Unit 2 – Week 2

How to Create Truly Functional Teams?

When considering the idea of a functional team as a formula, numerous factors come into play. However, reflecting on my personal experience, I believe the most crucial element is establishing a connection between team members. Creating a sense of camaraderie and allowing for vulnerability significantly enhances group dynamics. Undoubtedly, this is not an easy task, given that individuals may not share the same interests or personalities.

I’ve observed some groups in my course struggling. Some conversations about this issue reveal that they may not have invested time in understanding each other. There’s only this need to accomplish the task and that’s it. Fortunately, in our group, we’ve made conscious efforts to create a positive environment by showing genuine interest in each other’s lives. As a result, people seem more open and engaged.

In all honesty, I also think luck plays a role. Some teams click from the beginning, while others don’t. A recent experience at the university’s Creative Hack made me think of this. All participants were asked to form groups quickly, and despite choosing a group with a positive vibe, good intentions, and friendliness, our ideas didn’t flourish. Group work can often feel frustrating, to be fair.

Shifting subjet, I’d like to reflect on this week’s seminars. Frankly, I struggled to grasp most of the concepts presented. If we aim to develop tools for effective group work, incorporating team-forming sessions is essential, perhaps more than discussions on compassion or the impact of coffee. I acknowledge the importance of class reflections, but I also believe that actively creating cohesive groups could be more efficient, especially considering the diverse backgrounds we have. While such scenarios might not be common in real life, having the tools and knowledge can empower us to propose similar strategies in the future.