Many, though not all groups eventually adjourn (O’Hair and Wiemann, 2012). During the adjourning stage, team members often share with each other successes as well as what could have been improved upon. When cohesion is achieved, friendships that were established may last a lifetime.
In my experience as a summer camp director, the adjourning stage of our team building was bitter sweet. As everyone who works with children knows, 10-12 hours days can be both exhilarating and exhausting. As a team, our 15 counselors (plus a support staff) did an outstanding job of making sure that the 200 children in attendance had a “blast” at camp. They were confident, and fully engaged while making sure the campers were safe and involved in fun and exploration every day. New friendships were made and sunburns were kept to a minimum!
Because the counselors were such a cohesive group, I asked them if they would enjoy an overnight beach trip the weekend after our camp ended. They all seemed very excited and we began planning our adult adventure! We swam, boogie boarded, hiked and did a lot of laughing and relaxing for two wonderful days. Around the campfire, the counselors shared their favorite stories of experiences with the children. I was so excited when they began asking me if they could possibly work again the following summer. I didn’t take for granted that my sister had referred these college students to me from the recreation department at her university. They obviously had a passion for FUN and I definitely wanted them to come back.
Although the following year was not exactly the same, the new team returned to the “forming” stage where they got to know one another and share their strengths, began working together as they competed for status and acceptance, gained cohesion as a group, and successfully reached their goals (Abudi, 2010). Adjourning with another camping trip was “icing on the cake” because celebrating is half the fun!
I believe that adjournment is a vey important aspect of closure. Team members need to know that they were valued and respected. It is my hope that I meet several of my colleagues from Walden University at graduation. I didn’t walk 30 years ago when I received my bachelors, so I am definitely going to participate in this program’s adjournment. I hope will join me!
References
Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from:
http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html
O’Hair, D. & Wiemann, M. (2012) Real communication, An introduction, Bedford/St.Martin’s:Boston, MA.
Ms.Dreher,
ReplyDeleteI loved your blog entry.You made me realize that although our Walden experience has not been up close and personal for a common goal; we have shared a unique journey that we ALL can be proud of. Thank you.
Christine,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you. "Adjournment is a very important aspect of closure" in order to celebrate our successes, think back on our learning journey and establish lifetime friendship. It is so important as you rightly said for "team members to feel valued and respected". It is also my wish to attend the Graduation Ceremony and meet all of you but this will not be possible for me as I am on the other side of the world and that would be simply unaffordable to me. Thank you for your post.
Christine,
ReplyDeleteIt has been a pleasure sharing another Walden class with you. I have enjoyed reading your blog entries and discussion posts. I think I naturally flow towards your posts because we have similar ideas on issues. Good luck in your next three classes!!