Group Dynamics, How To Rock Groups

Working in groups allows us to practice our teamwork skills. Team work is a given in today's dynamic and ever developing work sector. Society needs people that are well equipped in areas that require them to use their soft skills. Below are a series of tips to help you get through the day with your groups.

1st Tip.

Establish an Atmosphere of Respect- As an individual who once worked an office job at the university with a particularly multicultural group, I remember being a part of an easy going and understanding environment; the reason being that the majority of the team at work, student assistants and supervisors alike tried to be respectful of everyone's opinions. Whether it came down to lifestyle choices, religion, career choices, and any other facet of life, we remained respectful- so long as it did not go against university principles. This was one key that propelled us into another level, and eventually we had a successful "group" environment which was ultimately based on Respect.

2nd Tip.

Have A Solid Vision From The Start- What I mean by this is, cultivate an environment in which everyone is working in conjunction and focused on a single vision that is supported by exact objectives. Often with groups, it can be very difficult to carry a project from start to finish all throughout with an impeccable trajectory. When the vision is not backed up by specific objectives that everyone can hold on to, then the vision is lost, at times, even before the project begins. So, it is important to work on the building blocks that every vision is founded on - Clear objectives.

3rd Tip.

Have Weekly Meetings- Nowadays with the numerous amount of social media tools and interactive communication tools via the internet, there is no excuse for not chatting up with your peers about your project. A group can be spread out across the world and still have the ability to get together with the rest of the team, whether it is through a Google Hangout Session, or a Skype Session, Whatsapp, Group me, etc.

4th Tip

Combine forces- All of us have different talents, therefore it is important that- when delegating tasks, the best way to do so is by assigning specific tasks to specific individuals in accordance with their talents. Once you have delegated tasks using this tactic, the work is over and the rest is just the production, period.

EXTRA

(Optional) Take the Myers-Briggs Test

This is a bonus option to better understanding each other in a group. The Myers-Briggs test is a 60-70 short multiple choice question personality test based on tons of collected data. The test results in a personality type indicator that best matches your personality and gives lengthy descriptions of aspects like: Your general take on friendships, work habits, a personality overview, strengths and weaknesses. All of this information can be very helpful in establishing a firsthand awareness of each other's styles and ways of working.

Hefzi Molina