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Module 18 - Working and Writing in Teams
Part 3:
Appendix 18-A: Sample Journal Entry
Well, here I am again typing on the computer. This journal entry
isn’t going to be as long as the last one because not much has
happened since the last time I wrote. Since my last entry, Pam,
Dean, and I met you to discuss revisions of Country Combo. The
group is planning on each person doing their own revisions rather
than a group effort combination. Hopefully this will turn out for the
best because all our time and effort needs to be centered on our new
project for which we have not yet decided on a topic.
As for an idea for our report, Pat and Mark seem to think that they
have a brilliant idea, but Pam, Dean, and I aren’t really too hip on
the idea because we don’t know much about the subject matter. Pat
and Mark have a class together and there is an idea from the book
they are using and they want to use that idea. The only problem is,
they are the only ones who know what they are talking about. I
have no problem with them using this idea if they can provide more
information and help explain the idea a little better. Hopefully
everything will go a little smoother with this project.
Now I’ll go a little deeper into some of the topics I discussed the last
time I talked with you. I hope you don’t mind that I used the term
“talk” because I do feel like I am talking into the computer when I
type on it.
Last time and this time I mentioned some of the problems that our
group is having. I think one way they we can solve these problems
is to be very open with one another. If we each voice our own
opinions and feelings up front and not hold back then
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Module 18 - Working and Writing in Teams
Appendix 18-B: Sample Journal Entry continued
it is easier to get an idea of what you think. It works best if one
person gets the ball rolling and each person has their turn. If one
person doesn’t say anything because they think it’s not a good idea
then sometimes it takes a bit of work to make them talk. I think
everybody always has an idea, they are just not always willing to
express it. Sometimes we need to ask how they feel about the
situation.
Another thing that our group has problems with is agreeing with one
another. We all have different thoughts about things, but when it
comes down to making decisions we have a hard time. One way to
make this go smoother is to take a vote. We did this when we
elected to revise.
Country Combo and it seemed to work fairly well. Another thing
that would help our group is if we wouldn’t get all bent out of shape
about things. We need to take things a little more lightly and have
more fun and I think things will fall into place.
As I said last time, I think that we have one disadvantage as a group
and that Is that we all have the same background. I have discovered
that there are disadvantages to this in that there is little diversity
because we all think along the same lines.
Other advantages and disadvantages within our group are that
usually only one person has time to type things in the computer and
they do the editing while in the lab. This happens because our
group is a very active group and we only have so much time
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Module 18 - Working and Writing in Teams
Appendix 18-C: Sample Journal Entry continued
to spend on these assignments. It would be to our benefit If we had
more than one person do the typing and the whole group work on
editing.
When speaking of my personal conflicts with Pat, I have to say
things are going better. This might be due to the fact that we aren’t
working that closely as a group at the present. I plan on trying to
work harder on listening to Pat’s ideas, but I also want him to listen
to mine and not cut on them.
It’s going to be hard for the next couple of days with trying to revise
Country Combo and working on a project, but I’m looking forward
to finishing up these projects and the quarter.
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Module 18 - Working and Writing in Teams
Appendix 18-D: Memo Analyzing Group
Dynamics
Date: May 25, 2001
To: Kitty Locker
From: David Dennison
Subject: Analyzing the Dynamics of Our Business Communication Group
Every group which I have participated in has had different characteristics. However, this has
probably been the most unusual.
Group Development
The group was originally established with three members. However, because of various reasons
another individual was forced to join. Rob, Steve, and I had decided to work on the project,
when Susan asked if she could join. From the outset I could tell that she would be closed out.
When Susan asked to join Rob acted offended and immediately changed the topic of
conversation to something she was unfamiliar with, sports. This was an attempt to close her out
of our conversation. I believe this was an unconscious act, but it proved to be very effective.
When Susan asked questions or gave input she was ignored or disagreed with.
Following this first interaction I noticed that Susan became self-contained and isolated from the
group. She gave limited input and when she did it was immediately met with negative reactions.
Group Leadership
Rob became our group’s leader form the outset. He is an outspoken and extremely confident
individual, just the type of person who dominates this type of group. When Steve mentioned that
we should attempt to get the work done quickly, Rob stated that he currently did not have the
time, indirectly leading us to put off the work until later.
At that time I knew I would be unable to attend two classes later in the project, so I waned to
finish the project quickly. However, since I had seen Susan isolated from the group I was
hesitant to mention this fact.
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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Module 18 - Working and Writing in Teams
Appendix 18-E:
Memo Analyzing Group Dynamics continued
Kitty O. Locker
May 25, 2001
Page 2
Group Problem
A problem developed because Susan and I missed two consecutive classes. Rob was upset and
quick to express his opinion on the matter. Rather than ask why we were absent, he scolded us
and pushed Susan further from the group.
When the group was to meet for the memo-writing session, Rob revolted. He scheduled the time
and place, but he did not attend the meeting. I believe he used this to send a message that he had
contributed his share and we should finish the project.
Contributions
Since Susan and I missed two meetings our early contributions were limited. Rob and Steve
were unwilling to forgive us and made our task seem more difficult. However, when Rob was
not present we became much more involved. The memo-writing meeting went extremely well as
all three of us opened up and gave our different ideas.
In Rob’s absence I assumed the leadership role. I felt confident in my ideas and was unafraid of
being put down for making my suggestions. I assumed a passive leadership role and only gave
instructions when we began to wander off the subject. I believe this allowed all three of us to
give information without worrying about being closed out.
Evaluation
This group was the worst I have been associated with. Each member acted as an individual, not
allowing us to work together effectively. Although Rob assumed the leadership role his attitude
towards Susan and me acted to separate the group. If we were to work together again, a new
leader and attitude would have to be established.
© 2014 by McGraw-Hill Education. This is proprietary material solely for authorized instructor use. Not authorized for sale or distribution in any
manner. This document may not be copied, scanned, duplicated, forwarded, distributed, or posted on a website, in whole or part.
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