Reflection & rationale Essay Example

Group Work and Team Dynamics

Group working entails the bringing together of people to share responsibility governed by a common objective. The imperative in teams according to La Fasto and Carl is the ability to ensure effective function to influence performance (1). Therefore, it is important to identify appropriate members though a skill analysis in an effort to achieve positive team dynamics. Concerning team dynamics, the discussion by La Fasto and Carl, emphasise that team relationship direct the performance of a group (1). As a result, I learn of the importance of individual behaviour, character, and personality in generating positive team dynamics. Moreover, these aspects should form part of the analysis in selecting members for a particular project. The performance of the projects reflects on the central role of the leadership in contributing to the success of the team. A leader creates a positive or negative force in directing the individual performance of the members (La Fasto & Carl, 2). Consequently, the leader should possess adequate leadership qualities to allow a positive influence the conduct of the members.

Group Work and the Environment

La Fasto and Carl identify the organisation environment as a crucial factor influencing the functioning of a group and its outcome (3). Currently, the idea of teamwork is gaining moment as characterised through its integration in teaching programs as well as organisations. Its rapid development and inclusion in learning are important, especially in a university environment following its ability to enhance the productiveness of the students. In my opinion, I find that performing group tasks either as part of learning or assessment polishes the creativity in the student and their accountability to their individual success. Moreover, as evident through the project, there is sharing of ideas, communication and integration of the students which are positive outcomes of these shared tasks. Following the discussion by La Fasto and Carl, I realise that through the tasks the institution management can assess the productivity of their teaching (3). In this case, the group tasks act as a source of feedback to both the teacher and learning about the mastering of content.

Self-Learning

The process of carrying out the project has been a significant learning experience. In particular, the project challenged my belief about my character and qualities on a personal level. Performing as a photographer, I gained an opportunity to interact with the different students with varying skills and abilities. Interestingly, I learnt of my strengths including time-management, artistic, and accountability skills. Nevertheless, I identified areas of weakness particularly on communication and interactions which were crucial in the team performance. Throughout the project, I became aware of my leadership qualities especially regarding delegating duties and providing suggestions to the members. Therefore, the project was a self-learning and discovery experience broadening the understanding of an individual quality and how these personas affect the group performance. Specifically, I appreciate the project success in enhancing my creative thinking, critical analysis, and the expansion of my knowledge of the indigenous community of the aborigines through their art.

Work Cited

La Fasto, Frank, and Carl Larson. “When teams work best.” (2001).