Group Leadership and Conflict Summary Argumentative

The conversation of the team was informative as well as to the point. We discussed how the videos were displayed to us, in our own point of view. I responses to one another were thorough and accurate because each team member watched the videos, and depicted what they had examined in each scenario. The team uploaded their responses and we all responded to one another accordingly. The team was prepared by reviewing the videos and looking over the scenario of each one. The team prepared themselves by responding to one another and leaving the discussion open for other team members to respond as well. Some of the team, did not respond back to the forum as frequent as the others, but still responded though. Then the team posted to the team forum about when they were going to post and so forth. Yes, I can say that everyone participated in the group. We could have had more communication and more open discussions about the videos and different scenarios of the videos. The team communicated effectively and openly without destructive conflict involved.

Yes, team members were open to different views about the video especially the video “Politics of Sociology”. Both videos have encountered different views from the team. I enjoyed reading the different views because it opened me up to different levels of thinking as well. The overall climate of the discussion was a classroom climate and a productive climate. The classroom climate is where the discussion begin in a classroom setting but in a distant learning environment. The team was productive in the discussion when it comes to evaluating the videos and how everyone in the team feels about their input. Yes, some of the team was productive. Some of the team came together and discussed the goal or task. Then, the team waited on feedback from the rest of team. The team collaboration was effective with the time permitted and the information required. The team was supportive, respectful, and offer advice in the team setting. The need to approach the group with increases cohesion is not needed at this team.

Video Analysis – “Planning A Playground”

The issues in the meeting were not coming prepared. For instance, in the beginning of the video, the team introduced themselves. There was not an agenda outlined, so the team begin discussing the task at hand, planning to build a playground, and how to get funding for the project. One of the team members, Iyeshia, came in with a how much it would cost to build a playground. This idea was great. The team group did well by discussing ways to get the funding. Betty, one of the team members discussed about bake sales. I enjoyed the idea of the bake sale, then the team felt this measure of funding would not have been adequate. The communication was open and productive. There was constructive conflict in the scenario. Constructive conflict occurs when the group or team expresses disagreements in ways that value everyone’s contributions and promote the group’s goals. (Engleberg, Wynn, 2012)

The key factor is when the team did not agree with Betty’s idea of a bake sale. After not agreeing with the bake sale, the team discussed why the bake sale was not a good idea, then discussed another option for the funding. One conflict style that I saw was collaboration, and compromise. I would have prepared an agenda. In the agenda, I would have outlined what the task would have been and goals to be accomplished. I would have assigned everyone to different jobs to complete. For instance, Betty could have been the chairperson and Iyesha could have been the bookkeeper or handle the financial portion of the project.

Video Analysis – “The Politics of Sociology”

There a few issues in the team meeting. There are too many chiefs and not enough Indians. The leader could not lead the team after the outburst from Trevor and the other lady. In the video, the only thing that was done well was the meeting on time. As soon as the meeting begin, the conflict begin. Destructive conflict is presented in the video. For instance, the team had behavioral issues and this created a hostile environment to work in for the team. There were other conflict styles presented such as accommodation, competition, and procedural. For example, one of the team implemented a new assignment, and Trevor, being competed and procedural implemented, “I have teaching this class for many years, and I know this is not going to work.” The guy had a great idea but Trevor was not hearing it. The leader could have exhibited better leadership skills but allowing the team to construct but not destruct. As soon as the leader noticed conflict was arising, then he could have stopped it before it had gotten too far.

The leader of the team acknowledged but did not step in when needed to defuse the issue at hand. The team goal was not met and everyone was upset. First thing is to have an agenda. Next would have been to assign everyone a task top complete within the group. By assigning roles in the group, destructive conflict could have been eliminated. I would have used the Trait leadership Theory in this scenario. By using this theory in the team will help me analyze different behaviors needed to conquer the task or goal set. When the constructive conflict turned destructive, I would have ended the meeting and post a new date. Then, go back and discuss the issues that has arose in the meeting. I would have opening discussion about the meeting and effective ways to change the outcome. Another thing I would have implemented would have been to stand up and not sit down and the next meeting and further meetings. This will keep the team members mind focused on the point at hand, completing the goal or task presented. When you are in a team, many issues may arise.

By being an effective leader, one can use effective leadership skills to implement. Such skills such as promoting cohesion is one criteria needed in this scenario. I can incorporate cohesion by showing respect to other team members, and allow everyone to be active listeners. By showing respect to one another in a team, the members can reach the unaccomplished goal set. There are different personalities and diversities in a group, but as long as you can work together despite the diversities, attitude, behaviors, competition, the goal can be completed effectively. I enjoyed the team collaboration this week.

I have so much from the videos and the team input and discussion. Effective communication is needed in all areas of teams. I know that working in team can be challenging, but always remember to put your best foot forward, and keep on moving towards the goal. Sometimes, teams may not perform in adequate time but be persistent and ask if you can be of any assistance in helping other team members. Unless, there is a leader assigned, there is not an “I” in teamwork. Working the team this week was productive and I have communication was open and to the point. Everyone discussed and posted about the scenarios on both videos as well.

Reference Page

Engleberg, Isa, Wynn, Dianne, 2012, “Working in Groups”: Communication Principles and Strategies, 6th edition, Pearson Learning Solutions, 2012.