Groups are crucial in people's daily activities, allowing them to interact, communicate and execute tasks efficiently. Groups enable people to exchange ideas and develop their knowledge on crucial matters (Harris & Sherblom, 2018). As a student, I have participated in groups mainly based on academic work. However, my best group experience was during a community service activity. The group's main motive was to help vulnerable families in the community, especially women affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The group had 14 members, and every individual had planned to donate cash to drive the initiative. The groups' goal was to visit a specific number of homes and offer vital products like food, towels, and sanitizers.
During the first meeting, the group gave each member a responsibility to help drive the initiative. I was the spokesperson for the group and also in charge of communication. Other roles included the treasurer, timekeeper, facilitator, and group manager. As the spokesperson, I organized group meetings and communicated with other members through social media. I collaborated with other officials in managing group activities like contributions. Because of the pandemic's restrictions, I officiated virtual meetings via Zoom to keep the group running. I ensured that group members worked together and exchanged ideas. I helped the facilitator to keep the group in control in the case of ideological differences. Besides, I helped in decision-making, ensuring that group members agreed on a critical matter.
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The group's challenges were mainly on members having different opinions. Sometimes, members would have varied opinions on particular tasks, finances, and social issues. However, decision-making and problem-solving approaches effectively curbed the challenges (Harris & Sherblom, 2018). Also, time management was a problem for the group. Members could not attend meetings on time, while discussions took longer periods. However, these factors were discussed and solved, making members accountable for their actions. All things constant, the group was successful in its initiative. The group gathered funds from well-wishers and bought food and cleaning products for underprivileged individuals affected by the pandemic.
The success of the group was based on effective communication, appropriate coordinating mechanisms, and good leadership. Effective communication and coordinating mechanisms through interactions, sending and accepting feedback, and respect between group members improved the group's performance (Harris & Sherblom, 2018). Effective leadership ensured that every member performed their roles, keep time, respond to the group's conditions, exchange ideas, and participate in decision-making (Thornton, 2016).
References
Harris, T. E., & Sherblom, J. C. (2018). Small group and team communication. Waveland Press.
Thornton, C. (2016). Group and team coaching: The secret life of groups. Routledge.