Unit 8 Tuckman stages

I am a member of group C and we had two group assignments to complete.  One of our group members really took the lead in both assignments and I appreciate her taking the lead and mapping it all out for us. I had been thinking about doing it, but I decided to wait and see what would happen. Several of us got to work on our projects right away and others came in a day or two later.  In the first assignment, I went with the flow and with the second, I wanted to check in with everyone early, just to connect.  I got a response and felt connected.  I am not sure that others feel connected, but also because there was no communication about the stages or where we are at and we haven’t processed our experiences, I don’t know.

I think that we are still in the forming stage.  Working at getting to know each other, yet with these assignments, we are developing interdependence on each other.

In the first assignment, we were told that our project was good but had too many words, etc. Our grade was good, and the group member that prepared it felt bad that our grade went down.  I don’t know what others said to him, but he apologized for this.  During the second assignment, he gave us clear specific instructions for submitting our portions.

However, with all of this being said, I think that I have just entered the storming phase. As I said, I selected my topics early and they were confirmed by the group leader.  As I was submitting my assignments to the person that was to prepare the power point presentation, I noticed that another group member, who got his assignments much later than I did, TOOK MY SECOND TOPIC.  I email him right away and told him that he took my topic.  This is the kind of thing that happens when we are under stress and know that the course is coming to an end or are in a hurry.  However, I feel scared and angry because I don’t have the time to do another topic.  Plus, I usually back down and am a people pleaser.  Not this time, I did my part.  I have earned an evening off to watch Twilight. Now I am stressed....

Update on 2-23-12:  The team member that took my assignment has done another, which decrease my stress.  I over reacted and he was gracious and apologized for his error.  So, I have exited the storming phase and am back to working confidently and patiently with all. 

Love Paulina Beautovia