Running head: Group Process Paper 1

Group Process Paper

Aaron Phillips
Ferris State University

GROUP PROCESS PAPER 2

Group Process Paper
Working within a group setting can both be rewarding and frustrating. Enfaces no longer
revolves around your singular ideas, but the ideas of many. Learning to work effectively in a
group setting brings up many new challenges that must be identified and fostered if the group is
to reach their common goal. As nurses, we must develop skills to become effective leaders and
members of both work and professional groups (Kearney-Nunnery, 2008). Working on many
group projects, within the BSN program, I like to think I have become more familiar with the
group process. Kearney-Nunnery (2008, p.141) defines the group process as, the dynamic
interplay of interactions within groups of humans. Interplay includes what is said and done in
groups, as well as how members interact with one another and the group leader. Ultimately, the
lessons I have learned should make me not only a better nurse, but a more valuable team
member.
Group Evaluation
The group members I was assigned to work with were Kelsey Dysinger, Marcie
Montgomery, Courtney Olach, and Carol Rajala. Like many groups I have worked with my
group was eager to get started on our group project. Early in the project each team member
posted positive and constructive comments of what needed to be completed and even gave
suggestions of how to complete certain tasks. The one area that we struggled with was
designation of roles. No matter how much dialog was exchanged the group could not come to
the conclusion of how to designate roles. It was obvious, early in the group process, the group
needed a leader to help organize and give direction. I have learned from past experience if a
leader was not established early in a group project that group would not effectively attain goals
GROUP PROCESS PAPER 3

or objectives. The group contract helped tremendously with establishing guidelines and
expectations throughout our group process.
The biggest obstacle that we faced was getting organized. Fortunately, while the group
was getting organized the group was actively researching and bringing ideas to the table on what
was going to be our main topic for our group project. Even though a leader was not established
early in our project the group was actively working towards our first goal, developing a problem
statement. If I were to state the defining moment in the group project it would have to be when I
was elected group leader. This moment can be best described as the Storming phase as
described in the 5 Stages of Group Development (CEO, 2007). Storming is defined by CEO
(2007) as, characterized by competition and conflict in the personal- relations dimension an
organization in the task-functions dimension. Although there was no outward conflict noted I
perceived the group was seeking increased desire for structural clarification and commitment
(CEO, 2007). After this phase the majority of the project went very smoothly, besides a few
hiccups here and there.
Self-Evaluation
Self-evaluation and reflection is a topic that I am familiar with, yet at times I find it very
difficult to objectively complete. I like to see myself as a good listener, communicator, and
leader. I know these are very important qualities that are essential to the group process.
According to Kelsey I am, A definite leader who motivates the group. Gives needed direction
and sets dates. I have often been describes as a good leader, which I take in stride.
I found myself at the beginning of the project following the flow of the group and
working independently for topic ideas for our group project. Personally, I did not want to do the
topic the group decided to go with, Chlamydia. I thought the data was too limited and that teen
GROUP PROCESS PAPER 4

pregnancy among young African and Latino females was a bigger disparity with more hard data.
I stated some data and my opinion, but the group voted on Chlamydia. As the group leader I
stayed diplomatic and chose not to cause any conflict. My wife has told me, on occasion, that I
have an aggressive personality. I have to be careful not to be over dominant and allow others to
contribute their thoughts, beliefs, and ideas. I have no problem taking over a project that has
gone astray, but I have to be careful not to run anyone over in the process.
Even though I like to lead, I have no problem following. There is nothing more humbling
and motivating that being part of a team with a great leader. It gives you a chance to reflect and
incorporate all the great qualities that you deem as admirable. My biggest obstacle is allowing
someone with less experience to take charge and lead. The great thing about the classroom
environment is that it gives everyone a chance to develop good leadership traits and group
processes in a healthy environment. The same cannot be said in the real working world where it
has been quoted nurses like to eat their own.
As with most things in life, the more we educate ourselves the more questions we find
need answering. At the same time I learn more about my strengths and weakness. I have learned
that I like to listen and observe my fellow group members so I can better understand who I am
working with. Is there a dominant leader and what strengths or weakness do I observe in my
group and myself? Even though our group seemed indecisive at first, with a little direction in
guidance they functioned exceptionally well. They all worked well both independently and as a
group. It was obvious that the group and I had learned a lot about the group process and what it
takes to be an effective group member.

