Week 6 (September 24 - 30)

Post #3 (Week 6: September 24 - 30)

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

The concept that I would like to discuss in this post are the four ways of learning how to make small groups successful. First, you must familiarize yourself with small groups and teams. The more you know up front, the easier it will be for you when actually providing feedback. Second, actually participate in the group because we learn by experience. Third, obtain advice and external evaluation when you can. The more help you can get, the better. It is always easier when you have help, as well as an extra pair of eyes to catch something that you might have missed. Last but not least, use your own reflections and analysis. The easiest way to find out if something is accomplished is just to simply ask the group themselves. 

Using these four methods will insure that you can provide the best feedback possible to any group or team that you are working with.

Week 6 (September 24 - 30)

Post #2 (Week 6: September 24 - 30)

2). Outline and discuss the guidelines for providing observer feedback to a group. 

The most important thing you want to remember when giving feedback to a group is to make sure that your feedback is helpful and non-attacking. Here is the how to:

- Observe and share those observations with the group so they know exactly what you mean. The more specific you are the better.

- Avoid generalizations so that people know exactly what to improve on. Be as specific as you can!

- Make sure to focus on things that can be changed for the benefit of the group and the work it produces.

- You are not a manger or the boss, don't micromanage people. No one will listen to you and it will make things awkward.

- Positive feedback is just as important as feedback on what to improve. Don't be afraid to tell people what they are doing right!

- Remember that you are an observer, stay neutral, and don't exert any power over anyone, it will cause problems. 

- Be clear in what you are telling the group, the more details the better.

- If you must criticize someone, do it in private. Humiliating someone is public is just going to make them mad and not want to listen to you at all, even if you have valid things to say.

- Remember, you are there to help, not hurt. Don't think of yourself as more powerful than the rest of the group. You, as an observer are there just as a neural extra pair of eyes.

Week 6 (September 24 - 30)

Post #1 (Week 6: September 24 - 30)

1). Why use a consultant or an observer for a small group?  (Remember, carefully think through your answer.  Your final project is based on this very concept).

It's important to use an observer when dealing with a small group because having an outsider's perspective can really show you things that you don't notice yourself. It might seem invasive and unnecessary at the time, but when you receive feedback of what the observer saw, it can really open your eyes to something that you and your group members would not have been able to catch on your own. An observer or consultant can also be beneficial to have because they can help act as sort of a mediator in case there are ever any problems within the group and its members. Even though you think that since the group size is small there is less room for conflict, but there can be conflict even in working with one other person, let alone a group of people. I know that when working with a small group, you think you don’t need an extra set of eyes because the group is a manageable size, but it is surprising to see what you catch, and what might slip by you when you are busy doing something else. 

Week 3 (September 3 - 9)

Week 3

Question 3

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

One concept from the reading that has yet to be discussed is decision-making and the decision making process. Decision-making is basically the process of choosing between two or more options to get your desired solution. This is a skill that is difficult to master, and it is definitely something we get better at with time. The six steps for effective decision-making are define, examine, consider, initial, develop, evaluate. These steps are critical in the decision making process because it essentially breaks down the issue into smaller sections. Accomplishing each step allows for the bigger issue to be resolved. This is essentially what you are working towards in the decision-making process. The idea of group process is just basically how the group works and communicates together to complete tasks and make decisions as a team. 

Week 3 (September 3 - 9)

Week 3

Question 2

2). Distinguish between internal and external constraints. Provide and example of each one from your own experience. 

Internal constraints are things from within that can hinder you from doing what you want to do in life. For example, internal constraints can be things like your emotional state and health, your motivation, drive, determination, etc. External constraints are things that are somewhat out of your control that can keep you from achieving your goals. Examples of external constraints are money, your job, your living situation, your daily responsibilities, etc. One of my biggest goals in life is to graduate from college. This achievement does not come cheap or easy. Two of my biggest internal constraints are motivation and energy. When I have free time, I like to catch up on sleep, and seeing my friends. These two things require little to no energy for me and they are both things that I really enjoy. It's unfortunate that I have so much homework this semester because I definitely won't be getting much sleep or much time with my friends. Motivation is also huge. I work really hard, but if I had the chance to lay around all day and be lazy once in a while, I would definitely take it. Two of my biggest external constraints are my job and earning money. I pay for a lot of things on my own, but I have to work for my money, as does most everyone. The more I work, the more money I earn, but the less time I have for school work meaning that my grades could potentially slip. It's a good thing that I have a pretty good balance on things, but factors that mean the difference between having a roof over your head or not add on a lot of pressure. Everyone has many internal and external constraints that they must overcome, but life would be so much more boring without any challenges!