When I thought about the groups I have been a member of I found that although the groups were coming to an end I was still able to be remain in contact with the other members therefore I did not think about the impact of the group dispersing had on me. I did come to realize that most of the groups I was involved with were mandated by work. Signing up to participate on a committee to assist with a fundraiser for the school I was employed at. These types of groups had a specific function, making me a part of a team (O’Hair and Wiemann, 2009, pp.229-30). We had a goal and a dead line that had to be met. It is necessary for this type of groups to develop through the five specific stages: forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning (O’Hair and Wiemann, 2009, pp.233-35). For example this month we held a valentine graham fundraiser. The team has been meeting once a week since January. We discussed how the event did in the past years, how it was done, what worked, what did not work, who was going to do what this year and what deadlines we would have to meet. We just held our last meeting before the big event. Yet I have spoke seen and spoke to everyone that was on that team with me more than once already. I consider this group as a high-performing group because everyone did their part and together we got the job done. I would be happy to work on a team with this group again. I did not find it hard to leave.
The team I found hardest to leave was my women church group. It was a time in my life when I felt lonely and depressed I was new in town and my husband was spending a lot of time at work. We were a group of about five sometimes six women. No real agenda or specific function (O’Hair and Wiemann, 2009, pp.233-35). But we were a We went to the movies, met for coffee and desert, and discussed books. Sure we did things to help the community collecting coats, do donate, helping at the bake sale but mostly just being there for each other. When the year came to an end we were each headed in different directions in life, retiring, moving closer to be with grandchildren even divorce. I may have had the hardest time saying good bye to the group because it was a social role for me (O’Hair and Wiemann, 2009, pp.246). Perhaps I knew I would not see them again.
It is amazing that work mandates many many of our groups. I too noticed that many of my groups come with work relations. What I did notice is that I do not act like I would "normally" act. One must keep an professional front inside of work groups. Some times it can be stressful, what about you?
ReplyDeleteLilliane-
ReplyDeleteThe group I found the hardest to leave was my Bible study. It was the best group I have been involved it. It was social but we gained professionally as well. I have not found a group like that again.
Lilliane,
ReplyDeleteIt seemed that this was also a support group to you. All groups don't need to be formal and goal driven. Sometimes it's just good to be with a group of friends who enjoy each other and having fun. Leaving such a group is hard because there is such a connection. I hope you have found another fun group.