The document discusses group communication and effective teamwork. It covers how groups develop over time through various stages, from initial conflict to emergence of shared goals and roles. Key aspects of effective teams include establishing clear norms, engaging in dialogue rather than debate, achieving synergy through shared understanding, and fulfilling both task and relationship roles. The importance of communication in allowing teams to progress through stages of development and resolve conflicts is also emphasized.

2. unitec EKernohan 2011

5. unitec EKernohan 2011 A reminder - Why we study communication! Communication processes are fundamental to human society, social relationships and personal identity. Understanding what makes communication effective (or not) enhances our competence in interactions with other people. Becoming a more effective communicator can improve our relationships with other people, whether at home or in the workplace. Communicative competence is becoming increasingly important in a global/multicultural society - for employment and citizenship.

6. Poor Communication Can Kill

10. unitec EKernohan 2011 Is this class a group? Is the class a team? TEAMS are formed to achieve goals. Teams function through effective communication. TODAY You will be required to form a team. 3 – 4 people to achieve a goal.

12. unitec EKernohan 2011 The sum of the parts is greater than the parts. Teams working and learning together can achieve SYNERGY. Synergy – making teamwork work. Synergy is the co-ordinated actions [of muscles]. Shared Meaning 1 2 3 The area of shared meaning is small when the team first comes together. Persons 1 and 3 may share understandings that they do not have in common with person 2. Team members

13. unitec EKernohan 2011 SYNERGY is achieved by increasing the area of shared meaning together, through communication – to function better than any one team member would have achieved by working alone. 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 7 SYNERGY Synergy: the combined effect of the parts exceeds their individual effects.

15. unitec EKernohan 2011 Norms – ground rules for teams. Norms encourage openness in team communication. Openness and trust are essential for an effectively functioning team. Norms are the expectations for behaviour of all members working within a team. The way we do things’ for the life of this team. Norms are present whether they have been discussed (EXPLICIT) or not discussed (IMPLICIT). CONFLICT can be avoided if the norms are made explicit – discussed and committed to, at the time the team is formed.

16. unitec EKernohan 2011 TEAMWORK 1 – quality talking DEBATE = attacking (‘you are wrong’) behaviour. Power struggle / competitive DISCUSSION = (‘Yes, but …’ ) persuading behaviour. Appropriate when the issue is straightforward (used most of the time in teams) / compromise DIALOGUE = listening exploring and UNDERSTANDING ideas and people’s thinking. It takes TIME and works well for complex issues (many heads are better than one = synergetic) / collaborative Moving from debate to discussion to dialogue Dialogue = a deeper style of communication

17. unitec EKernohan 2011 TEAMWORK 2 - Making Decisions MAJORITY VOTE Benefits Simple Fast Disadvantage 55% for = 45% against means there is a large group not committed to the team’s actions CONSENSUS Benefits Solution satisfies needs of all Discussion may lead to new solution Greater team commitment Develops team spirit Disadvantage Time consuming Other Brainstorming Mind mapping Plus Use a combination of vote and consensus

18. unitec EKernohan 2011 TEAMWORK 3 - Different Cultural Values The principles of effective teamwork are universal. Culture can influence team behaviour.

19. unitec EKernohan 2011

24. unitec EKernohan 2011 Functional Roles in Groups Handout #2 TASK Actions Initiator Clarifier Evaluator Recorder Co-ordinator Explainer Inquirer – information seeker Information provider RELATIONSHIP Actions Encourager Supporter Harmoniser Confronter Tension-reliever Listener Interpersonal problem-solver Observer

25. unitec EKernohan 2011 Functional Roles in Group (continued) SELF-CENTRED Actions Withdrawer - avoider Attention-seeker Joker Blocker Dominator Sidetracker Attacker Self-centered actions May prevent progress Meet individual’s needs (conscious or unconscious) at expense of group Overly Task-focused Someone may dominate Not all ideas heard Over-emphasis on relationships Task not achieved

32. Go the Breakers