeholders, history/background, politics, and resources we could use.
A. Characteristics
Symptoms: The main symptom associated with our problem is a messy
house, which in turn is creating a tense environment between
housemates. Due to the mess and the unequal attempts to solve it,
tensions are growing between the roommates.
Negatives:
-Messy House
-Tension between roommates
-Possible health code violations and safety issues
-Possible lease violation
Positives:
-We have identified the problem before it becomes a legal issue
-We know it needs to be clean and are working to establish a
solution
B. Stakeholders
In our case study, all groups or housemates are affected, but there are
some extra effects that only impact a select few. For instance, the main
effect that impacts every one is that the house will be dirty, turning the
house into a difficult environment where the members may not be able to
fully focus when doing their homework. Furthermore, having the house

dirty is unhealthy and unhygienic for everyone. On the other hand, there
are other effects that only impact two out of the five members. This is due
to the fact that two members are noticing that the other three are not
doing their part to maintain a clean home. This has built up frustration,
stress, conflict and tension. It would seem that the group of three have a
goal that only involves being successful in school. However, the group of
two individuals has a goal to be successful in school, while keeping a clean
environment that supports their success. The landlord or property owner
would also be affected, depending on the severity of the mess.
C. History/Background
Our group brainstormed and researched various ways others have tried to
overcome similar messy roommate challenges. The results of our research
could be organized into the following 4 categories:
1. Solutions that favor the clean roommates, at the expense of
the messy roommates feelings or property. These solutions would
lead to resentment or retaliation.
a. Hide or dispose of other persons items when left out
b. Nag and complain
2. Solutions that favor the messy roommates, at the expense of
the clean roommates time and energy. These solutions could also
lead to resentment.
a. Stop cleaning yourself and hope your roommate notices how
unbearable living conditions have become and maybe they will get the
hint.
b. Set rewards if goals are met
c. You could do more cleaning and your roommate could pick up other
responsibilities like groceries.
d. Cleaning up the mess yourself

3. Neutral solutions that will benefit both parties equally, leading

to harmony and clean living conditions.
a. Split the chores equally, make maps with areas or zones designated
to certain people, have checklists with step by step directions and
materials needed for tasks.
b. Get creative and use notes ex: (You could leave a shower cleaning
spray by the shower with a note that says, "Please spray on walls and
tub after shower. Thanks!")
c. Alternate tasks weekly
d. Schedule a day to clean
e. Hire a professional cleaning service
4. These are some steps to take to initiate and approach the
situation:
a. Talk to roommate but be tactful and considerate; avoid being blunt
and rude
b. Find the meaning behind the messiness
i. Are they going through a rough time or under stress?
ii. They may not know the meaning of cleanliness due to their
upbringing
c. Are you setting unrealistic expectations because your standards are
excessive?
d. Ask a third party to stop by to give their honest opinion to confirm
your thoughts or maybe you should reconsider
D. Politics
1. Regulations (rules)
a. If written rules were made before messes occurred that all agreed
on certain boundaries this could possibly impact how to go about
keeping them in check.
b. Its possible the housemates are the owner, landlord or siblings to
2.

them.
Professional requirements

a. There could possibly be a maid service that everyone paid for that
could hinder how certain areas could be cleaned and whose fault is
3.

whose.
Political considerations and/or ethical expectations
a. Some solutions may have to go through the Landlord or Owner that
could cause more turmoil like upping the rent if brought up.
b. Racism, if there is certain dominance in race messy housemates
might look at as a racist offense.
c. Possibly grew up in a culture or family that didnt require them to
clean.

E. Resources
1. Talk to the landlord what cleaning policies were agreed upon when
contracts were signed? What are the landlords personal expectations
of cleanliness for renters? A conversation with the landlord would be a
good opener for a conversation with roommates.
2. Communicating at Work, Strategies for Success in Business and the
Professions has a chapter on effective meetings. The principles taught
in this text will be helpful in setting up a productive space for coming
up with plan of action with roommates.
3. Bad roommates have been around for a long time. Many friends and
family members have dealt with bad roommates and would be great
resources for discovering what has worked in the past.
4. The internet has many resources for finding breakdowns for cleaning
schedules, checklists, etc. to make splitting up and rotating
assignments fair, easy, and thorough.

Part III: Criteria

Before we could have our conversation to brainstorm solutions, a list of criteria had
to be created in order to assess the ideas that the group came up with. This helped
narrow down the ideas into a select few that will accomplish our goal of finding an
effective solution.
To begin we reiterated that these are not to be solutions, but are a list of criteria for
us to utilize later.
Our solution will...
i. Apply principles of effective communication that we are learning in the class.
ii. Be achievable within our four-week time frame.
iii. Cost less than $100.00.
iv. Not make assumptions about who is at fault
v. Be fair to all household members
vi. Include all household members input and ideas
vii. Be manageable for all household members, respecting individual time
constraints
viii. Be agreed upon by each individual before being finalized
ix. Allow all household members to live in harmony
x. Ensure individual and collective property will be respected and
maintained in good condition

