Goal of the Session
The development of goals and sessions is a crucial process that involves intact group set-up to ensure that the patterns and trends are effectively developed. Therefore, the session is critical in the goal development for a number of reasons. According to the argument presented by Lofstrand and Zakrisson (2014), the first step of the plenary session is identifying the various stages of the session that are involved. From Lofstrand and Zakrisson (2014), it is recommended that the strengths and weaknesses of the current team should be explored to determine areas of improvements. The cross-functional team should identify the patterns and themes that will be utilized in the planning of the actions. In addition, the cross-functional team will improve on different categories of activities involved in the development of themes.
Use of Nominal Group Technique
Nominal group technique is crucial in the development and planning of the sessions. The nominal group technique (NGT) involves processes such as identification of the problem, generation of the solutions, and decision making (Harvey & Holmes, 2012). In addition, the group is able to achieve its objectives fast and efficiently by taking individual opinions and facts regarding the theme development process (Harvey & Holmes, 2012). This method is considered effective as it brings into account individual opinion that takes into account the wholesome investigation into the proposed themes in the goal formation and development.
The facilitators of the intact team are able to mutually agree on the key consideration and factors that identified by team members in respect to improving the current discussion (Vander Laenen, 2015). The diversity in the group that is promoted by the nominal group technique presents an opportunity for development of hybrid idea that is much better than the initial idea. The development of nominal group technique will lessen the burden of analysis to determine the success of the project. Identification of the problems and measures to control the challenges will help in the improvement of the project implementation process in the latter steps. Determining an appropriate practice to consider in the session, the nominal group technique will reduce the time spent in the formation and progress of the groups. From Vander Laenen (2015) argument, it is important to note that the development of an appropriate step in the formation and growth of the group in the session is critical in regard to the success of the project intended.
Factors for Effective Participation in the Team
Team participation is a key factor that influences the success of the teams involving more than one member. According to the study conducted by Vander Laenen (2015), there are a number of factors that influences the participation of members of the group. One key factor in a group setting is mutual respect. Every member of the team should be respected and valued where the individual contribution is critical in influencing the overall performance. By encouraging mutual respect, there is improved performance of the team basing on the fact that each individual’s comments are used in the logical determination of the themes for the discussion. Secondly, the group setting is influenced highly by the leadership style of the team leader. Transformational leadership style and democratic management styles support the inclusion of all members in the decision making. This type of leadership and management styles improves the overall performance of the teams.
Another critical consideration is communication, which plays an integral part in the development of effective teams. Therefore, human beings have always searched for measures to improve communication with other people. For this reason, the communication technology has improved leading to the establishment of social media that has changed the formation of social ties and communication. The following steps are commonly used in the formation and development of team as narrated by Langelotz (2013) on group formation and development.
Forming
This is the first step in the formation of the steps. This represents the period from when the team comes together, which is featured by uncertainties and high level of anxiety. The behavior of each individual is crucial in this stage controlled by the image of one in the group. Conflict is high at this step with high rate of controversy in understanding and accepting individual opinion. It is important to ensure that involves the rough project schedule and the preparation for the outline for the general rules for the group.
Storming
The storming is the second after the forming. There is high competition among the members, creating increased competition. The members of the team become confident improving their interaction capability and contribution in the agendas of the group. In this stage the assignment of roles is enhanced to improve the performance of the group in the setting of the themes.
Norming
In this stage, the group has identified its goals and expectations to improve the performance of the group. The session planning is done at this stage to set the objectives that are set for the performance of the group. At this step, the group has a cohesive relationship with high motivation among the team in the development of its objectives.
Performing
During this step, the group is already established and ready to perform its key mandates. The stage is featured by high performance since the blocks to effective performance are addressed in the early stages. There is a high level of competence in handling the issues and improved performance even during the discussion.
Allocation of Time
Time allocation for each stage is important in the improvement of the performanc3e and expectations of the groups. The time allocated for each process is as shown in the table below.
Presentation of Outline
References
Harvey, N. & Holmes, C. (2012). Nominal group technique: An effective method for obtaining group consensus. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 18(2), 188-194. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-172x.2012.02017.x
Langelotz, L. (2013). Teachers’ peer group mentoring – Nine steps to heaven? Education Inquiry, 4(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/edui.v4i2.22079
Lofstrand, P. & Zakrisson, I. (2014). Competitive Versus Non-Competitive Goals in Group Decision-Making. Small Group Research, 45(4), 451-464. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1046496414532954
Vander Laenen, F. (2015). Not just another focus group: making the case for the nominal group technique in criminology. Crime Sci, 4(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40163-014-0016-z
Zhang, Y. & Chiu, C. (2011). Goal commitment and alignment of personal goals predict group identification only when the goals are shared. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 15(3), 425-437. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1368430211415440.
