Human Relations in Organizations: Applications and Skill Building 8th Edition by Robert Lussier

Exercise 38

Note: This exercise is designed for permanent class groups. Below is a survey feedback questionnaire. There are no right or wrong answers. Check off the answer to each question as it applies to your class group. All questions have five choices.
15. Our group follows the five steps of the decision-making model (Chapter 13).
16. Our group uses the following ideas:
17. We make a list of other relevant questions.
18. Our group uses the conflict management style.
a. forcing
b. accommodating
c. avoiding
d. compromising
e. collaborating
19. Our group resolve its conflicts in a manner that is satisfactory to all.
a. does
b. does not
This exercise is designed for groups that have worked together for some time.
Objectives: To experience a team-building session and to improve your group's effectiveness.
AACSB: The AACSB learning standard skills developed through this exercise are reflective thinking and self-management, analytic skills, communication ability, teamwork, and leadership.
Experience: This exercise is discussion-oriented.
Material: Preparation for Skill-Building Exercise 14-4.
Climate Building
To develop a climate of trust, support, and openness, group members will learn more about each other through a discussion based on asking questions.
Rules:
1. Rotate; take turns asking questions.
2. You may refuse to answer a question as long as you did not ask it (or plan to).
3. You do not have to ask the questions in the order listed below.
4. You may ask your own questions. (Add them to the list.)
As an individual and before meeting with your group, review the questions below and place the name of one or more group members to whom you want to ask the question next to it. If you prefer to ask the entire group, put group next to the question. When everyone
is ready, begin asking the questions.
1. How do you feel about this course? ___________________
2. How do you feel about this group? ___________________
3. How do you feel about me? ___________________
4. How do you think I feel about you? ___________________
5. What were your first impressions of me? ___________________
6. What do you like to do? ___________________
7. How committed to the group are you? ___________________
8. What do you like most about this course? ___________________
9. What do you plan to do after you graduate? ___________________
10. What do you want out of this course? ___________________
11. How do you react to deadlines? ___________________
12. Which member in the group are you the closest to? ___________________
13. Which member in the group do you know the least? ___________________
Other ___________________________________________
When the instructor tells you to do so, get together with your group members and ask each other your questions.
Participants determine what they would like to accomplish during the team-building session. Below are six major goals of team building; you may add to them. Rank them according to your preference.
To clarify the team's objectives.
To identify areas for improving group performance.
To develop team skills.
To determine and utilize a preferred team style.
To fully utilize the resources of each group member.
To develop working relationships based on trust, honesty, and understanding.
Your own goals (list them).
Participants share their answers to Procedure 1-b. The group can come to a consensus on its goal(s) if it wants to.
Process and Structure: As a team, discuss strengths and weaknesses in group process (how the group works and communicates). Below, list norms (do's and don'ts) for the group to abide by.
Problem Identification: As a team, answer the survey feedback questionnaire. Place a G in the box to signify the team's answer. Don't rush; fully discuss the issues and how and why they affect the group.
Based on the above information, list 8 to 10 ways the team could improve its performance.
Prioritize the above list (1 = most important).
Problem Solving: Take the top-priority item. Then do the following:
1. Define the problem.
2. Set objectives and criteria.
3. Generate alternatives.
4. Analyze alternatives and select one.
5. Develop an action plan for its implementation.
Follow the same five steps for each area of improvement until time is up. Try to cover at least three areas.
Training: Team building often includes training to address the problems facing the group.
Because training takes place during most exercises, we will not do any now. Remember that the agendas for team building vary and usually last for one or more full days, rather than one hour.
Closure Application:
1. I intend to implement the team's solutions. Why?
2. What did I learn from this experience?
3. How can I apply this knowledge in my daily life?
4. How can I apply this knowledge as a manager?
Group members summarize what has been accomplished and state what they will do (commit to) to improve the group.
Sharing (4-7 minutes): A spokesperson from each team tells the class the group's top three areas for improvement. The instructor records them on the board.