Week Four Reflection Post 250+ word min.

Reply to the TWO students discussion posts 125+ word each.

Felix Corona

This week's literature and attachments have shaped my view of teams versus groups and how they differ. Johnson and Johnson (2016) say a “team is a set of interpersonal interactions structured to achieve established goals. More specifically, a team consists of two or more individuals who (a) are aware of their positive interdependence as they strive to achieve mutual goals, (b) interact while they do so, (c) are aware of who is and is not a member of the team, (d) have specific roles or functions to perform, and (e) have a limited life span of membership” (p. 533).

This week's in-class participation shed some light on how I view conflict management. The self-assessment taught me that I avoid most conflicts and, I guess, turn a blind eye to them. This also affects the leadership style I strive for: servant leadership. In-class participation and slides also taught me that teams and groups differ because a team is more goal-driven and doesn’t really have a leadership role, since everyone has an equal stake and focuses on positive interdependence.

I will use this new information to sharpen my skills as a participant observer within teams or groups. This will help me assess and digest what the group has to offer and become a more effective leader. It has taught me to think outside the box, keep an open mind, be cognizant of others' feelings, and be more self-aware of my actions and how I voice my opinions.  I will always value what my classmates and the professor have taught me. Leadership is a perishable skill that I must fine-tune daily to become a better leader and a stronger member of a positive, interdependent team.

 

References:

Johnson, D. H., & Johnson, F. P. (2016). Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills (12th ed.). Pearson Education (US).  https://nu.vitalsource.com/books/9780134323305.

Branden Davis

This module has pushed me to think carefully about the difference between bringing people together and making sure people feel heard. The information about diversity and constructive conflict reminds me that people can share a workplace without having the same experience in it. When I served in the Navy, I served as vice president of the Diversity Committee. Looking back, I see why recognizing someone’s background is only part of inclusion. Leaders also need to examine whose ideas receive attention and whether assumptions influence how they interpret someone’s behavior. That challenges me to pay attention to my own judgment, even when I believe I am being fair.

I will use this information as I prepare to enter commissioning and continue developing Nova Via with my partners. In commissioning, I will work with people who bring different technical knowledge and approaches to solving problems. My past airfield experience taught me the value of checking equipment together and comparing observations. I want to carry that practice forward by asking questions and listening before deciding that my approach is the best option. With Nova Via, I want my partners and me to discuss disagreements early, explain our concerns, and work toward decisions we can support. Avoiding a difficult conversation can leave an important problem unresolved.

The value of this module is that it gives me a way to evaluate my leadership as I move forward. I want to look at how decisions are made, who participates, and whether people can disagree respectfully. My past has made me more resilient. Becoming wiser also requires recognizing the limits of my own perspective. I want to build teams where members can contribute without feeling they have to hide their identities or agree with me to belong. These lessons will help me turn that goal into everyday leadership practices.