Bruce Tuckmans Theory on Teamwork - Essay Example

Reflective Log The previous week offered very insightful lessons pertaining to rhymes. After learning about rhymes in class, we were given a group assignment by our teacher. Basically, the assignment required us to generate words that rhyme with a particular set of 15 words. My initial thought about this assignment was that it was going to be very interesting and eye-opening since we were going to work in groups. I believed that I would learn a lot from my group members while at the same time help the group complete the assignment accordingly. Personally, I think that generating rhymes is very interesting and challenging at the same time. Over the years, I have encountered rhymes in songs, poems and reading materials, however, I have never been directly involved in the creation of rhymes. Thus I was a little apprehensive about the task ahead. My understanding about rhymes is that, a rhyme is a repetition of corresponding sounds in two or more words. Therefore, generating rhymes would requires us as a group to find words that have two or more corresponding sounds with the set of 15 words that we were given. Our group had a total of five members. During our first group meeting we brainstormed about the task and what was expected of us. Some group members offered suggestions on what we should do in order to complete this assignment accordingly. Some members suggested that, the group leader should delegate to each group member a total of three words. After delegating to each individual their set of words, each member would independently find rhymes for the three words and subsequently present their rhymes to the group for evaluation and recording. Other members suggested that rather than finding the rhymes independently, we should work as a group in order to realise the best possible outcomes. After spending a considerable amount of time deliberating on which approach we should use to complete the assignment, we agreed as a group that we would collaboratively find rhymes for each of the words. Personally, I felt that the first option was better since it would ensure that every member has made an equal contribution to the task. After establishing that approach that we would use to complete this group assignment, we began our discussions. Initially, it was a bit difficult to come up with the correct rhymes. However, our group leader came up with the suggestion that in order for us to easily find the correct rhymes for each of the provided words, it is essential that we foremost read on how rhymes can be generated from words. I found this idea to be very instrumental to the success of our group in this task. Subsequently, we embarked on a review of literature so as to establish how rhymes are formed. I was impressed by the way we worked so well as a group. Our group leader ensured that each group member was given equal amount of time and opportunity to communicate their ideas and express themselves. With time, the passiveness and reservation of some group members begun to taper off. Every member in the group begun to communicate their suggestions in relation to rhyming the provided set of words. This experience made me reflect on Bruce Tuckman’s theory on teamwork commonly referred to as “Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing” model of group development. Basically, Tuckman’s theory suggests that there are four stages of group development namely; forming, storming, norming and performing. The first stage “forming” is the stage whereby group members exchange information and get to know each other. The second stage, “storming” involves problem solving and addressing issues within the group. During the third stage “norming” group members overlook their personal views and interest and begin to do what is best for the team. In the final stage “performing”, the team works cohesively to achieve the set team objectives and goals. By reflecting on Tuckman’s theory on team development, I was able to realise that since we know each other and had worked together before our group had undergone the forming, storming and norming stages of team development. I felt that as a group we had created a rapport with each other thus it was easy for us to work cohesively in order to achieve a common goal. Moreover, it was easy for each group members to communicate their ideas and express themselves. I believe that there was mutual respect among members in our group and each individual felt that were their opinions and contributions were appreciated. It was difficult to generate rhymes for some of the words in the list such as “accounting” and “orange”. However, after exploring and discussing the possible options we were able to generate rhymes for these words. Through the equal contribution of each member in the group, we were able to generate and record rhymes for all the provided set of words. Generally, our group work experience was good. We were able to work more quickly and efficiently. From the group discussion we had, I was able to learn a lot from my group members especially in relation to rhymes. I was able to learn that there are different types of rhymes. For instance, I was able to learn that, some rhymes are generated by stressing the last syllable in a word whereas other rhymes are generated by matching the consonants and the sounds of the vowels. Moreover, through this experience, I was able to learn a lot about myself. I learnt that, I have strong analytical skills and that I work best by collaborating with others. However, I learnt that one of my key weaknesses when it comes to working in a team is being impatient. In some instances, I tend to be impatient especially when a group member deviates from the topic in discussion and starts to focus on unrelated events. Furthermore, I learnt that in order for any group or team to be effective, good leadership is paramount. Developing a rapport between group members is also crucial to the performance of the group. From this experience, I have also learnt about the importance of communication and providing equal opportunities. In future, I intend to be more patient and accommodating towards the views of others when working in a group. I also intend to articulate myself in a precise and concise manner so as to effectively communicate my ideas. Read More