One person alone cannot accomplish much. Only when people get together through their collective efforts can they make a significant impact. Therefore, higher the value of commitment to the common vision and achieving specific goals, stronger will be the relationship between the team members and harder will be the adjourning stage to say good-bye.
When I consider the different groups I have been involved in, I think the VBS (Vacation Bible School) group that I get involved with is usually the difficult group to say good-bye. We have VBS every year during the school holidays. Though it is only a five days event, team members connect with each other and become interdependent. This is mainly because their primary motivation is neither profit nor pleasure but the clearly defined common goals. It is the powerful vision that keeps us a team to move ahead through challenges, and change with more confidence. As a result we become a closely knit group, that the separation and thought of the event having come to an end brings sadness to each of us.
At the end of the five days we have a reflection time where we reflect on the five days, our accomplishments and failures and what and how we could improve the following year. We end with a prayer of thanksgiving and part ways hoping to meet each other again the following year. Working well on any team generates energy and enthusiasm for life. It is this energy and enthusiasm that helps us stay motivated and look forward to VBS each year.
The group of colleagues I have formed during this master’s program is another group I have come to closely relate with. We have grown in our learning together, respecting each other’s contributions that our unique experiences and backgrounds have brought to our discussion and blog boards. As this program will come to an end, and it will be time for our adjourning stage to say good bye, I am sure it will be a difficult process, as my colleagues has become my extended family to me. I have valued all my colleagues valuable support and will surely miss as I move on independently. Nevertheless, I would take the opportunity to say Good-bye and wish each of my colleagues best of luck as they pursue their next endeavor.
Adjourning stage in teamwork is essential as it looks at the team from the perspective of the well being of the team – celebrate their success and evaluate their shortcomings - so as to motivate the team and lift their morale for future success.
Deepa,
ReplyDeleteGroups who are totally committed to the goal of the effort work more selflessly and more as a team. VBS is a great example of people working together who understand the vision and are completely committed to the goal - in this case serving God and sharing His word with young lives.
I will definitely miss your wisdom and perspectives, Deepa. I do appreciate this opportunity we have had to work together and hope to hear now and then how you are doing after we complete our studies. In the meantime, I always look forward to seeing what you have to say!
Suzanne
Hi Deepa
ReplyDeleteI have often found your perspectives on the topics we discuss very refreshing. Your statement about the collective whole being able to have an impact that is greater then the individual holds true for the format of this program at Walden. We learn from each other through our Discussion Board and then are able to use this information to complete our individual Applications. Hopefully there will be some closure for our group of cohorts here at Walden through our graduation. Whether we entirely disassemble as a group after graduation or if some of us meet up with each other in future projects or employment will be interesting to follow.
Carolyn
Deepa,
ReplyDeleteI have been involved in VBS before and I have never really had the opportunity to meet afterwards. I think this is a great idea and I can definitely see how this would impact the enthusiasm for the next year! Sounds as if your VBS is successful because you keep your focus on the goal!
Kristi
Deepa,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. The vision that your VBS team has is very strong. I think I would have a hard time leaving too. I look fordward to your input and insights each week in our discussions and the blog posts.
Luci
Deepa,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I think it is good that you all meet after the five day VBS to reflect on what your accomplishments were and what you all need to work on to make the next one better than the one before.