Small Groups and Team Dynamics in Management

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Introduction

It is imperative to note that the understanding of the concepts related to small groups is vital for every professional in this area. Such knowledge can be utilized to improve team dynamics and the efficiency of operations. It is important to note that a broad range of theories and techniques have been introduced over the years, and ability to apply them in practice is essential in most cases. Moreover, such topics as diversity, creativity, and leadership are especially interesting and should be studied because they are critical in the workplace, and the knowledge that is received may be utilized in the future.

Discussion

Creativity

It is imperative to understand that numerous barriers that would limit an ability of a small group to think creatively are frequently present. For instance, the ones that are related to emotions are especially problematic. The issue is that many individuals are used to traditional approached and are afraid of trying something different because they are worried about the possibility of a failure (Harris and Sherblom 169). Moreover, it is entirely possible that their productivity will be reduced, and a broad range of other complications may also be listed. It is necessary to note that I have learned it from my personal experience. For instance, I am frequently worried about changes in the processes and how my performance will be affected. However, it is important to understand that every individual should be capable of adapting to any situation, and this ability is especially valuable in the workplace. Moreover, it is important to note that the performance of the small group is incredibly dependent on all the members, and any doubt or indecisiveness may be quite problematic most of the time. Furthermore, I think that this concept has many benefits and needs to be considered in the workplace because group members should be much more open to new ideas and unique approaches because their central objective is to improve the process.

Another concept that needs to be discussed is sharing. Every single group member should voice his or her opinions and deliver the latest information that is available. Such data needs to be shared because it helps to establish long-term relationships and individuals may feel safe in a particular environment (Harris and Sherblom 174). It is important to say that I have noticed from my experience when working in groups that it is vital in most cases, and helps to avoid possible conflicts and disagreements. Moreover, many companies should focus on this aspect much more because it can be used to establish a high level of trust. The ability to present information in a particular way is critical, and it affects the way an individual is perceived by others. Moreover, I think that such approach is practical, and this concept needs to be applied in the workplace and must be promoted to ensure that every single group member understands why it is important.

Also, it is important to mention that the focus on equality is vital in most cases, but it is frequently disregarded. The issue is that many groups are focused on such aspects as status and knowledge during discussions, but the input from every single individual should be regarded valuable and needs to be reviewed (Harris and Sherblom 177). I have learned from my personal experience that every person in the group should consider themselves as equal to avoid possible complications. For instance, individuals may be afraid of voicing their opinions because they are afraid of the reaction or are worried that it may hurt their reputation in a particular group. Moreover, equality should be promoted in small groups because it reduces the level of tension and every individual is presented with equal opportunities. It is necessary to understand that every single idea should be valued if it is reasonable, and it could help to get solutions that were not expected. Furthermore, I think that this concept can be used to increase the level of creativity in the team, and it also has a broad range of other benefits.

It is important to understand that many techniques may be utilized to promote creativity in a small group, and associations and metaphors are worthy of a discussion. This approach helps to look at particular situations from different perspectives because words and phrases may have various meanings that are frequently overlooked (Harris and Sherblom 172). I have noticed in the past that such approach can be used to come up with solutions that were not expected, and it has helped to resolve issues promptly. I think that such approaches are critical and may lead to positive outcomes. Moreover, I plan to use this approach in the workplace, and I think that it is important to explain its benefits to other group members to ensure that they have a better understanding of its unique aspects and how it may be utilized to its full potential.

Diversity

It is necessary to mention that the role of nonverbal communication is frequently overlooked, and individuals do not pay enough attention to this concept. However, it should be viewed as an efficient method to express thoughts and ideas, and it may help to address some of the barriers that are present. Moreover, the issue is that the perception of different phrases varies from one cultural group to another, and it may be regarded problematic (Harris and Sherblom 79). I have learned from my personal experience that the dissimilarity between communication styles is enormous most of the time. Furthermore, every individual in a group should have an understanding of this fact, and ability to identify which communication style is the most efficient in a particular situation is vital. I think that this concept is positive needs to be considered in my future practice, and it may be necessary to develop a set of symbols that would be understood by every single member of the group, and it would help to address communication barriers that may be present.

Another concept that needs to be discussed is the strength of diversity. It is important to understand that a variety of insights and opinions is critical in some situations, and a diverse team would be able to come up with solutions much faster than others. Moreover, the value of different perspectives on a particular situation should not be disregarded because they are influenced by various factors (Harris and Sherblom 80). It is paramount to note that I have noticed this aspect in the past, and it is evident that the diverse group has a broad range of advantages. Moreover, the interactions between individuals are much more complicated, and it is possible to get valuable knowledge and skills that would be useful in the future. It is necessary to mention that I will consider this concept in the future because I view it as beneficial, and hope that I will get an opportunity to work with diverse groups. Also, this approach may lead to a significant competitive advantage, and this aspect needs to be taken in to account.

