Learning Log Activities - Assignment Example

Learning Log Activities Background Effective communication between members of a team can result in a positive performance. Correspondingly, organizations that lack teamwork, cooperation and proper communication perform poorly. By definition, teamwork is when individual efforts are brought together in the interests of a common goal (Salas, 2013). Having the correct skills set to solve conflicts between the team members positively impact on the success of the group. In my undergraduate studies here in United Kingdom, I have been a member of several study groups in different subjects. I have encountered many different people nearly from all walks of life. In the many groups that I have been a member of, I have not had any conflicts with any member of the group. For that reason, I consider myself a diplomat, a good team worker and more importantly an eloquent orator with unquestionable communication skills. Nevertheless, for so many years I have never imagined that conflict can negatively impact the effectiveness of communication that in turn impinge on the quality of work done. This was not until I experienced in a group where I was a member. The discussion in this paper reflects the situation that took place last semester to help develop and utilize my personal skills while avoiding conflicts so as to maintain a good rapport with other team members in the future. Process Our lecturer instructed us to form groups so that we could present a report on ‘Diversity and Conflict Management.’ Most of the groups had an average of 4 to 5 members. In our group, we were four boys and one lady. The lady was tasked with the responsibility of leading the group. As the leader, she split the topic in various sub-topics and assigned each member a certain sub-topic. Shortly thereafter, we were joined by a new member. Sadly, there were rifts between the lady and the new member that arose from misunderstandings on how the tasks were been delegated. I tried to resolve the problem between them, but my efforts were fruitless as I had never experienced it there before. Notably, the rest of my colleagues did not make take any meaningful action in a bid to help resolve the issue. Consequently, the girl opted to withdraw from our group, an effect that made us not attain a high grade on that assignment. Analysis of Learning First, the feedback of the presentation was fundamentally important as it helped me realize the importance of good communication among team members. Unarguably, the team could have achieved higher grades if only there were no conflicts. I was pleased to work with other team members as they were intrinsically motivated to complete the assignment. The feedback proves that conflict stemming from desires for leadership in a group fronts conflicts that have a negative impact on the success of the group. The activity provided a first- hand experience on how conflict can affect the performance of a group. This suggests that members should be able to put aside their differences and understand each other instead of arguing about who will be the leader (Kehoe, 2011). Personally, I feel comfortable when I meet new people. Moreover, I always strive to leave a positive impression when working with individuals. This is asserted by colleagues who opine that I have excellent communication skills. Also, because I do not experience conflicts with other people. In the view of the feedback, it can be learnt that managing people who have diverse opinions can be very challenging (Mullins, 2005). This is due to the diversity of backgrounds and personalities. This also suggests that high performance in an organization can be realized if there are cohesion and understanding among the team members. However, it should be noted that agreeing with all points fronted by a member and avoiding discussion impacts negatively on the team’s success. The activity also helped me realize that there are some areas that I need to improve so as to handle such situations in future better. The experience that I gained will help me react to conflicts a more skilful and better way. In the next group, I will work with I will ensure that all members equally participate and share opinions. Future Development From the scenario, it can be determined that people should admit and learn from their past mistakes. This does not only improve the much-needed skills for better teamwork, but also effects positively on the performance of the group. Otherwise futuristic activist, in future groups I will be keen to join a group that has members who have different characteristics. This is will create a good atmosphere that will increase my confidence in people and hence offer my best. Activity 2 – Belbin Team Role Aim – To develop my Team Role Objectives To recognise my strength and overcome my weaknesses of my role in Belbin theory To identify the personal skills needed in order to maintain a good relationships with other team members in respect to the Belbin Team Role theory. Background Teamwork and collaboration are an everyday occurrence. There is a firm emphasis on collaboration and teamwork in the student body. Over the past, I have been a member many of groups in different class assignments such as projects and presentation. However, until recently, I was not paying close attention to the diverse roles assigned to each individual in a group. What is more is that despite taking many online tests that were full of insightful guidance identify personal strengths, and