Role in the Group Presentation - Coursework Example

Reflective Essay Student’s Name Institution Introduction As the leader of the group my task was to guide my fellow group members in achieving the objectives of the group which in this case was to complete a class assignment. Therefore, in order to achieve this it was important to create a good communication system. A good communication system ensures that individuals are capable of relating to each other. As a result it becomes quite easy to attain the goals set out for the individuals (Gallrein, et al 2013). Additionally, with good communication it becomes quite easy to avoid instances where the members of the group divert from the main objectives of the groups. Therefore, communication is indeed an important aspect whenever individuals interact for a common purpose. In relation to this, this report tries to analyses how an individual can influence communication and how such influence impact on the mode of communication (Garcia-Jimenez 2014). To achieve this I will reflect on some of my experiences while working with the group. Therefore, based on my experiences it becomes easy to understand how an individual can impact on communication. The act of reflection involves analyzing decisions and the circumstances that influenced a desired decision. This is to say that by reflecting one’s activities and actions it is easier to understand how their personalities influence the decisions they make. Therefore, this essay is a reflective essay that tries to understand how my personality and actions impacted on communication within the group. Additionally, by looking at my actions it becomes quite easy to understand how they affected the manner in which the group reacted to my directions. Analysis of the group process In order to complete the assignment and achieve the objective of the assignment the group had to undertake various process which made it possible to complete the presentation. The first thing the group did is divide the assignment among the group members. The group members were required to undertake the objectives of their respective divisions. The objectives was to foster a good relationship and understanding among the group members. Once each group had completed their tasks, the results were analyzed and integrated together. This ensured that as a group we were able to complete and present our assignment on time. However, as each group undertook their tasks various character traits of individuals were evident. These character traits had great influence in the group in relation to how the group members communicated amongst each other. Some individuals happened to be quite talkative, which led the group to integrate formal and informal modes of communication. In doing so, it ensured that all members of the group were covered and could relate to the issues discussed by the group. In addition to this, I also noticed that some individual are less sociable compared to other individuals in the group. This gave rise to conflicts within the group. However, despite the minor conflicts experienced, the group was able to complete the assignment. This can be attributed to the fact that despite the various differences in the group, individuals were united by these differences. This is to say that as a result of the various differences the group was able to put them into use and accomplish the tasks at hand. Therefore, it is clear that the success of any group depends on the various attributes of the individuals in the group. This is because the group utilizes all the attributes at its disposal in ensuring that the objectives of the assignment is achieved. In addition to this, the different attributed led to close bonds between the individuals in the group. This was evident in relation to the relationship that existed among the members of the group. The close relationship was due to the fact that the individuals in the group knew each other’s attributes. This in return led to fostering of a good relationship among the individuals in the group. According to Allen and Hecht (2004) the success of any group’s objectives is dependent on the personalities of the individuals in the group. This is because by understanding an individual’s personality it becomes quite easy to get the best out of them. Therefore, we can rate the success of the group in completing its objectives to the ability to recognize the various personalities that existed in the group. Failure to recognize the personalities within the group would have made it quite impossible to complete the assignment. Additionally, it would be impossible to resolve the various conflict that were evident as the group undertook in completing the tasks that lay before it (Allen & Hecht 2004) Role in the group presentation As the group’s leader my main objective was to ensure that the group completed its main objective which in this case was to complete the assignment and make presentation on the same. However, undertaking such a responsibility was never going to be easy, since every member in the group was different. This is to say that no group member would react in the same manner when presented with a challenge. Therefore, in order to accomplish the tasks at hand, it was important to get an understanding of everyone in the group. By doing so it was easy to distribute tasks among the group members. Therefore, my other objective in the group was to ensure that there was a good interaction