Health Groups
According to Adams, and Anantatmula, (2010) a group is an aggregate of persons that come together with the same vision and objectives that they want to accomplish. The concept of groups is not new in health circle given the constant emphasis on promoting multidisciplinary collaboration. Similarly, in my experience, it is something that has had a significant impact on my development both as a person and as a professional. As such, this concept is worth analysis and in essence is the focus of this discussion.
A group that I have taken part before and I will mainly concentrate on is the research group. In this group, the main aim for my colleague and I was to conduct a study whose results we would present in a conference that was about to occur. In this group, my role was that of a timekeeper that ensured all activities went according to plan. Looking back at the experience, I can boldly say that the group did not successfully navigate all the stages of a group formation. The steps include forming, storming, norming and performing in that order (Chun, & Choi, 2014). However, the group only managed to complete the first three stages after which it stuck at the performing stage. Consequently, because of the lack of progress, the group underwent a dissolution process.
Drawing from this experience, I believe that as a leader there is more that I can do now to improve the outcome of the group that I spearhead. That is the case given that I have a rich wealth of information on strategies that I may adopt to control the group proceedings effectively. For instance, when dealing with problematic roles like the aggressor and dominator, I would choose to stop such members whenever they cross the boundary set in the group norms and remind them of the agreed upon rules and regulations. Such a technique will help enhance peaceful coexistence and perception of equity for all members of the group (Marquis, & Huston, 2015).
Lastly, the measures that I would take to facilitate the success of the group process are also worth noting. Primarily, utilization of good and effective communication skills will optimize the outcomes of the group’s activities (Mind Tools, 2012). Another strategy is the use of team-building activities such as fun days to promote cohesion and unity among the team members. Finally, offering mutual support to members of the team that need the backup is another strategy that will ensure maintenance and improvement of teamwork and communication (Haynes, & Strickler, 2014).
Concisely, from this discussion, it is clear that teamwork is an essential skill for successful leaders. As such, going forward, the new crop of leaders must seek to improve this skill if they are to succeed in their operations.
References
Adams, S. L., & Anantatmula, V. (2010). Social and behavioral influences on team process. Project Management Journal, 41(4), 89–98
Chun, J. S., & Choi, J. N. (2014). Members\’ needs, intragroup conflict, and group performance. The Journal Of Applied Psychology, 99(3), 437–450. doi:10.1037/a0036363
Haynes, J., & Strickler, J. (2014). TeamSTEPPS makes strides for better communication. Nursing,44(1), 62-63. doi:10.1097/01.NURSE.0000438725.66087.89
Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2015). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Mind Tools. (2012). Forming, storming, norming and performing: Helping new teams perform effectively, quickly. Retrieved from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_86.htm
