1. What communication problems did you experience or observe during the exercise(s)? How can the applicable concepts from the reading be applied to your analysis (see Learning Objectives” above)? Provide examples from the exercise(s) or debrief(s) to support your responses.
The group experienced problems in communicating each other’s opinions and ideas. It took us a long time to decide on what to do for the given task because the group consisted of six members, which meant that there would be six people giving their thoughts about the task. Additionally, some members may not agree with others and may end up rebutting their ideas. We had to take time to agree on the best possible answer for the given task. Furthermore, there was a lack of trust among us because everyone believed that their idea was the best and should represent the whole group.
The group consisted of individuals with different personalities. One team member stood out as an Opinion Seeker, always providing useful and qualitative ideas. She also asked for more qualitative data regarding the individuals on the promotion list. Additionally, she exhibited traits of a Harmonizer by handling any tension among group members during discussions. On the other hand, some team members were only Information Givers and did not seem to care about others’ opinions on the task at hand. Another member tended to provide ideas that contradicted those of others and made them follow her lead, earning her the title of Aggressor within the group.
2. How can these problems be avoided or solved? Additionally, how can the relevant concepts from the reading be applied to your analysis?
I think the best way to solve the problem that the group experienced is by establishing credibility among all team members. This can be achieved by getting to know each other first. The problem was that nobody could tell whose idea was the best and most accurate, which hindered decision-making because we did not know each other’s knowledge extent. Therefore, it is recommended to collaborate and accommodate to solve this issue.
Collaboration will allow team members to think together and participate positively, resulting in a favorable outcome for everyone. Accommodation will also enable members to take time out to listen to each other and improve their relationships with one another.
Although accommodation may not be task-oriented, it will help teams make better decisions as they are willing to listen and give way for others’ opinions.
3. How might knowledge of these principles be useful to you as you anticipate the beginning of your professional career? For example, you could identify the approach to conflict resolution that you use and discuss whether it is the best. Additionally, you could explore how to expand your repertoire to become more flexible and strategic in your communication. In other words, how can relevant principles be applied by you to better ensure communication success in an organization?
Having knowledge of these principles will enable me to handle future communication problems better as I am aware of the different situations and types of people that I may encounter. Knowing what types of individuals and situations you are dealing with can prevent communication problems from worsening. Understanding group roles will also help me become more prepared and professional in the future.