among the group member, which could only be achieved by understanding everyone’s personality. Additionally, as the group leader I was responsible of providing guidance to the group members. According to Allen and Hecht (2004) a group leader is someone that the group members look up to for guidance in undertaking the objectives of the group. Failure to provide guidance could lead to failure on the part of the group in achieving its objective and the tasks at hand. Therefore, a group leader is like a role model in the group, whereby group members look up to when undertaking their tasks. In order to achieve all these, I had to be positive towards the group members in relation to responding to questions and events that occur in the group. Being positive proved to be quite significant in fostering a good relationship with the group members. This was evident in the manner in which some of the shy group members were able to open up and interact with other group members. According to Aberson et al 2000 a group leader is required to always be positive even when facing challenges. This is because by being positive it allows them into interact with group members on a personal level. This in return, creates a sense of security, which enables individuals within the group to be open to each other, additionally by being positive it becomes possible to identify the potential of each member in the group. This is attributed to the fact that the members are open towards each other. Additionally, by integrating with the group members, the manner in which group tasks were conducted changed. This can be attributed to the manner in which the group communicated. At the beginning communication was more of one ended whereby group members only participated when asking questions or seeking guidance. However, this changed and communication was more of an interaction among the group members. This meant that the group members need not necessarily have to approach me for clarity, but could discuss among themselves and come up with the most suitable decision. This allowed me as the group leader to participate in achieving the group’s objectives. According to Bambacas and Patrickson (2008) as a group develops overtime it becomes united which lowers the burden of the group leader in ensuring that the group attains its objectives. This is to say that the achievement of the group’s objectives ceases to be the group leaders’ duty but a collective mandate. This in return makes it possible for a group to achieve its objectives with little difficulties. Overall contribution to the group At the end of group presentation I could sat I played my part very well in ensuring that the group achieved its objectives. Through the group discussion I realize that I had various capabilities which I never thought I had such as leadership. The success of the group demonstrated that I had the ability to lead other something I had not. According to Johari window tasks bring out abilities of individuals that were unknown to them. However, through interaction with members in the group such abilities begin to manifest themselves. Therefore, this made out possible to complete the tasks before us (Shenton 2007) Through the group there were certain attributes which I believe could come in handy in assisting the group move forward when tackling other issues. One such attribute is in relation to interpersonal skills. Interpersonal skill refers to the ability of individuals to relate with each with little or no difficulties (Khan & Ahmad 2012). This attribute made it easy for the group to complete its task and it is something that should be given high priority. However, group member need to work on their organizational skills if they are to be successful in undertaking other tasks. Organizational skill relate to the way individual prepare themselves to undertake tasks before them. The grouped lacked organization as there was no clear way of undertaking the tasks of the group. However, by undertaking numerous task, it is possible to improve on the organizational skills of the group members (Fairholm 2009). References Aberson, C. L., Healy, M., & Romero, V. (2000). Ingroup bias and self-esteem: A meta-analysis. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 4, 157-173. Allen, N. J., & Hecht, T. D. (2004). The “romance of teams”: Toward an understanding of the psychological underpinnings and implications. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 77, 439-461. Bambacas, M & Patrickson, M. (2008). Interpersonal communication skills that enhance organisational commitment. Journal of Communication Management, 12(1), 51 – 72. Fairholm, M.R (2009). Leadership and Organizational Strategy. The Innovation Journal: The Public Sector Innovation Journal, 14(1), 1-16. Gallrein, A.B., Carlson, E.N., Holstein, M & Leising, D (2013). You spy with your little eye: People are ‘‘blind’’ to some of the ways in which they are consensually seen by others. Journal of Research in Personality, 47, 464–471. Garcia-Jimenez, L (2014). The Pragmatic Metamodel of Communication: A cultural approach to interaction. Studies in Communication Sciences, 1-8. Khan, A & Ahmad, W (2012). Leader’s Interpersonal Skills and Its Effectiveness at different Levels of Management. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 3(4), 296-305. Shenton, A.K. (2007). Viewing information needs through a Johari Window. Reference Services Review, 35(3), 487 – 496. Read More