SWOT ANALYSES
STRENGTHS
1. Shared Leadership Roles
Our team is effective because we demonstrated Shared Leadership behaviors among all members. For example; o We discuss, decide and contribute appropriately within the team meeting process. During the wall climbing activity at OLE weekend, the belaying process illustrated the benefits in accepting shared leadership roles within a team.
2. Collective work-products
Each member has strengths in specific skills and we utilized them to make the team process successful. For Example; o We each took a component of the model and analyzed it thoroughly, however as a team we collaborated and integrated on the final product.
3. Encourages open-ended discussions and active problem-solving meetings
Each member was always encouraged to contribute his or her ideas and suggestions. We would also solve problems as a team and not individually. For Example; o During meetings we would never come to an agreement unless we were all in consensus, i.e. during our deliverable meeting, one member wanted to suggest an idea and we were beginning to move on without first hearing the suggestion, however, the team stopped and listened to the idea before progressing further. o During another meeting, none of the members were on track, and we were all confused, nonetheless, before increasing the confusion by continuing, we all stated we needed to stop and clarify things.
4. Measures Performance
Our team has done several performance assessments in and out of class. For Example; o One member conducted an overall Myers Brigg Type indicator to represent the team. o Within our chosen model we did several assessment activities (team busters and the team’s functioning).
5. Discusses, Decides, Does Real Work Together
In each meeting we always did the work together rather than delegate it and do it individually. Our efforts were constantly coordinated rather than focusing on our individual agendas. The climate fostered sharing and members were receptive to various ideas, perceptions, and information. For example; o We all read the model and came up with ideas individually and then in a meeting we discussed the model, decided on it, and developed a process to complete the team project. o Preparing our team deliverable, we collectively contributed to the development of the final product.
6. Team Tolerance
Each member demonstrated patience and understanding of any tardiness, mistakes and diverging viewpoints. Within our learning process, we found humor and acceptance. For example; o At times when inconsistencies or misunderstandings (i.e. thinking about the same issue but interpreting it differently) we would release our tension through laughter or a humorous comment.
7. Reward System and Mutual Feedback
As a team we would acknowledge suggestions and provide feedback. For example; o When a member had a good idea it was appreciated by the other members through verbal expression. o When trying to arrive at a deliverable we explored the strengths and weakness of all ideas each member contributed before coming to a consensus.
8. Motivation
Within the team, the level of motivation was considered high. For example; o During OLE weekend in the Leap of Faith activity all members encouraged and motivated an individual to jump from the telephone pole.
9. Team Coordination
Our team was concerned about all team members having the proper materials to contribute to the overall process. For example; o Members communicated through email to assess the time and place of the meetings, required readings, and updates on team progress.
WEAKNESSES
1. Did not Demonstrate Mutual Accountability
We were all on different levels when it came to bringing ideas to meetings. For example; o Some members would come with ideas while others did not, some would come with different interpretations of the recommended task (i.e. deliverable meeting).
2. Specific Team Purpose
At first, we were not aware of a team purpose and the idea of how we were going to deliver it. The purpose was not clear or well understood. For example; o Each member had different ideas of what needed to be accomplished before each meeting. o We did not discuss what we wanted out of the project as far as a measurable outcome (i.e. a desired grade). Some wanted to present a deliverable that would receive an "A", while others were satisfied in receiving a "B".
3. Difficulty Defining Goals
As a team, we did not identify what each member wanted to accomplish and what was expected to meet that accomplishment. For example; o In the onset, we did not specifically state what we wanted to achieve and how we were going to achieve it through the deliverable. We also did not clearly state what we wanted to acquire from the deliverable and what we wanted to portray to the audience. o Values and a mission were not discussed, decided, or agreed upon.
4. Time Management
Unspecified periods were not identified before each meeting. For example; o We did not create a time line for the team project. o We reluctantly stated a period for each meeting and improvised.
5. Delayed Decision Making Process
Procrastinated when it came to making decisions about most aspects of the team. For example; o Our team name was suggested at our first team meeting, however, it took about two weeks deciding on it.
OPPORTUNITIES
1. Mutual Accountability
Increase communication and clarity of mutual tasks and expectations. For example; o In the future, we could express specifically what the agenda consists of for each meeting.
2. Difficulty of Defining Goals
Identification and clarification of goals, which are necessary for achievement. For example; o Each member will be asked to restate his/her understanding of the goals, which will help the team clearly identify the goals by creating a common level of understanding.
3. Delayed Decision Making Process
Make decisions in a timely manner. For example; o The creation of a plan applied to the process based on time and achievement of the tasks.
4. Time Management
Performing and implementing a plan according to the allotted time. For example; o When performing tasks or accomplishing goals, our team should be aware of the importance of having and abiding by a scheduled plan.
5. Implementation of Values and a Mission
A team should be aware of what they are trying to accomplish and by what means. For example; o Before beginning any team process, an agreed upon level of values should be established. o A mission should also be developed to guide the team to success.
THREATS
1. Time Constrain and Pressure
Time pressure decreases creativity and deep thinking.
2. Utilization of Technology
Presenting our project on the web created challenges for some members and risk for the whole team in comparison to traditional presentations.
3. Language Barriers
Due to differences among members in their native languages, miscommunication within the team existed, therefore, negatively hindering the general performance. For example; o Some members needed more time reaching a general understanding of the content and their team members.