OBHR GROUP PROJECT

Umaima Nasir, Reja Yousuf, Shahana Sheikh, Javier Huerta, Benjamin

Mostarac , Javier Castro

Overview
I.

Developmental processes

II.

Barriers to communication

III.

KLLP

IV.

SYMLOG Comparison

V.

Life beyond the end of semester

Introduction:

This project will be overseeing all the developmental stages that the Professionals went through
by focusing on the members Kendall Life Languages Profile (KLLP) result and how we
overcame our communication barriers and completed this assignment efficaciously. It all started
with the professor providing the entire class with 3 categories; animals, color, sibling order. In
the end we sorted through and all 7 of us came together and called ourselves the Professionals.
We all have similar sense of humors so we didnt exactly go through the awkward phase. We just
introduced each other and the next thing we know we were joking around and having a laugh.
Afterwards, we used to sit together in class and help each other out with any project we were
assigned. Later on we decided to meetup outside of class and finalized on Torchys Tacos. There,
we discussed our majors and found out that we all have extremely similar views and interests
despite our backgrounds. We have a very diverse group of people with four girls and three guys.
Funny enough, two guys in our group are called Javier. But instead of distancing ourselves
because of our differences, we incorporated our individuality into working towards this project
positively.

As a way to get to know each other we introduced ourselves by answering the following
questions.

Wh

Reja
Yousuf

Shah
ana
Shaik
h

Javie
r
Huer
ta

Benjamin
Mostarac

Umai
ma
Nasir

Alyss
a
Mun
ozVella

Javier
Castro

Yonkers,
NY

Dalla
s, TX

Mexi
co

Sarajevo,
Bosnia

Islam
abad,

Abile
ne,

Los
angeles,

ere
wer
e
you
bor
n?

Wh
at
is
you
r
ma
jor
?

Wh
at
lev
el
of
coll
ege
are
you
in?

Do
you
hav
e
any
sibl
ing
s?

City,
Mexi
co

Pakis
tan

Texas

CA

Finance
and
Economic
s

Fina
nce
&
Acco
untin
g

Acco
untin
g

Accountin
g and
Finance

Supp
ly
Chai
n

Acco
untin
g

Busines
s
Admini
stration

Sophomor
e/Junior

Soph
omor
e

Junio
r

Sophomor
e/Junior

Soph
omor
e

Junio
r

Junior

1 Brother

1
Sister

1
Broth
er

1 brother

1
sister
and 1
Brot
her

1
Broth
er

3
brother
s

Wh
at
do
you
wa
nt
to
be/
do
wh
en
you
gro
w
up?

Be a Civil
Lawyer

Chief
Fina
ncial
Offic
er

CPA

CFO

Astro
naut

Direc
tor of
Acco
untin
g

CEO/be
the
owner
of own
business

How do you explain the groups perception of its overall performance as well as performance
in specific areas based on the mean scores assigned by each member?( Javier C)
Overall, the groups perception of its performance indicated by the SYMLOG ratings
were really positive in terms of how the SYMLOG ratings portrayed the group. SYMLOG is a
system that was initially developed through forty-five years of research in the Department of
Psychology and Social Relations at Harvard University, and stands for System for the Multiple
Level Observation of Groups (What is SYMLOG). The purpose of this system is to better
understand effective leadership, group dynamics, and superior team performance. The results
you get from the investigation include a comprehensive theory of social interaction and a precise
set of tools for analyzing and improving effectiveness for people of the group. SYMLOG
contains 26 descriptive items which probe and assess key factors known to directly influence
effectiveness. One of these items measures individual and organizational values for current and
optimal values, while the individual and organizational values are measured by current and most
effective behaviors for the specific situation.
The report indicated that our mean scores were over the optimal levels where it came to
Having a good time, Friendship, Trust in the goodness of others, Dedication, Equality,

