The adjourning phase of a team is that separation phase signaling the end of the project. At this phase the group usually reflects on its accomplishments as well as shortcomings towards the attainment of the goals (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2009). I think parting would have been more difficult for me when I was a teenager because during that phase you seek to a great extent the love and admiration of your peers. I have come to realize that these are all phases which we go through; we meet persons, form relationships to achieve certain goals and there comes a time when we may need to go our separate ways as we continue to pursue our destiny.
High performing groups are usually difficult to leave because there is so much happening. Group members feel a great sense of satisfaction and eagerly look forward to making a difference. They are highly passionate about what they do so their contribution extends well beyond the allotted time for meetings. They have clearly established norm and the leader will remind members of these rules should there be any violation of these rules.
I think leaving my youth group was the hardest because the members of our group bonded so well. We made tremendous impact on the lives of persons in our community and at the same time we were developing ourselves – self concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy. There was always a hub of activities to which we channeled our energies.
I cannot recall what closing ritual would have taken place for me in particular but generally we would end with a social evening where we would bring along eats and all members would partake. Persons would usually reminisce on the time shared and wish the persons God’s continued blessings.
For our master’s degree I think adjourning would not be too difficult because we are some distance from each other. Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it signals the end of an era and members are moving off into different directions (Abudi, 2010). I hope for us that moment will culminate at graduation. I am looking forward to that moment, hoping to join many if not all of you for that culminating event, putting faces to names and definitely hoping to foster some long-term friendships.
References
Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html
O’Hair, D., Friedrich, G. W., & Dixon Boston , MA
Evlyn,
ReplyDeleteI hope for the same at graduation; putting names with faces :).
The good thing about adjourning is that members get the chance to wrap up and reflect on accomplishments, and even failures. Some team members may laugh, others may cry, while some may do both. I can testify to that. The good thing is some members may be able to maintain the friendship and the relationship even though they may not be working together (O'Hair, & Wiemann, 2009). The not so good thing is some may not want to opt out but due to certain circumstances they may have to and may never hear or see each other other :(.
Hope this would not be the case with our Walden's team!
Resource
O'Hair, & Wiemann,(2009). Real Communication: An Introduction. Bedford/St. Martin's
Age and intent have a lot to do with the cohesiveness of a group. We depend a great deal on our peers as teenagers and young adults, but as we get older we form strong groups based on goals. How wide spread the goal is also impacts how strong the group bonds. For this program, I feel we have a common goal of completing our degree, but with having to split into focus groups soon, it is harder to maintain the group closeness we have developed. I find it hard to get too close to people when I know they will only be in my life for a short time unless they have a direct affect on me (like all of you!).
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