Team+Building

=**Team Building Discussion **=

**These exercises are designed to cause you to think of some of the things that are common to teams and teamwork.**
====**Read through the [|Team Building sheet] under the course library and, as a team, respond to and answer the following questions and discussion points.**====

Lots of team exp, work and volunteer. Exp in every "role" in the reading. (GM) I have worked in teams in almost all of my graduate classes so far (10 classes). I have also worked in teams at work and in some of my volunteering experiences. (SC) **Before I started teacing, I worked as a banking center manager for a bank and was exposed to many team building activities and opportunties. I have always believed that 2 or more heads are better than one. I think as teacher, I get to play all the roles at one time or another and also get to guide teenagers in many of those roles (LE)** With this being my third online degree program, I have had a tremendous amount of experience working in groups. (LG) This is a strange question. In my experience, you have to be willing to play any and all roles, depending on what is asked of you, your organizational role, etc. (GM) If we are looking at the roles listed in the article, then I think to some extent we all fit into the roles. We have all been stepping in to fill those roles. (SC) **When I worked for the bank, one of the trainings I participated in was a outdoor learning team building exercise designed to explore the roles in teamwork. One thing I learned was that you cannot change who you are and the role that you are most successful in is the one that comes naturally. Some people are more comfortable being leaders while others prefer to hang back and not necssarily follow, but to take on a less 'visible' role. (LE)** I think we are all capable of filling any role necessary and I like the idea that we are switching out roles with each module. I think it'll help everyone with varied experience for our careers. (LG) **3. How do member see their own potential with the team?** I'm happy to play any and every role. I like that we are rotating responsibilities. I don't feel shy about shifting to other roles if it is needed. (GM) Our team is very diverse in talent and experience. I think I will learn a lot from my team members, as well as exercise my own knowledge and skills throughout our projects. (SC) **I have no problem with any of the roles that are addressed in the article. I think I have at least a little of each of the roles in me. (LE)** I think I can contribute wherever is needed. Although probably not in setting up wikis (hehe), I had one previous experience with a wiki in classwork and it was horrible. (LG) I think everyone is up to the challenge at hand. (GM) I'm pretty excited about the group projects. I enjoy being able to work with a team and have others to bounce ideas off of. (SC) **I feel enthusiatic, just a little lost sometimes. I ready to get our groove on. (LE)** I'm very excited about the group I have to work with. This is the first group that I was able to choose in a class and I think a lot of my teammates. (LG) =Characteristics of a Good Team = Expand and Discuss these points
 * 1. Do any members of your team have past team experience?**
 * 2. Does anyone fit readily into any of the key roles needed on a team?**
 * 4. Is everyone enthusiastic? If not, have you addressed concerns as a team?**
 * **Respec**t
 * Team members must respect each others' working styles, time commitments other than the project, and communication styles. (GM)
 * I agree with Gina, although we are all in the same time zone, we have different schedules and commitments and have to remember that. (LG)
 * **I think we also have to be open to new ideas and brainstorming to reach our consensus (LE)**
 * **Communication**
 * Not everyone communicates in the same manner. Choosing the way the team will communicate on a normal basis is important. Having scheduled check points are important. (GM)
 * It's important to communicate throughout every step of a group project, so everyone is on the same page, otherwise you lead to wasted time, double the work and lower quality products. (SC)
 * Remember to follow through on what you commit to in terms of communication (and I say that to myself the loudest!). (LG)
 * **Effective communication will allow us to head off many problems that are inherent in teams. (LE)** 
 * **Ability to resolve problems**
 * Cohesive teams are able to identify problems in a non-confrontational manner. Problems are resolved quickly so that they don't derail the project time line. (GM)
 * I think this reverts back to communication, actually. If a team has good communication, that goes a long way toward resolving problems. Also there may be a requirement to "think outside the box" to solve a problem. (LG)
 * **We all seem to have a good sense of humor. I think that our willingness to work together and our committment to not letting each other down will be what will define us as a successful team. (LE)** 

=<span style="color: rgb(174,0,255);">What can Contribute to.... = Expand and Discuss these points
 * **Team Frustration**
 * Lack of communication. Insisting everyone works using your style. No clear mechanism to surface problems. No established time lines or dependencies. (GM)
 * I agree with your answers Gina.
 * <span style="color: rgb(72,144,224);">I think the schedule conflicts can contribute to this. And going on Gina's response, flexibility is an absolute requirement for the team to prevent frustration. In other words, my mother would make a terrible group member. :-) (LG)
 * I **agree that lack of communication along with the need for honesty or constructive feedback in a non-threatening manner. The lack of clarity in assignments can be frustrating also. (LE)** <span style="color: rgb(72,144,224);">
 * **Team Satisfaction**
 * Clear project time lines, evidence that established milestones are being met. (GM)
 * Group members are respectful of everyone else, everyone feels their ideas are important, the team not settling for anything less than high quality work, good communication lines (SC)
 * <span style="color: rgb(96,168,230);">Agree with both Gina and Sarah on this, along with clear project instructions. (LG)
 * **Constructive feedback from each other and instructors and the satisfaction that comes with a job well done. (LE)**