Part IV: Brainstorming

The next step was to begin brainstorming some possible solutions to our problem.
During this process we wanted to come up with ideas without limiting them due to
the criteria or sounding irrational. Brainstorming is often thought of as very serious,
but by making it fun and crazy we were able to bring ideas to the table that may
have originally been left out because of fear of what others will think. An important
part of this step was to avoid evaluating ideas until we had brainstormed a
complete list.
Below is a list of the ideas we came up with. Many seem to follow the same general
idea.
1. Create checklists or charts.
2. Assign cleaning zones.
3. Schedule cleaning to be done.
4. Initiate with a group meeting; No real follow up.
5. Bring another person in (Landlord, Parent, Friend, etc.).
6. Create small manageable tasks.
7. Place reminders throughout the house.
8. Hire someone to clean the house.
9. Throw a cleaning party.
10.Have rewards for clean roommates.
11.Be proactive; just keep it clean.
12.Assign a cleaning captain to ensure tasks are done.
13.Apply to be on a TV show in which they clean the house for you.
14.Place checklist in each zone.
15.Have a cleaning check performed by an outside individual.
16.Assign specific places for every item.
17.Place positive notes throughout house.
18.Place dishes in bed of messy individual.
19.Have some consequences for messy individuals.
1. Deep clean entire house.
2. Pay fines/Fees.
3. 3 strikes youre out rule.
20.Donate items that are left out.
21.Establish a command center.

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Part V: Decide on Solution

This is the step that we have been building up to. It will utilize the list of criteria we
put together in Part III and give us a list of the top ideas we had in Part IV.
To begin we wanted to reduce the amount of choices down to the top 6. To do so, we
looked over our list of ideas and grouped similar ideas. We then mixed and matched
ideas to create possible solutions with depth.
1. List of Top 6 Solutions
a. Develop a command center (organizational & task checklists in each
room, cleaning captain to follow up on assignments, rotating zones,
etc.).
b. Establish a 3 strikes, youre out contract.
c. Hold a meeting to express feelings & share individual expectations.
d. Have landlord set expectations and include unannounced visits to
verify expectations are being met.
e. Purchase maid service vouchers on KSL.
f. Have a cleaning party to clean entire house and begin with a fresh
slate, followed by hanging positive cleaning sayings throughout the
house as a reminder to keep the space organized.
2. Chart
The next step was to put our top 6 solutions to test against our criteria. To do
so, we created a chart with the criteria listed down the left and solutions
across the top. We used a scale from 0-5 (0=Not meeting criterion, 5=Meets
or Exceeds criterion) to determine how well each solution met the criterion in
the left column. The total for each solution was calculated at the bottom of
the chart. (See Appendix 2)
The chart is a tool to help identify some strengths and weaknesses of each
idea and is not what makes the final decision on what solution to carry out.
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3. Final Solution
Solution 1 received a perfect score. Although the chart was helpful in
visualizing how well the solutions will work, we must also use the other steps
of the reflective thinking sequence such as common sense and logical
reasoning. We then reevaluated each solution to see if there were little
tweaks that could be made to help them excel in the criteria listed.
The decision was made that Solution 1 was the best fit for our problem. We
will establish a Command Center that will encompass cleaning schedules,
checklists for each zone, responsibilities for that week, and assigning a
Cleaning Captain. The Cleaning Captain assignment will rotate through the
roommates to allow everyone the opportunity to be involved. This solution
will begin by holding an initial meeting that will discuss expectations, time
frames, and consequences and be recorded and agreed to in the form of a
contract.
How this solution excels
a.
b.
c.
d.

It
It
It
It

encompasses many of the ideas of the other solutions.

allows everyone to exchange ideas and shares responsibility.
minimizes the amount of tension between individuals.
establishes a set of consequences for those who fail to follow the

contract.
e. It ensures that a clean environment can be maintained that will fit every
individuals schedule.
4. Possible Negative Consequences
Part VI: Implementing Solution
Once we narrowed it down to one solution, we were onto the implementing phase of
the reflective thinking sequence.

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1. Set up meeting to design a command center, create expectations, agree

upon consequences, and sign contract.
a. This will be a meeting with all roommates, in which they will use
collaborative communication (Alder, Elmhorst, and Lucas, Pg. 129) to
establish a well thought out command center and set the guidelines
that will be followed by every individual.
b. All individuals will work together to create a contract in which they all
must agree upon and sign at the end of the meeting.
c. Korry will hold this meeting 7/13/15.
2. Create daily, weekly, checklists for bathrooms.
a. The checklist for the bathrooms will include the tasks that are to be
done in the bathroom, both daily and weekly.
b. The checklist will be laminated and placed within the bathroom, where
it will be easily located by the individual responsible for the bathroom
that week.
c. Sara will be creating the bathroom checklists by 7/15/15.
3. Create daily, weekly, checklists for kitchen.
a. The checklist for the kitchen will include the tasks that are to be done
in the kitchen, both daily and weekly.
b. The checklist will be laminated and placed within the kitchen, where it
will be easily located by the individual responsible for the kitchen that
week.
c. Sara will be creating the kitchen checklists by 7/15/15.
4. Create daily, weekly, checklists for common area
a. The checklist for the kitchen will include the tasks that are to be done
in the Common Area, both daily and weekly.
b. The checklist will be laminated and placed within the Common Area,
where it will be easily located by the individual responsible for the
kitchen that week.
c. Brooke will be creating the Common Area checklists by 7/15/15.
5. Create daily, weekly, checklists for bedrooms
a. The checklist for the kitchen will include the tasks that are to be done
in the bedrooms, both daily and weekly.

