Individual Self-Reflection PDF

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Summary

Self reflection of the project and management module and I got 75 for this essay...

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MODULE: PROJECT MANAGEMENT

TOPIC: REFLECTION ON TEAM WORK AND INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION (UWE PLUNGE BUSINESS EVENT)

GROUP REFLECTION Word Count: 549

With the proposed idea of an entrepreneurship project, our group dealt with both positive and negative circumstances. This essay will critically reflect on the process of our team work including: team dynamics, challenges, and individual contribution as well as future lessons for better performance. Tuckman’s theory of group development (1965) helped me in understanding the group process, and in resolving a variety of unexpected circumstances at each stage of team development. Forming: Our group was united and reached an agreement for a timeline quickly as we all got along with each other in the class. A general agenda was displayed and tasks were assigned to each individual; our strengths and weaknesses were identified so that we could put our best efforts into our work. Storming: Despite having a sense of belonging and motivation as a group, our team members had conflicts stemming from our different perspectives, and understandings of the lecture material. For example, we initially could not come to an agreement about the probability and impact score of factors in the risk assessment matrix, as some members had positive views while the others were afraid of underestimating the risks. Consequently, it drove us to frustration and strong arguments among members. At the norming stage, our group started to resolve these differences and unite together to achieve our target. For instance, each individual was given an opportunity to voice their perspective, but still opened their mind to other members’ ideas and we finally decided upon reasonable answers that satisfied all members. According to Thomas’s Conflict Mode Instrument theory (1974), our way of managing conflicts is referred to as Collaboration. Sometimes, our way is the combination of both Avoidance and Accommodation conflict management styles, when some members chose to fight for their ideas, whereas others avoided the disputes by keeping silent since they did not want to push tensions to a higher level. Performing: Through discussion, negotiation and conflict, our group grew more mature and became an effective and efficient team. At this final stage, each individual’s tasks were completed without any obstacles since we were all responsible and supported each other in group work. In general, the decisions of teamwork were made through negotiation and consensus building. However, our group lacked strong cohesiveness, and the personal emotions of some individuals were still one of the drivers of conflicts, which consequently biased the value of ideas and group decisions. Moreover, not having a leader resulted in the group taking a longer time in smoothing out conflicts, harmonizing members’ standpoints and dealing with emergencies in teamwork.

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION & FUTURE LESSONS Word Count: 549

My contribution was one of the important keys to the success of the whole group. Owing to my experiences in business competitions, I recommended the idea of an entrepreneurship project. Therefore, in the idea development process, I was able to analyze the factors necessary for a start-up and spotted the errors in the project proposal, allowing us to modify them for the better. Moreover, with conscientiousness and discipline, I always kept an eye on team members’ work process to guarantee tasks finished as scheduled and to improve team performance quality. Towards conflict resolution, I attempted to appease any anger and tension in our group which consequently avoided relationship breakdowns. For example, when members had strong arguments, I harmonized their standpoints by explaining the reasons behind their ideas to the others, in order for every member to understand each other’s views. Nonetheless, I also need to admit my anxiety occasionally put pressure on other members and somewhat reduced work efficiency. As a perfectionist, sometimes I felt dissatisfied with our answers since they were not produced with careful consideration. However, our group was able to come together to produce a positive result. For better group performance, a stronger collaboration, more effective communication and improved conflict management should be established so that we can produce even higher quality results.

REFERENCE Tuckman, B.W., 1965. Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological bulletin, 63(6), p.384. Thomas, K.W., 1974. Thomas-Kilmann conflict mode instrument. Tuxedo, NY: Xicom.

Word Count: 549...