Communication
Introduction
Communication between two or more parties can be affected by various factors such as social influence, ethics and behaviour of the leaders. When put in teams, humans tend to act, in the same, way other members are acting. It is an influence of social interaction. However, if one gets into a group of people that adheres to time deadlines, they will also follow suit. Peer pressure also has a play in such a situation. If a group member works well, the other members pull them down with peer pressure not to work hard and just relax as they are doing.
Scenario 1
The teams in both scenario 1 and 2 have strengths and weaknesses. The manner in which each team conduct their business works for their benefit or to their disadvantage in one way, or another. The team in the scenario had numerous disadvantages. The way they conducted their business was not pleasing at all. However, the team has some strengths associated with it as well. This behavior of laxity improves the bond existing between the members. They tend to think as if they are partners in something. Unity is greatly improved among the members. In the event of one of the members getting into trouble, the other members would fight for them. This promotes unity between the members. Therefore, everything that they do, they do it together. Once there is unity in a group, they will work together in everything they do. All tasks handed over to them will be done with unity and brainstorming. Working together yields better results than working alone. Therefore, they have the ability of producing better results in their tasks as opposed to the group in scenario 2. In addition, the team members are highly skilled. The problem is they are not exploiting their potential to the maximum (Hawkins, 2011).
Weaknesses
The weaknesses exhibited in this group of people are more than the strengths. The leader is supposed to lead the members by setting of good examples for them. However, the leader of the group constantly walks to meetings late. This displays an image that it is okay to come in late for the meeting as well. This kind of social interaction will also weaken the strong members of the group before they even begin their duties. As soon as they join the group, they will tend to reduce their work scope and begin relaxing. Teamwork can be linked to the fulfilment of any project or task. Introducing new hardworking members to this group will only weaken the new members because of peer pressure from other members, not to work hard. Therefore, the other members drag down the good members of the group. In addition, it is ethical for people to perform their tasks and for the leaders to show a good example in leading their groups (Howe, 2004).
Action plan
The people in this group can improve their standing by taking a few measure to improve their communication. The leader of the group should become more interested in the affairs of the group by attending meetings on time, thereby setting a good example for other members of the group. During their meetings, the group leader can allocate some time where the members can asks questions and seek clarification. This will help in clarifying points that discussed in the meeting. The use of smartphones can also be banned in the meeting. This will increase the concentration of the members during meetings. In addition, the meetings will be more fruitful than they were (Giuliani & Kurson, 2002).
Scenario 2
This group of people possess numerous strengths than weaknesses. Based on their character, they produce high-quality work from the tasks assigned to them. The members also concentrate in their meetings and take down notes as well, for future reference. A question and answer session scheduled within the meeting provides a great clarification point for the members, as they will be able to seek assistance for areas where they did not understand. In addition, the meetings for this group are always punctual and end in time. This allows the members to attend to other duties and obligations. Bringing new members into the group will be influenced positively in that they will learn from the other members on the ways to work hard in their work and produce quality results from assigned tasks. There is a positive influence for the other group members who are hard workers as well. Keeping time in meetings allows other activities to continue taking place.
Weaknesses
A few weaknesses exist despite the fact that this group is organized. The leader walks into the meeting room at exactly 10.00 am whereas the meeting should start at 10.00 am. The leader should always set up a good example for the other members to follow and walk into the meeting ahead of the stipulated time. If this trend continues, the other group members will begin working into the meetings late as well. This will result from the example the leader has set upon them. Arriving at the exact time the meeting is starting is not showing a good example to the other members. This means that the meeting did not start as scheduled. In addition, the meeting usually takes longer than expected, which results in some members leaving before the meeting concludes. Therefore, the members who leave early because of other engagements may miss some of the discussions made after they leave (Lencioni, 2002).
Action plan
The leader may begin to arrive at the meeting well before the starting time, to allow the meeting to end before the allocated time is over. The team leader should also encourage teamwork among the members, by identifying to them the benefits of doing so. Despite the fact that all of the members are highly skilled for the job, they are doing; they also need one another in their tasks. The group should also rely on peer pressure to improve the success of their group. When new members come to join the group, they should be streamlined in the good ways of the group right from the beginning.
Conclusion
It is evident that peer pressure has a very strong influence on members of a particular group. Members will adhere to group actions without changing anything. People do what they find other people doing. The actions of the leader of the group are crucial in setting the pace of the group. Members follow the directions of the leader. Therefore, the leader should work towards setting the trend on how things should be done and how they can be managed and done to the advantage of the group members.
References
Giuliani, R. W., & Kurson, K. (2002). Leadership. New York: Hyperion.
Hawkins, P. (2011). Leadership team coaching: Developing collective transformational
leadership. London: Kogan Page.
Howe, F. (2004). The nonprofit leadership team: Building the Board-Executive Director
partnership. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Lencioni, P. (2002). The five dysfunctions of a team: A leadership fable. San Francisco: Jossey-
Bass.