and Democratic participation in decision making. Whereas we are under the optimum levels of
Individual financial success, Tough minded, and being Uncritical of one another. The field
diagram which produces quantifiable data, and represents a graphic representation of these
polarities between the group members relationship patterns showed a constant positive forward
relationship throughout the report (Gitterman). The field diagram indicated high levels of
friendly behavior and lower levels of opposing task orientation of established authority.
The groups result was interesting, since we completely relate with the outcome. We get
along with one another so well that there hasnt been one time that we disagreed with an opinion
someone has had. This might be a negative characteristic since the SYMLOG ratings indicated
that we needed to be more critical of one another to reach a higher level of effectiveness in the
group. Furthermore, our levels of friendly behavior and high values on accepting task orientation
of established authority were really accurate since everyone in the group is accepting of one
another. In summary, the groups perception of its overall performance has been unanimously
positive in the sense that it has been an equal group effort, and everyone participated in
collaborative decision making.
References
What is SYMLOG? SYMLOG. SYMLOG Consulting Group, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.
Gitterman, Alex, and Robert Salmon. Group Work Research. Encyclopedia of Social Work
with Groups. New York: Routledge, 2009. 150. Web. 13 Apr. 2016.

IV.
In what ways does the Kendall Life Languages Profile help explain your
groups developmental process (Benjamin)
http://www.lifelanguages.com/about-us
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_86.htm
The Kendall Life Languages Profile is a tool available to individuals who want or need
help with their ability to communicate and work with groups for a duration. Communication is a
difficult subject to master if a person does not what areas they struggle in and how to develop
those lacking areas. With the KLLP, these obstacles become manageable and they turn into skills.
These abilities transfer well and help create effective teams that perform with maximum
efficiency. This program helps group reach their peak and to continue to their full potential.
Different communication styles can hinder a group's development if they do not know how to

utilize everyone's strong points to their advantage. For example, a group member could be shy
when public speaking and if the group did not know that and they give them the longest part of
the presentation to present then there is a strong possibility that there might be a below average
outcome. This is where the KLLP comes into play and they figure out that the group member
would be more effective creating the visuals for the presentation.
The Professionals was dominated with individuals who were identified as Shapers which
was led the group to have valuable contributions to our overall communication. Individuals who
are shapers "tend to be a natural leader who is organized, visionary, focused, delegating,
strategic, intentional, and efficient." The developmental processes of the group started
immediately as the groups were formed. The first stage our group experienced was the Forming
stage where the group seemed to be overly nice and anxious. We were all trying to figure out
what tasks needed to be completed and how quickly. Due to there being 6 Shapers, the group had
an organized plan that created a vision on how we wanted to approach our developmental
project. Once the wheels started turning on our project and the transition to the Storming phase,
the Influencers and Movers of the group kept everything situated and kept the group optimistic
about the end result. The Movers of the group stayed assertive and direct with the tasks assigned
and created a standard that needed to be met by the group as a whole. The Influencers moderated
the group and focused on keeping relationships strong as the group was shifting through the
developmental stages. The Norming stage was the easiest transition because the group was able
to stay intact and the leader was identified as the person who took charge through the transitions
and kept the process efficient. In the Performing stage, the leader took full force and used their
Shaper, Mover, and Influencer characteristics and set goals leading us to the final stretch where
performance was optimal. Due to the duration of the project, the group has not yet reached the

adjourning stage of the process where group members continue their developed relationships
with their colleagues even after the due date.
III.
What factors have facilitated or hindered the participation of group
members in helping the group to coalesce and/or gel? (Javier H.)
In our group, several factors have helped unify our group. One of the main reasons we gel so
well is the fact that we share similar values. One of the main values that seem to be a common
denominator amongst all of the group members is the importance of family. As a result, we have
developed a close relationship amongst one another. Another important factor that has helped
unify our group is the fact that we value each others opinion, and consequently we take
everyones input into consideration. This was an essential factor in the group forming stage, as it
allowed us to feel more comfortable and valued. Diversity played an important role in our group,
as our group is very diverse. Our group is composed of almost half male and female, and of
different ethnic backgrounds. Several group members were born outside of the US or have
family outside the country. This makes us more understanding of one another and allows us to
provide unique and individual ideas that have helped the group flourish.
Our group has been very functional and understanding due to a great amount of cohesion. Such
significant amount of cohesion has not always been a good thing, as it has sometimes hindered
our production levels. At times too much cohesion has led to an increased distraction times and
more conversations that were not always relevant to the group. In one occasion during the
storming phase, we decided to meet at a local restaurant to discuss the project. The evening we
discussed so many things ranging from sports to our personal hobbies. Although we discussed
and learned a lot about one another, not a lot was accomplished for the project.
II.
Developmental processes the group went through (To what level of
development has the group progressed?) (Shahana)

