Details of Team’s People and Work Processes
Communication between group members was established through a Facebook Group as
well as e-mail and lastly by phone. Communication was attempted in that order.
The decision making process was modeled on a democratic system with a prerequisite of
references when considering a decision.
Tasks based on each group members skills and strengths were assigned.
Conflict resolution was conducted during group meetings where the issue at hand was
addressed before the entire group. A vote on the subject was conducted provided
adequate references were provided allowing the group to make an informed decision.
A Self-directed structure with an outside leader was selected due to its effectiveness.
Shannon MacDonald was our group leader due to the strength of her organizational skills.
All essential roles as well as individual responsibilities were assigned (refer to Table 1
below)
Work was conducted on an individual basis primarily due to scheduling constraints.
However there were mandatory meetings set. Timeliness, professionalism and respect
were to be the norms of the group. The initial resolution of minor disagreements or
conflicts was done a person to person level before bringing it to the attention of the
group. If the conflict remained unresolved, it was then addressed during a group meeting.
Team values included active participation, a high standard for work quality, schedule
adherence and recognition of the aforementioned.
When discovered, sources of information were circulated to all group members providing
everyone in the team with the same resources.
During meetings each group member summarized their progress and findings with the
team.
Meetings provided an opportunity for all group members to ask questions and get
opinions free from negative criticism.
Meetings were conducted Monday’s at 2:00 pm when required. It was understood that
extra meetings could be called on other days depending on particular deadlines and
constraints. Those meetings were held Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:00 pm as required.
Each member worked to a schedule agreed upon by all group members.
All group members had completed their individualized tasks prior to set meeting dates.
Task selection was done in an open manner with each member electing to choose the task
they felt most interested in or well equipped for. No disagreements arose as a result of
this approach.
During meetings, the floor was open to anyone with something to say and group
members listened respectfully allowing the speaker to finish before voicing any opinions
or concerns. This allowed the group to function smoothly and effectively. It also
enhanced group performance by promoting participation.
All group members participated actively and provided valuable insights and opinions
towards the project. Work quality was found to be high as a result of this sense of group
membership and importance.
To improve group cohesion and reduce confusion, meeting minutes were taken. Soon
after meetings were concluded, the minutes were compiled posted on the group work site.
This provided each member with a record of decisions, changes and important notes that
were discussed.
Considerable effort was spent determining submission deadlines. The schedule decided
on by the group included significant factors of safety to ensure unforeseen difficulties,
illnesses, conflicting priorities or other circumstances could be accommodated. The
safety factors helped to reduce any tensions resulting from missed deadlines. This also
prevented rushed or low quality work from creating problems and allotted time for
resubmissions.
All group members were encouraged to critique work provided it was constructive. This
was accomplished through the group work site and also during meetings. This functioned
well and helped to uncover small details that otherwise may have gone unnoticed.
Significant details were discussed as a group prior to the beginning of individual work.
Important items such as basic and immediate causes were considered on a group basis.
These important decisions significantly impacted the general direction of the
investigation and were not left to one group member’s discretion.
In order to streamline the meetings, topics for discussion were considered or
brainstormed beforehand. This helped to reduce meeting times and also ensured all
necessary topics were addressed.