The small red book that we all have from the authors O'Hair and Wiemann describe what makes a good group. The book list key points of a good group such as being able to work together well, having group rules, good behavior, synergizing ideas, and being able to resolve conflicts. The authors also go on to discuss how having one clear goal in mind is important. The book emphasizes that when people work together they can achieve anything, which is true.
In order to work together people have to know how to deal with each other in groups when conflicts arise. If two group members are arguing over a topic in which they both believe is right, they should be able to manage the conflict healthily and be able to defend their points of view.
A well rounded group will have roles set up for each member, a single goal, an agenda, and willing participation. Basically everyone has to be willing to be on board with the main purpose and put effort into achieving the group’s goals. They have to put the group before themselves. Being in a good group obviously starts with every person trying to put their best effort in achieving the goal. That means having input in ideas the group develops and also being open minded to other ideas other group member may have.
Following the guidelines that O’Hair and Wiemann have set up for good group communication will push the group in the right direction toward being that ideal group that works together well.
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I like how you explained what the book talked about as far as making a good group goes. I also read this section of the book and thought it was very in depth in its analysis of what it takes to have a good group. I also liked how the book talked about how to be a good group member and that it is extremely important to have good communication within a group and how important it is to make up roles for each group member. In my opinion, communication and structure are the two most important things needed to make a good group.
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ReplyDeleteI love your name btw haha very creative. I also like you chose to write about working in groups and how important it is to get along. This is so true especially with this particular class that we are taking. Group work seems to be a big part of this class and it always makes the work go by smoother and easier when everyone gets along and works together to complete this task. I have worked in groups many times before this and i have had good group members and bad group members. It is never fun when you have to argue with members over your project or the tasks that we must accomplish.
I think this was a very important topic to write about especially with our upcoming group papers. The book explained about group communication and exactly how to construct a good group very in depth. I think it was very good for all of us to read this section before our group in person meetings. This way everyone knows what is expected of them as a group member before even showing up. I tend to get discouraged from group assignments because I find it sometimes hard for every person in the group to participate equally but I think after reading this section it will help to clarify our given responsibilities.
ReplyDeleteI like how you chose to write about group communication, especially with our upcoming paper coming up. I agree with how you stated that if groups work together, they can achieve anything. I like how you listed all the points of good groups. Some of these are things that groups tend to overlook, such as synergizing ideas and good behavior. Just the other day, I was placed into a group in another comm class where one member took the lead and started the project themselves without listening to other members ideas. While she might have thought she was doing us a favor, she was not taking others ideas into considerations. Group behavior is also important too. There is often fighting and unnecessary conflict in groups, and this can be fixed by re-focusing on the final goal of the group, not the small obstacles that sometimes get in the way.
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