Course: 6165 – 6

Week 8 Blog Assignment

Collaboration with Colleagues

Joanne Lynch

Saturday 21^st December, 2013.

 

 

       A more durable and persuasive relationship marks collaboration. In other words, it is a process where many of my colleagues and I worked with each other to do a task, and achieved shared goals. For instance, we came together (online) and discussed innovative ideas, as we guided our education with the added power of several brains working together for our good. Particularly, the determination and self-direction were beneficial for us, since these characteristics facilitated learning, and assisted us in making it victorious each week.

       Surely, my colleagues and I have supported each other during this course of study. Certainly, we possessed the willingness to work with each other, and the ability to recognize that we could not have done it all on our own. Furthermore, everything was not known by us that we needed to know, therefore, by collaborating with my colleagues, knowledge was pooled in order to make our assignments more successful than they might otherwise be. Oftentimes, we were able to view situations from various angles, since everyone had a different perspective of things, which brought new ideas to all, as we learn from each other.

       In conclusion, our collaboration not only equals a happier workforce, but it represents an educated team, which naturally inspires a sense of community among colleagues, that we felt almost like we were part of a family. Certainly, I do appreciate the contribution of my colleagues, as well as our tutor Dr. Lisset Bird-Pickens, since they have played a part in my success. Undoubtedly Dr. Pickens, your comments and reactions have confirmed to my colleagues and I, the towering level of professionalism in your approach. Above all, I am not forgetting Lori and Kalisa, who frequently gave their positive comments to my postings. For this reason, I thank you very much. However, I do wish everyone the best in their endeavor, while I leave them with these words to contemplate on.

       As you take your new road

       I wish all a cup of success

       A pint of happiness

       And a jug of achievements

       May you live the life of your dreams each moment.

Reference

School management and supervision: Units 1-8. (2000). Bridgetown: The University of the West       

                Indies.

      

Course: 6165 – 6

Week 6 Blog Assignment

Saying Goodbye

Joanne E. Lynch

Date: 6^th December, 2013.

       A group is a fundamental part of social life. It can be very large or very small. However, in order for a group to operate as a team, it needs skills and an inclination. Moreover, people in a group do things that have an effect on each other, engage and identify with each other, habitually at consistent or pre-determined times and places, where the members share beliefs, morals, and code of behavior about areas of common significance, and work together on common assignments for agreed justifications and outcomes.

       Certainly, the high-performing groups are the hardest for members to leave. For that reason, they are virtual groups that are highly focused on their goals, and that attain excellent business results. Also, all the other similar groups are outperformed by the high performing groups, because the members exhibit high ranks of reciprocated trust towards each other. Likewise, members with explicit roles and compatible talents and skills, coordinate with, and devoted to a common purpose, constantly showing high levels of joint forces and innovation, by being able to interchange their roles. More importantly, the groups have vigorous methods of rectifying conflict efficiently, so that conflict does not become a barrier to accomplishing the group’s goals.

       Undoubtedly, rituals have long been a vital part of anthropological thought. Beside, good closing activities provide a way for the group to combine parts into connected whole, ideas, and action develops during the session and sometimes can take the next steps for action. Also, giving big hugs   demonstrate awareness to the practical knowledge shared in the group. Furthermore, members were habituated to focus on the affirmative, while talking about the experiences, and exchanging gifts among themselves.

       Above all, there is an adjourning stage for the group of colleagues I have worked with, while pursuing my master’s degree in this program. Some colleagues will be joining other teams, and moving on to higher positions in the near future. Notably, for the higher performing team, the end of the program will bring on feelings of sadness, as colleagues have effectively become as one, and are now going their separate ways. We will be contemplating on our achievements, although it will not be possible to hold a celebratory dinner, since we are residing in different countries and states. 

       Surely, adjourning is a vital stage of team work, because members will become aware of the completion of the program, by doing their usual reflection, realizing that colleagues are moving off to various directions. Likewise, this final stage is where team members brief and share the improved process, say good-bye, thank each other, and wish each other good luck as they pursue the next endeavor. More importantly, members may opt to retain friendships, even if they will be no longer working together. 

Reference

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York:

              Bedford/St. Martin’s.