13

b. The checklist will be laminated and placed within the bedroom, where
it will be easily located by the individual responsible for the kitchen
that week.
c. Brooke will be creating the bedroom checklists by 7/15/15.
6. Create checklist for cleaning captain
a. There will be a weekly duty for the cleaning captain to check off all the
work has been done, and that it is up to standards agreed upon in the
initial contract.
b. The checklist will be laminated and placed in common area. This is the
location that the cleaning captain will be responsible for each week.
c. Krystal will be creating the cleaning captain checklist by 7/15/15.
7. Create & post cleaning schedule (zones will be rotated, the person with the
5th rotation will be that weeks cleaning captain)
a. This schedule will outline the rotation of responsibilities between
housemates.
b. The schedule will be laminated and placed within the common area.
c. Kolby will be creating the schedule by 7/15/15.

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Conclusion
In order to find the most fair and accomplishable solution to promote a clean house
for these disagreeing roommates, our group followed the reflective thinking
sequence to define and analyze the problem, determine necessary criteria for the
solution, brainstorm and evaluate possible solutions, and ultimately decide upon
and implement the best possible solution thought of.
Our solution of implementing rotating cleaning assignments between all roommates
by creating a cleaning command center meets all of the criteria it was evaluated
against. It is fair to every roommate because each individual will be involved in
creating the standards and checklists for the cleaning rotations. This solution is
especially desirable because not only will it result in a clean house once, but it is a
sustainable solution that could keep the house clean indefinitely as long as each
roommate lives up to the cleaning contract. This is largely because in addition to
focusing on how the house would be cleaned, we also implemented a plan for follow
up by having a different roommate serve as cleaning captain each week to insure
everyone completes their checklists; Attaching the consequence of possible eviction
if any roommate continually fails to fulfill their cleaning responsibilities also makes
this solution more stable as a long-term option.
We feel that if implemented correctly, this solution will allow these roommates to
maintain a clean environment and live in harmony, while being respectful to each
individuals personal commitments and time restraints.

15

Works Cited
Adler,R.&Elmhorst,J.(2011).CommunicatingatWork:SLCCCustomEdition.NewYork:McGraw
Hill.

16

Appendix 1: Group Contract

Develop Relational Norms
1. All members are to participate to the best of their ability, in order to obtain the
greatest results.
2. Use open and honest communication; dont be afraid to express opinions.
3. Be respectful of others opinions. Listen and allow others to state their opinion
before stating your own.

Develop Task Norms

1. Members will utilize the discussion board titled Krystals Group found on Canvas
for any updates or correspondence DAILY.
2. If members miss a meeting, a copy of the minutes will be posted on the files
section of the discussion board.
3. Members are required to make contact with leader to notify completion of
homework. Leader will contact the members the day before a meeting to ensure
that the assignments are completed.

Assign Relational Roles

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Participation encourager: Korry Wagstaff

Harmonizer: Sara Kingston
Tension reliever: Krystal Noris
Evaluator of emotional climate: Colby Densley
Praise giver: Brooke Gledhill
Empathic listener: Carolyn Gunnell (Pending)

Assign Task Roles

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Leader: Korry Wagstaff

Initiating: Sara Kingston
Information or opinion seeking: Krystal Noris
Clarifying: Colby Densley
Summarizing: Carolyn Gunnell (Pending)
Consensus testing: Brooke Gledhill

Appendix 2: Solution Analysis Chart

17

Solution 1

Solution 2 Solution 3 Solution 4 Solution 5 Solution 6

Criterion 1

Criterion 2

Criterion 3

Criterion 4

Criterion 5

Criterion 6

Criterion 7

Criterion 8

Criterion 9

Criterion 10

Totals:

50

26

41

14

34

36

Appendix 3: Group Participation Points

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Name of Group Member

Korry Wagstaff

Points Earned
13

Sara Kingston

10

Krystal Noris

Brooke Gledhill

Colby Densley

Justification for Allocation

Korry was the group leader and
initiated the first meeting and
organized each meeting there
after, trying to work each group
members schedules. He also
drafted the methods section of the
final report, which was the heftiest
portion of the assignment.
Sara had perfect attendance at all
meetings and completed all
assigned tasks on time. She was
very willing to contribute at each
meeting and was a good listener.
Krystal missed one meeting, but
fulfilled all assigned tasks and was
a great team player. She is a good
listener and was helpful in group
discussions.
Brooke missed the first meeting,
but completed all assigned tasks.
Had good ideas to contribute at
meetings and good organizational
skills.
Colby was unable to attend two
meetings, but completed all
assigned tasks. Cheerful
demeanor, came to a meeting on
his wifes birthday (shows
commitment.)

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