Communication within a group is important to overall success. It is important to quickly and effectively resolve all conflict immediately that surfaces within the group. Allowing conflicts to fester within will create tension and ultimately result in failure. Walkter Stephen lists three main ways to maintain morale and avoid group self-destruction:
1.) Check yourself before you wreck yourself - Self-reflection is a critical part of keeping the peace when working in groups. You may be over-reacting, under-reacting or simply being apathetic. If you find yourself upset over a group issue, take a minute to calm down, and reflect on the overall charge. Remember, temper is the only thing you can't get rid of by losing it!
2.) Get in where you fit in - Don't wait to be asked what your opinion is in the group. You need to be comfortable within your group and actively contribute.
3.) Relish contrasting opinions - Everyone is different and can learn from the other members of the group whether it be values, beliefs, or actions. It is important to be open-minded and encourage everyone to contribute conflicting ideas. When someone plays "devils-advocate," it has the ability to open up the door for discussion, discovering new ideas and relish contrasting opinions.
Citation:
Stephan, Walter G. "Psychological and Communication Processes Associated With Intergroup Conflict Resolution." Small Group Research 39, no. 1 (February 2008): 28-41. Communication & Mass Media Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed February 19,
This is a good article, it has a good amount of important content about conflict resolution. The only critique we have is that its weird having the first two points rhyme, and then having the third not rhyme. But overall, its a good article.
ReplyDeleteThe article: United We Stand, Divided We Fall is a good article with important points that groups could use and benefit from. We agree with Small Group's comment regarding the rhyming of two points and not all three. We feel that it would make more sense for either all three points to rhyme or none at all. Other than that one piece of advice the content of the article would be beneficial to other groups. Also,the visual aide showing unity ties into the article nicely!
ReplyDeleteThe blog article seemed to suite your post well. I would suggest pulling in the reader a bit more with a more personal application to your article possibly through a short story or example. Also engaging the audience with a thought provoking question at the end may leave them thinking about the article longer. I would agree with the picture working well with theme of unity and conflict resolution. We are looking forward to more of your creativity.
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