Many groups, though not clearly, eventually disband. For
groups whose projector task has come to an end, there is an adjourning stage.
The group members reflect on their accomplishments and failures as well as
determine whether the group will be disassemble or take on another project. To
mark this stage, some groups hold a celebratory dinner or simply say thank you
and good-bye. (O'Hair& Wiemann, 2012, p. 257-258).
Sometimes working with groups we tend to develop
relationships where we establish so much trust, sometimes from the amount of
time we spend working together, that we begin to share personal experiences and
begin to look for advice from some of our group members. These relationships originate
into friendships which are the hardest good-byes for me. I think that my
feelings would be the same rather I was working with a high-performing or
clearest established norms groups because it depending on the relationships
within the group that I have established.
One group that I have been a
part of that was the hardest to leave was when I was a nursing student at Ogeechee
Technical College in Statesboro, Ga. This group was so hard for me to depart
from because I had spent over 40 hours a week for a full year with the same
group of people. We had been through our ups and downs together, we supported
one another in our time of need, begin to know more about members of each
other’s families, and we also had experienced the loss of loved ones, and birth
of new ones with one another. Even though it was a relief to finish the program
it also took some adjusting once we graduated because we did not see one
another like we did before each day.
When we departed the ritual we had was a pinning ceremony.
In this ceremony the nurses were acknowledged for their accomplishments and
struggle that they may have come across in order to succeed throughout the program.
We were are pinned and pledged to vow and always stay dedicated to make health
a priority.
Working with the colleagues at Walden has been a new experience
for me because I have never solely communicated with a group of people only by
internet. Even though we do not converse physically, or shall I say face to
face, I feel like we are connected and familiar with one another when seeing
their names. When adjourning from this group, I feel that we will do what is
commonly done which is to physically graduate together at a ceremony. It would
be nice that we all participate if able so that we may get to know one another
a little better by meeting face to face which can also lead to relationships
that will last past the program. Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork
because it helps the group to reflect on what worked or what did work which help
the group can make better decisions on what they will and will not do
differently the next time.
. Reference
O'Hair, D., &
Wiemann, M. (2012). Real
communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.
Erika,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you that one of the hardest parts of adjournment is saying goodbye to new friendships that have developed over the course of a project. Sometimes continuing these friendships is a possibility and sometimes our lives take us in very different directions. One thing that I have learned is that each of these friendships and experiences has made me a better person and I value the time that we have spent together. Although I may never see some of these people again, I find that they are never completely gone from my life. The lessons learned and the personalities experienced often guide and support me in times of reflection and learning.
Sandra
Erika,
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the pinning ceremony. I think ceremonies like that are great ways to celebrate accomplishments and reflect on the process of those accomplishments. An important part of life is experiencing and acknowledging growth. As we do that, we can see how powerful we are as human beings, and move forward with new goals to accomplish in life. I agree with you that saying goodbye is tough, especially when you have grown close to a group of people through extended time and effort spent together. Pausing to reflect on the experiences of the group as you adjourn can help bring closure and make it a little easier to say goodbye. Thanks for your thoughts.
Erika,
ReplyDeleteIt is always hard leaving a group especially when you have opened your heart and your immediate family to people that you spend a lot of time with. I love the way you guys used the pinning ceremony because it is a great way for everyone to get a ideas of the things you guys went through to get where you today. Even though Working in a group at Walden is different from a face to face meet but I look forward to seeing familiar names and learning from their experiences.
Erika,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree it would be nice to be able to meet each other at a physical graduation when we finish our programs. It would give us the final opportunity to say goodbye to each other in person. Who knows we could all decide to stay in contact through emails and other sources. I have met many new people through my classes here at Walden University.
Randee