weakness I did not pay any meaningful attention. This was not until when I attended a class on personal and professional development. The course work of the unit gave me an insightful knowledge of how to identify my strengths and weakness while improving myself. In point of fact, identifying one’s weaknesses and overcoming them influence positively on his or her professional development. By and large, I will be using the Belbin Team Role theory for my reflection since the framework offers the best ground. Process Belbin Team Role theory, published in year 1993, is used to reflect the ineffective way the roles of individual team members (Belbin, 2004). In a bid to understand the model, students in the class were asked to form group according to their team roles. Each group formed was tasked with the responsibility of filling a questionnaire. Notably, the questionnaire was behavioral based. The questionnaire form was dubbed as self-perception Inventory form. Basically, the questionnaire consisted of eight segments with ten questions each. On each section of the self-perception Inventory form, students were to give their responses on how they apply to them. The total points awarded for each section of the questionnaire was ten points. The lecturer also noted that the ten points could be awarded for only one just response to the section. This implied that, the lecturer could also equally deny giving any point if he felt that the responses given were not substantial. The assessment was done on the grounds of who we were at that present moment and not what we anticipated to be. Thereafter, the SPI responses were analyzed, and the outcome results released to the students in a report form. Analysis of Learning The results of the reports reflected that I am a team worker who profoundly contributes to the success of the team. Moreover, the results indicated that I am a keen listener and one who avoids conflicts with other team members. Also, results of the reports showed that I am adept at diplomatic skills that are very helpful in solving conflicts that arise between the team members. This reflection further affirmed that am an eloquent orator with superb communication skills. On the other hand, the outcomes of the reports also highlighted some of my weaknesses. First, I am indecisive especially in some circumstances. This particularly arises when I avoid confrontation with people with certain cases. Personally, I have showed this sort of reflection like when I faced an issue with the last group when we had PPD class assignment. This suggests that I will have to improve in this area. Further, the results indicated that I have the personality of executing ideas into real actions. Consequently, this suggests that fellow team members can rely on me if there are tasks that need implementation. However, even though I can shoulder on many responsibilities, one of my great flipside is that I am slow in acting on new responses. This is because I take a lot of time to complete one task before moving to the other one. This might be the case when writing a report, either individually or as a group. This is due to the fact the reports requires thorough reading, planning and analyzes. This is different to presentations since I do not experience much pressure or nervousness. The activity has helped me learn that it is critical to understand your strengths since it helps you build a stronger character. Also, the activity was helpful as it helped me recognize my weakness and how to counter them. In addition, the groups formed according to individual team role, provided an opportunity to interact with other members and share ideas on how to overcome challenges. This provided good grounds for performance improvement in my life. Thus, profoundly I can say that the Belbin Team Role theory results proved that my personality that I am a team worker. Future development The Belbin Team Role activity helped me realize that I have a lot of untapped potentials that are worth being explored. Ultimately, it can be deduced that in order to improve development as a team worker I ably need to overcome issues that are hinder me from developing. One crucial tool that is helpful in overcoming this is accounting for all things in my life, including those that I find myself least suited for. In so doing, I will gain in-depth knowledge and consequently my performance will improve. In difficult situations, one should use his or her diplomatic skills to solve the problem without compromising on his or her integrity. Every team member has a role to play so as to achieve the set team’s objectives. These individual roles add important elements to interactions and communications within a team. Belbin Team Role theory observes that team roles provide a way that is helpful in tackling projects to completion References Belbin, R. M. (2004). Management teams: why they succeed or fail. Amsterdam, Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann. Kehoe, D. (2011). Effective communication skills. Chantilly, VA, The Teaching Company. Labib, A. (2014). Learning from failures decision analysis of major disasters. Burlington, Elsevier Science Mullins, L. J. (2005). Management and organisational behaviour. Harlow, England, Prentice Hall/Financial Times. Salas, E. (2013). Developing and enhancing teamwork in organizations: evidence-based best practices and guidelines. Schwimmer, L. D. (2002). The art of resolving conflicts in the workplace. San Francisco, CA, Distributed by Kantola Productions. . Read More