PLMI ASSIGNMENT

      The name of the webinar i watched is “Why Teams Fail: Dealing with Friction and Dissension”.  The most important thing i learned is that there should always be a charter and a purpose statement for clarification.

     When organizing a team, build a solid foundation from the beginning by writing a charter that states the purpose. 

1.      Figure out your purpose statement.  (Why is it necessary to have the team?  What do you want to accomplish?)

2.      Make a list of your goals and how you want to accomplish them.

3.      It is important for each team member to have significant responsibility.

     A few months ago I put together a Technology Planning Committee to help write long-range plans for our library.  The city took my recommendation, voted on and approved the committee.  My mistake is that I failed to lead them to properly organize from the beginning.

     Although I made this mistake, the planning committee has worked very well together and after many hours and some revisions, came up with computer policies which I have been able to present to our McMinn County Library Board for review and approval!

     However, at our next Tech Planning Committee meeting I plan to explain the need to write at least a minimum charter for the committee and develop a clear purpose statement.  The webinar has given me guidance and direction.

     One reason I chose to watch this webinar about friction and dissension is that our city commissioners, who are local elected officials, are always disagreeing and even fussing and fighting among themselves at public city meetings.  Even though friction is a natural part of teams, as the webinar points out, problems should be faced and dealt with.  A good leader sometimes needs to say “STOP!”  And then say  “We need to speak one at a time and listen to each other.  No interruptions, no debate, listen and try to understand each other and what each one is saying when they are expressing their opinion”.  Niota’s commissioners need to rediscover their purpose and try to stay more focused!

     Confusion, friction, and dissension is sometimes brought on by lack of clarity.  That’s why we need a clear purpose!  But there are always going to be challenges.  Treat them gently, as the webinar points out.  Have a passion toward the bigger purpose.  Communication is so important when working with teams.  Remind the team where they are going and talk about the best way to get there.

     To have a more productive team, make an effort to improve communication.  A rule of thumb is that when communication is altered, relationships are also altered.  Be the behavior you want to see in others!  Remember, when communication changes, relationships also change!

     In conclusion let me say that almost every paragraph you have just read contains either a thought or a partial quote taken from a webinar by Dr. Eunice Parisi  entitled “Why Teams Fail: Dealing with Friction and Dissension” and the link came from Heather Lambert’s e-mail.

 

Sandra’s PLMI Blog

Due March 20, 2014