Group Communication Pitfalls - Essay Example

XCOM WK6 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Question To begin with, group members should understand each other. This is very important since it helps the members determine their strengths and weakness. This helps in division of work according to the strengths of members. Weaknesses are dealt with easily through group consultations and brainstorming. Group members who understand each other communicate better than those unfamiliar with each other (John, 2005). Secondly, group members should create ample time to work in a writing project.

Writing projects require lots of time to plan and execute the project. Working in groups increases the need for even more time. Group members should ensure that they meet as early as possible (Marion, 2010). Lastly, while working in groups, frequent meetings should be arranged to determine progress especially when work has been subdivided among members. This helps in pointing out where mistakes might be done and correcting them in time before the work is due. In one of the groups I have worked with in school, members decided to meet after tasks subdivided were completed.

This led to lack of ample time to correct mistakes that could have been dealt with had the group met regularly to evaluate progress of subdivided tasks. Question 2 Messages sent through email, text and personal or confidential letters are examples of individual messages. While working in a group, individual tasks include active contribution to affairs of the group and listening while responding one’s own opinions and thoughts (Marion, 2010). If there is need for group members to subdivide the writing project among themselves, the subdivided work is also classified as individual task since one will be required to work on the assignment individually (John, 2005).

Tasks that must be completed collectively in a group include formation of a working schedule. A working schedule plans for activities involved in completion of a writing project. It should be formed by the whole group together since members are likely to have differences in availability and skills to perform tasks (Marion, 2010). Debates and brainstorming are also examples of tasks which should be done collectively in a group. Debates are designed to produce the best ideas in a writing project.

Brainstorming is a technique in problem-solving where members spontaneously share solutions (John, 2005). References John, O. (2005). Group Communication Pitfalls: Overcoming Barriers to an Effective Group Experience. New York: Sage Publications, Inc. Marion, N. (2010). Spirals Series Circle: Developing Language and Communication Skills through Effective Small Group Work. Washington, DC: Routledge