All groups face challenges at some point. Each of the challenges has a particular solution. This paper focuses on how to address "different agendas" and "silence" in teams. Divergence in plans arises from unshared vision and mission of the group. At the forming stage of the group, each member may not have a clear picture of the project. As a result, each member may have a difference perspective of the way to work. The team needs to set up mission and vision statements that each member would agree on, and work towards achieving them. It is critical at this point that there is clear communication such that the vision and mission statements are not ambiguous but distinct enough to guide the members in coming up with agendas that converge. Moreover, they should also motivate and inspire the team members to act towards a common goal and objectives (Mendonca and Thorman, 1993 p. 25). Besides, the team leaders need to engage the members to agree on the agendas in every meeting by discussing and merging the different ideas into few agreeable plans.
A team can deal with silence by allocating each member specific roles. Some members would feel inferior or be disinterested if the rest of the members do not assign them duties. It is essential to note that all the team members have strengths and weaknesses. If the team allocates roles depending on the strengths, the members would be active throughout as opposed to when assigned roles randomly. Moreover, silence may arise due to intimidation by the leaders or other team members. For instance, criticism may lead to demotivation of some of the members and, therefore, fail to contribute. Moreover, ensuring that the team maintains momentum would encourage the members to participate. For example, the leader may report progress on the project at regular intervals.
Reference
Mendonca K. and Thorman S. (1993). Team Building Toolkit. Retrieved on February 17, 2016 from http://hrweb.berkeley.edu/files/attachments/Team-Building-Toolkit-KEYS.pdf