Developmental processes the group went through (To what level of development
has the group progressed?)
In 1965, Psychologist Bruce Tuckman came up with The Stages of Team Formation.
The process first consisted of forming, storming, norming, and performing, Tuckman
later added adjourning. In the forming stage, our group was very positive and easy
going. We went out to social places to get to know each other, and how well we
would work together by bringing small tasks relating to the project. Though
Tuckmans model includes storming, our group didnt have much conflict. We
agreed on many things and even if we didnt, we would talk it out until wed reach
an outcome that would work best for all of us. We continued to meet up and started
to complete all tasks assigned, throughout the storming and norming stages, at our
own times so when we met up we could continue onto the next task at hand. With
our current work ethic and meeting times, we are still in the performing stage. We
are yet to reach adjourning.

VI.
What is the prognosis in the near term for the group if it were to continue
its life beyond the end of the semester and this class? (Alyssa)
If our group were to continue working together beyond the end of the semester
we believe we would end up reaching the adjourning stage rapidly. Due to the team
being able to effectively communicate and keep in touch whether it be discussing the
assignment or even just making our connections stronger. One very valuable attribute
our team has that is a key factor in making any team consistently progress without
having too many set backs, is our drive to learn and none of us craving the need to
always be correct. Everyone keeps an open mind and communicates their ideas with
confidence, but no aggression. We are always pushing each other to do our best even
outside of our assignment and obligations to one another which in turn has created a lot
of trust and support within one another. These type of characteristics in a strong group

are imperative in order to continue working together. The reason being, because if we
were to all only be focused on ourselves and the task at hand once it is all said and
done there would not be much satisfaction besides possibly a good grade appearing on
blackboard. To us, we are very much focused on succeeding on this assignment not
only for ourselves, but as a team. As we all know it takes a lot of work to schedule and
plan within a team due to everyone having different lives and having to prioritize our
busy schedules. Having to make sacrifices for one another for some may sometimes be
frustrating, however we view them as challenges we can overcome to create the best
work we possibly can, together. As we look into the future, we feel time is all we need to
reach the highest stage of performance in a group. We need time to perfect our own
characteristics in order to build a stronger team. Not to mention, we need more time to
keep connecting and learning about each others personalities and ways we work and
communicate. For the most part we know these things, but it would be ignorant to say
you have mastered the art of someone in just a few get togethers and one assignment
together. The good news is when we meet we all agree and are excited to attend
wherever it is we are going which is important. The reason being, because when
someone enjoys what they are doing and who they are doing it with they tend to be
more motivated to build together.

Conclusion:
This assignment has taught all of us how important it is to cooperate and communicate with one
another which are vital to any groups functioning. The lack of communication can cause great confusion
and can create major setbacks for when trying to push the project forward. In the end however, we were
able to pull through together as work as a team. We would bounce off ideas continuously between us and
this would not only encourage creativity but would also help clear up our own ideas. Initially it was a

little touch to grasp the concept of this assignment but once we understood it became eminent as to how
relevant this was, not only to us during our time in University but also once when we entered the
workforce as it became obvious that the skills taught to us would be extremely applicable to those needed
in the professional field. Additionally, at one point we understood that we would have to show that we
were able to work as a team without colleagues and be able to make decisions as a group without having
problems such as groupthink arise. We were content with all of our group members because each of us
brought something different to the group and when we came together we realized that a fusion of all of
our skills together allowed us to move forward successfully with our project. We strongly believe that our
group will remain close ever after the conclusion of this class as a lot of the lessons we learned enabled us
to build friendships and gain knowledge about how to work as a team. Through tests such as the KLLP
and group temperature quizzes throughout the course of the semester the project taught us valuable
lessons that one could use repeatedly to be more successful in their career.

Works Cited

http://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/proceedings/ar2006-0915-0923_Gorse_et_al.pdf (Javier Huerta