Pressure for conformity also needs to be discussed because it is present in most organizations because it helps to make sure that tasks are performed promptly, and no complications occur (Harris and Sherblom 84). Moreover, many individuals think that it is necessary to change their behavior to be accepted by others. I have learned from my person experience that the group does not like when a particular individual always disagrees with decisions and always raises topics that are viewed as unnecessary by others, and it is especially problematic when there are differences in cultures. However, it is important to understand that such group members are vital most of the time because they can draw attention to issues that may be overlooked. Individuals are much more likely to trust each other if their opinions are taken into account, and it helps to reach organizational objectives (Ferguson and Peterson 1012). In my opinion, there are many downsides to this approach, but it is important to understand that it is necessary in some cases, and it is critical to ensure that consensus on what issues should be prioritized is reached. Furthermore, this concept needs to be considered in the workplace, and every single member of the group should be provided with necessary information on how to deal with pressure for conformity and how such problems may be addressed.

Leadership and Social Influence

It is important to note that the need to recognize leaders is vital for most organizations. The role of such professionals is to provide guidance and support to other individuals when it is necessary. Moreover, it is necessary to understand which qualities are preferred. One of the aspects that should not be overlooked is that leadership needs of a particular group may change over the time (Bergman et al. 124). Furthermore, one should be capable of using resources that are available as efficient is possible to minimize possible unnecessary expenses. Another core aspect that needs to be mentioned is that a leader must be able to motivate members of a small group with a use of techniques. I have noticed from my past experiences that leadership is critical most of the time because a group needs an individual that would assign tasks and keep track of the progress. Furthermore, it is necessary to mention that I will apply this concept in the workplace because I think that it has many benefits, and it would help to explore the potential of individuals that is not fully utilized.

One of the most important aspects that need to be discussed is the function of leadership. It is important to understand that leaders have a broad range of responsibilities, and one of their primary objectives is to deliver external information to group members (Harris and Sherblom 226). Moreover, and ability to analyze a particular situation and eliminate possible complications is highly valued. I have noticed that the best leaders are capable of gathering information from their surroundings with the use of knowledge and their experience in the industry, and they can utilize the data if it may improve one of the processes. In my opinion, this concept needs to be applied in practice, and I view it as positive because it will help to ensure that possible risks are avoided, and objectives are achieved.

Theories of leadership also should be mentioned because an understanding of which approaches are the most effective in a particular situation is critical. It is important to note that numerous approaches have been suggested over the years, and they have led to numerous discussions and disagreements. Leadership styles are mostly picked based on unique characteristics and personal traits of an individual (Harris and Sherblom 226). Moreover, it is imperative to mention that I have learned that an outstanding leader will have a set of qualities that will differentiate him from many others. It is necessary to understand that there are many leadership styles, and they vary in their effectiveness depending on the situation or organizational objective. Moreover, numerous internal and external factors should be considered to increase the level of efficiency of operations. One should have an understanding of his or her strengths and weaknesses, and it will help to identify areas that need to be improved. Moreover, this concept will be applied in my future work because it has many benefits, and it would be important to conduct a survey to understand leadership qualities of each member and how they may be utilized.

The role of transactional leaders also should not be overlooked because this approach can be used to ensure that tasks are performed efficiently, and the focus on goals and objectives is also vital (Harris and Sherblom 230). Moreover, it is important to understand that their job is to ensure that everything is going according to the schedule and no complications occur. The level of involvement is relatively small in this case, but the control over the whole process is critical. It is important to mention that such leaders utilize a broad range of techniques to ensure that the level of motivation is sufficient and do not rely on the authority most of the time. On the other hand, transformational leadership also needs to be discussed because it allows an individual to establish a following of employees that would be incredibly committed to the task at hand and will be motivated. Moreover, I have noticed from my past experiences that both these approaches can be useful, and they should be selected depending on the organizational goals. Furthermore, it is necessary to mention that I will utilize this concept in the future, and I think that it is important to practice both styles of leadership. This approach would be beneficial because their effectiveness varies, and it is important to select the one that is the most appropriate in a particular situation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that the importance of these concepts should not be overlooked because they are essential in almost all the areas and would help to increase the efficiency of operations. Moreover, it is important to mention that many new approaches and techniques are frequently introduced. Furthermore, it is necessary to keep track of latest trends in the industry to get a better understanding of what technologies may be used in practice and what latest approach are recommended. It is important to understand that the role of creativity and diversity has been increasing over the last few years, and group members should acknowledge this fact. One should understand that such knowledge is necessary to stay competent and develop as an individual and professional.

Works Cited

Bergman, Shawn M., et al. Leadership Emergence and Group Development: A Longitudinal Examination of Project Teams. Journal of Organizational Psychology 14.1 (2014): 111-126. ProQuest. Web.

Ferguson, Amanda J., and Randall S. Peterson. Sinking Slowly: Diversity in Propensity to Trust Predicts Downward Trust Spirals in Small Groups. Journal of Applied Psychology 100.4 (2015): 1012-1024. ProQuest. Web.

Harris, Thomas E., and John C. Sherblom. Small Group and Team Communication. 5th ed. London, UK: Pearson Education, 2010. Print.

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