Newbies!

Time to start blogging! Paul with a R..Raul was right! This was incredibly easy. And like any good fairy, I'll be sprinklin' stardust around this blog site. Anyone else confused? Getting the blog going was no problem. Simple, easy, and user-friendly. What's the problem? Remembering my password and username. *sheesh* Once I've jumped this hurdle, I'll sprinkle some of that interstellar dust from the archives! Now you want to come back and read more, right? Interpretation The overriding reminder of our class discussion is the fact that groups are microcosms of society. The issues discussed (i.e. power struggles, gender issues, etc.) are not unlike any group issues across the country. The emerging themes of feeling valued, being known, and sharing also have a dark side of feeling be-littled, being secretive, and withholding knowledge. So, these themes exist because we are people and we can not escape that interaction. However, as leaders and participants in groups we can minimize the negative components and make the group's efforts more productive. Missing Aspects It seems the missing aspect is the expectation that the facilitator will keep every idea with respectful regard. By doing so, the person submitting the idea doesn't feel like it's a bad idea. The focus should be on the task at hand and maintaining a healthy environment for any ideas to take shape. It involves encouraging group development. When a group is nurtured, informal leaders will emerge and help provide the direction and momentum for the team. The Leader Should... Communication Make sure all group members have each other’s contact information; make sure everyone has a say in things/ideas; try to give everyone a shot at discussion—don’t play favorites; give everyone a say; talk to the quiet ones before hand and let them know that their opinions are valuable; create a positive environment; allow others to speak freely; deal with group concerns when the first appear; Division of Labor Don’t burden anyone with too much to do; make everyone do equal share of work; don’t allow slacking; punish skippers or lazy members not helping the group; have a leader who doesn’t dictate; make sure to give tasks to the ones who can do them; define roles within a group—give everyone a task; Preparation bring materials for you and enough for the whole group; make detailed descriptions of objectives; pass out information; give reminders about the location, time, and equipment needed for upcoming meetings; outline what will take place; make them feel that their ideas count; use PowerPoint for presenting ideas; make the topic clear and not too broad; formulate an agenda; divide the topic into subjects; have a leader; manage time; give positive criticism; hold members accountable; find out what each of us is good at for a group; have a good environment for meetings; have coffee on hand to get the ideas flowing Relevance relate meeting topics to employees; ask for a show of hands regarding your group’s position on a topic; Solution Exceptions (assuming I understood the question) Time - this solution mentioned by our class may not always work. There are unavoidable delays, unavoidable early dismissals, and unavoidable circumstances. While it may appear if you have this component under control your group may still be affected. Interpersonal Relationships - this topic can not simply be addressed in this forum. It is, at best, unpredictable. Managing people may not work in all situations. Getting to know people in the group can only be accomplished if all the members agree. Before the Meeting - Having everything in order in and of itself, may not lead to a satisfying and productive meeting. Attitude - Of course, everyone appreciates the one with a good attitude. But if this is the leader, having a good attitude may not be called for in all circumstances. The leader needs to be able to adjust her/his style to accomodate the goals of the moment. After the Meeting - While follow up is paramount to the success of the gathering phase, some groups may not need this component.