CME BLOG (TEAMWORK TIPS) / Friday, March 30, 2007
TEAMWORK TIPS:
When conflict happens, it is important to keep in mind that conflict is a part of the team process.
Without it, teams may not be able to examine all points of view and synthesize information.
You can help teams learn to resolve their conflicts internally by educating them of the team process and giving tips on communication in teams and on conflict resolution.
One way to spot potential for very serious conflicts is to monitor team progress either through weekly reports, frequent drafts or monitoring a message board. An attendance check is one way to see if there are any students skipping meetings or not contributing material.
After a team is formed, the group leader should organize a session whereby all the group members will know more about each other. After that, organize outside meetings for the project.
Listening and Critiquing
1. Active Listening - Communication is a two-way street, so it is important that you listen carefully to your team mates when they are speaking.
2. Ask Questions - If you hear something that confuses you, you should ask about it. Maybe you missed a detail or maybe you remembered something others forgot.
Conversely, if a team member asks you a question, you should answer it courteously.
3. Constructive Feedback - Although it is important to evaluate proposed ideas and suggestions, critiques need to be presented with tact. Examples of tips:
a. Don't express an opinion as a fact
b. Explain your reasons
c. Restate the original idea
d. Compliment another's idea - Even if you do not think it would work, some part of it may be valid and could be usable in another form.
e. Respond, don't react - If you feel like you're ready to explode, give yourself a few seconds before speaking.
f. Don't interrupt
g. Critique the idea, not the person
h. Be courteous
i. Avoid jargon
4. Chat a Little - A meeting does not have to be 100% business. It is perfectly fine to ask team members how they are doing or what they are planning next weekend. This can really help ease tension when disagreements occur later. Of course, you should not socialize for the entire meeting.
Online Communication Tips
Your teammates or your instructor may ask you to communicate through e-mail, a bulletin board or chat. In fact, e-mail or bulletin boards can be an effective way to get more input from shy teammates. Below are some tips:
1. Use Emoticons or "Communication Tags"- Since your teammates will not be able to hear your tone of voice, emoticons can add a touch of personality to your messages and defuse comments that could be misinterpreted. Some famous emoticons include:
o Friendly Smile - :) or =) or
o Apology/Frustration - :( or =( or
o Shocked Face- :o or =o
o A Wink - ;) (or ...)
2. Don't write when you're angry - There's no time limit on e-mail so give yourself a chance to calm down before writing a response.
3. Re-read your message before sending - Confusion is even more likely over the Internet, so it's important to be as clear as possible.
4. Share daily schedules - This will give you a good idea of when a team member might be available. For instance one person could be doing homework at night, while someone else is out working.
5. Establish a time limit for replies - Usually somewhere between 24-48 hours.
6. For serious disagreements - You may want to call or talk to someone in person before sending another angry e-mail to the group. Sometimes it's easier to discuss things on the phone or in person.
7. If you're sharing files - Establish a naming convention for tracking versions and a system for determining who is providing revisions and comments.
What happens if a team member isn't doing his or her part?
Normal/Productive
Extreme/Unproductive
Raising a Concern
Nitpicking - Questioning or objecting to every possible detail on the project
Asking Questions
Missing Details - Constantly asking questions because you were not paying attention the first time
Ownership/Responsibility
Possessiveness - Refusal to allow anyone to alter or critique the work you have done for the project
Principled
Uncompromising - Never accepting any proposed compromises
Listening & Reflecting
Lurking - Never contributing in team meetings or other communications
Staying in Touch
Nudging - Always sending reminders and not allowing members a reasonable interval before responding before sending out more notes
Follows Procedure
Inflexible - Not allowing for changes in a plan or agenda
On top of things
Doing Everything - Not allowing other members to make contributions
CREDITS::
Taken from the various links in this website: http://tlt.its.psu.edu/suggestions/teams/
ChEErio aka Alicia
Info: Lim Swee Ling
United by Strength; Strengthened by Teamwork
11:17 PM
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