Teamwork Reflection

Write a minimum 1-page (12 font, single spaced) assessment of your ability to work in teams using your experiences in this class. Consider some of the questions for each topic and include concrete examples (if available) for each category. The assignment will be graded on completion, so focus on addressing all the suggested topics and providing examples that support your assessment.

1.    Contributes to team goals and problem solving:

Describe the method and frequency of your communication with your team members. Provide at least one concrete example for each of the following ways you contributed to your team’s success or the lack of it: you offered suggestions; some of those suggestions and ideas were useful/helpful; you discussed your and others’ ideas with your team members to evaluate the merits of each; you had a method for choosing the best idea.

2.    Facilitates the Contributions of Team Members:

Describe the quality of your interactions with your team members by providing at least one concrete example for each of the following or lack of it: taking turns listening to each other; following up on statements by asking questions for clarification; building upon other people’s ideas; encouraging those who are not participating to get involved.

3.    Fosters constructive team climate:

Describe the tone of your interactions with your team members. Provide at least one concrete example for each of the following or lack of it: you treated your team members with respect; your communication was polite and constructive; your attitude toward your colleagues was positive; you motivated your team members by showing confidence in their ability to complete the important tasks; when needed you provided assistance and encouragement.

4.    Individual contributions outside of team meetings:

Describe the timeliness and quality of the individual contributions to the work produced by the team. Provide at least one concrete example for each of the following or lack of it: you regularly completed your share of the work by the due date; you made sure that your contributions was of high quality; upon completion of your own task you helped your colleagues tackle their work.

5.    Response to disagreements:

Describe your methods for managing the occasional disagreements and differences in opinions. Provide at least one concrete example of a disagreement or difference of opinions you had this past semester with your team members. Give at least one example for using each of the following approaches (if applicable): you contributed to the disagreement; you accepted someone’s suggestions without deliberating; you shifted the focus from the disagreement to the task at hand; you identified the source of the disagreement and addressed it in some form.

6.    Considering multiple viewpoints:

Describe your use of available information as you completed your tasks by providing at least one concrete example for each of the following or lack of it: you only relied on your data and interpretation; you consulted with your team members on some of the data analysis and interpretation; when unsure of the information you asked follow-up questions from your team members, your classmates, your instructors or other face-to-face or online resources.

7.    Team constitution:

Describe your first conversation with your team member(s) and provide at least one concrete example for each of the following: an expectation that you both agreed on throughout the semester; an expectation that you agreed on at first, but later changed your mind; and expectation that you wish you had discussed earlier.