Successful collaboration and team dynamics team d

TEAM D: SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION AND

TEAM DYNAMICS

TAUNISHA HOWARDALICIA KIRBY

GLENDA GILLIARDTIANA HEMPHILL

TIAUNA KINGPROFESSIONAL

COMMUNICATIONS COM/516JANUARY 9, 2017

PROFESSOR KIMBERLY HUEBNER

INTRODUCTION

When working in a team, each individual brings something different to the project. Collaboration allows for members to bounce ideas off of each other, share life experiences, and get more out of an assignment together than individually. Members of the team learn to value each others ideas, provide constructive criticism and lend guidance where needed. Team collaboration is an essential and very rewarding experience as it not only helps with academic success but social interactions.

THE VALUE OF TEAM COLLABORATION FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Strategies we can use to ensure that all team members are contributing and collaboration appropriately is by: Setting goals and ground rules Finding and laying ground rules in the beginning can

help detour a team away from conflicts Work on the same goals Good communication

STRATEGIES IN USING CONFLICT RESOLUTION AS OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNING

A communication strategy we could use if a team member is not contributing and collaborating is by making sure the team members reach out to them. We can use written communication through our learning group discussions or email to ensure they are getting the information they need in order to contribute.

There are times we may have to deal with team conflict between team members. One of the best ways to deal with team conflict is head-on.

One way we can help our team members when there is conflict is by asking them if they need help with something. They may just be confused on something. If that is the case, we could share what we know and help them out.

In order for us to have an effective and successful team, we all need to communicate and contribute equally.

UTILIZING EACH TEAM MEMBER'S LEARNING STYLE AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN THE TEAM DYNAMIC

There are seven learning styles that are indicative to people’s characteristics

Visual – spatial, images, pictures Aural - auditory-musical, sound, rhythm Verbal - linguistic, speech, writing Physical - kinesthetic, touch, sensations Logical - mathematical, logic, reasoning Social – interpersonal, groups, work with others Solitary – intrapersonal, work alone, drive yourself

Many people learn and retain information in different ways. Recognizing one’s style can possibly increase their range of learning. The team dynamic can be strengthened when a team member has knowledge of how they learn best. This information can contribute to new ideas and effective team collaboration.(Lepi, K. (2012). The 7 Styles of Learning: Which works for you? Edudemic.)

CRUCIAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR AN EFFECTIVE LEARNING TEAM

Working within a learning team shows that communication skills are crucial to the productivity of the group. Some categories for communication may include: Listening – listening to ideas and team instruction to ensure accuracy Feedback/Follow through - offering suggestions and responding to team

questions or concerns Constructive Criticism – being able to offer respectful suggestions to

enhance quality of work Writing – concise correspondence for clear understanding

THE PURPOSE OF USING THE LEARNING TEAM CHARTER AS A TOOL TO REINFORCE TEAM COLLABORATION WHILE CONTRIBUTING TO TEAM SUCCESS

The team charter is a great place for group discussions and many types of outlines. Utilizing the team charter helps to alleviate misunderstandings and confusion amongst the team. Being able to revisit information that was shared with the group on an earlier date, helps keep the group aware of the proper deadlines. All of these areas help with the success of the team. Collaborative/Cooperative Learning exists and is achievable when groups come together and show an interest in completing a particular task.

(Carpenter & Hanson, 2011, p. 270: Magney, 1996, p.565)

THE PURPOSE OF USING THE LEARNING TEAM CHARTER AS A TOOL TO REINFORCE TEAM COLLABORATION WHILE CONTRIBUTING TO TEAM SUCCESS

Effective strategies that contribute to team success:

Cooperation/Collaboration: Establishing a mutual support system among group members to meet the criteria of the projected assignment.

Agendas and Tasks: Forming a clear understanding of the project deadlines and the tasks of all team members should be recognized at the start of the assignment.

THE PURPOSE OF USING THE LEARNING TEAM CHARTER AS A TOOL TO REINFORCE TEAM COLLABORATION WHILE CONTRIBUTING TO TEAM SUCCESS

Collaborative/Cooperative Learning Results:

• Develop leadership skills and increase comfort level with working in teams• Share ideas and seek information in an open forum• Create collaboration and consensus in making decisions as a group• Develop critical thinking skills

(Goings, & Johnson, 2011, p. 78: Magney, 1996, p. 567)

EFFECTIVE COMPONENTS NECESSARY FOR TEAM SUCCESS

There are several components teams may use for their team to be successful. According to Janet Snow and Christopher Mulrooney there are five strategies for success: 1) Establish a clear, compelling direction 2) Create an appropriate structure 3) Select the right people 4) Support the team 5) Provide opportunities for development.

EFFECTIVE COMPONENTS NECESSARY FOR TEAM SUCCESS

When establishing a clear compelling direction, everyone needs to decide which direction the group will go. It may be easier for some teams to appoint a “team leader”. If the direction is not clear, a “leadership vacuum” is created.

When in a virtual group, it is important to set deadlines before the actual project deadline. This is to ensure balance in the project, check on spelling and grammatical errors. Updates via phone conference and email also work well. “When you commit to something for the group, always deliver”.

EFFECTIVE COMPONENTS NECESSARY FOR TEAM SUCCESS

Select team members, if possible, based on their strengths, expertise or skill set .

Supporting the team may include lending guidance to a team member who may be misunderstanding an assignment. Calling, emailing or face to face interaction if the team member stays close.

There are several ways to provide opportunities for development. Team members may switch the roles of the assignment. Everyone gets a chance to experience different areas in the assignment. Encourage and compliment team members on how well their portion of the project is going.

MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGIES TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

There are many different motivational strategies to increase productivity within a group. Being a team player is very essential to productivity. According to Leadership Management Australasia, there are 5 key motivational components to increasing team productivity. Each component is set in place to help each team member achieve one optimum goal successfully.

The five motivational components listed by the LMA are as follows:

1. Trusting each other

2. Creating a effective reward system

3. Giving positive recognition

4. Offering career advancement

5. Exhibiting happiness

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, successful collaboration and team dynamics are very important to achieving success within a team. There are a variety of different things that each team member can bring to the learning team. The key is combining each team members strengths and incorporating it into the group work. Open communication and trusting each other to do their part will increase productivity to create a power team. Incorporating each strategy and dynamic will make the learning team stronger.

REFERENCES Carpenter, D. & Hanson, M. (2011). Integrating cooperative learning into classroom testing: Implications for

nursing education and practices. Nursing Education Perspectives, 32(4), 270. Goings, D. & Johnson, J. (2011). The synergistic effect of matrix learning: A case study using matrix learning in

business classes. Business Education Innovation Journal, 3(1), 77. Snow, J L. & Mulrooney, C. (2002). Effective top teams: Five Strategies for Success. Healthcare Executive,Vol.17

Issue 2, pg22 Lepi, K. (2012). The 7 Styles of Learning: Which Works for You? Edudemic. http://www.edudemic.com/styles-of-l

learning/ (2015). 5 motivation strategies to increase productivity. Learning Management Association. Retrieved January

01, 2017, from http://leadershipmanagement.com.au/motivate-and-dominate-5-motivation-strategies-to-increase-productivity.