GROUP PROCESS PAPER 5

References
Creating Excellent Organization (CEO). (2007). Leadership development resources. 5 Stages of
Group Development. Retrieved from
http://www.drexel.edu/oca/l/tipsheets/Group_Development.pdf
Kearney-Nunnery, R. (2008). Working with groups. Advancing your Career: Concepts
of Professional Nursing (4
th
ed. pp. 141-154). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis



GROUP PROCESS PAPER 6

Collaborative Work Skills: Community Assessment Group Work Peer/Self Evaluation


Evaluator: Aaron Phillips Person being evaluated: Aaron Phillips
CATEGORY Description
For each behavior provide specific examples of behavior.
Contributions
Routinely provides useful ideas
when participating in the group.
A definite leader who contributes
a lot of effort.
I routinely provided useful and timely feedback. I was nominated as group leader and
designated specific roles within the group. I developed the group contract and template
the group used for our group project.
Quality of Work
Provides work of the highest
quality.
I believe my work submitted was high in quality. I functioned as a leader in which if
assisted in all aspects of the group project.
Time-management
Routinely uses time well
throughout the project to ensure
things get done on time. Group
does not have to adjust deadlines
or work responsibilities because
of this person's procrastination.
I was able to effectively manage my time and met all deadlines. I gave positive reminders
to not only help others keep their timeline commitment, but mine as well.
Problem-solving
Actively looks for and suggests
solutions to problems.
Our contract covered problem solving. Our group the democratic approach and voted on
all important areas of interest, majority rule. Even though I did not care for the group
topic I went along with group to avoid conflict and the best interest of completing our
project.
Attitude
Never is publicly critical of the
project or the work of others.
Always has a positive attitude
about the task(s).
All communication was positive and done in a professional manner.
Focus on the task
Consistently stays focused on the
task and what needs to be done.
Very self-directed.
I do not recall having any difficulty staying focused. One benefit of group leader is that
you are so focused on the entire group you do not have an option not to be focused.
Preparedness
Brings needed materials to
meetings and is always ready to
work.
The majority of our group work and communication was done through posting. We did
not utilize any live conference or chat rooms due to group member work schedules. With
that being said, it was easy being prepared because you did not have to bring
documentation to a live table.
Pride
Work reflects this student's best
efforts.
All work was submitted in a professional manner and in the groups best interest.
Monitors Group
Effectiveness
Routinely monitors the
effectiveness of the group, and
makes suggestions to make it
more effective.
I monitored group activity at least every 48 hours and daily during the last week of the
project. I actively offered ideas and suggestions to strengthen various parts of our group
power point project.
Working with Others
Almost always listens to, shares
with, and supports the efforts of
others. Tries to keep people
working well together.
It was a pleasure working with my group. At no time did I feel like there was conflict, lack
of participation, or someone not pulling their weight. I had no issues with any group
member. This was the best all-around group that I have worked with in the BSN program.
GROUP PROCESS PAPER 7



Evaluator: Kelsey Dysinger Person being evaluated: Aaron Phillips
CATEGORY Description For each behavior provide specific examples of behavior.
Contributions Routinely provides useful ideas
when participating in the group.
A definite leader who
contributes a lot of effort.
Contributes routinely with useful ideas. Initiates group conversation. A definite leader
who motivates the group. Gives needed direction and sets dates. For example, Team
I am working on a rough draft of the group contract tonight. Once I finish it I will start
a new thread labeled group contract and attach it to my post. This thread should only
be used to discuss the contract. I would like everyone to look at it and make revisions
by this Friday 6/13/14. When you make revisions, please upload the contract,
highlight your changes, and re-upload the newest form of the contract so that the
group can continue to use the most current form of the contract for revisions until
completed
Quality of Work Provides work of the highest
quality.
Provides high quality work. No spelling or grammar errors noted. Thoughts are clear
and concise.
Time-management Routinely uses time well
throughout the project to
ensure things get done on time.
Group does not have to adjust
deadlines or work
responsibilities because of this
person's procrastination.
Contributions to group project have been made in a timely manner. Does not delay the
progression of the project. Encourages others by setting dates when things should be
done by which I think is somewhat needed in our group.
Problem-solving Actively looks for and suggests
solutions to problems.
Puts forth ideas and opinions to improve the group project.
Attitude Never is publicly critical of the
project or the work of others.
Always has a positive attitude
about the task(s).
Good attitude, stays positive about the project and others work.
Focus on the task Consistently stays focused on
the task and what needs to be
done. Very self-directed.
Yes, stays focused. Very self-directed.
Preparedness Brings needed materials to
meetings and is always ready to
work.
Not very applicable, but has internet access and is able to use power point that is
needed for the group project.
Pride Work reflects this student's best
efforts.
Yes, work is of high quality.
Monitors Group
Effectiveness
Routinely monitors the
effectiveness of the group, and
makes suggestions to make it
more effective.
Makes suggestions toward group work in a positive way, but evaluating our group
effectiveness is something that our whole group needs to work on. We have just been
going along with the flow. I think we could be more effective, but so far no one has
made any suggestions on how to improve group work.
Working with Others Almost always listens to, shares
with, and supports the efforts of
others. Tries to keep people
working well together.
Works very well with others. Responses are encouraging and suggestions are made
when necessary.