Katelyn Talbott

              From previous experiences with group projects in high school and college, I know that there are certain groups that are productive from the get-go and others that lag. While developing my relationship building trait, I knew I needed to find the reason behind the varying productivity levels of different groups. After reflecting on many group projects, I came to the conclusion that what a nonproductive group lacks is direction. I learned that what made those productive groups outstanding was having a clear goal for each meeting and having strict deadlines. With these goals in place for each meeting or step of the project, everyone was on the same page as to what needed to be accomplished at that time. If goals became unclear, I would never hesitate to redefine them, or if they became too ambitious, I would consider reevaluating them along the way. I unconsciously learned the difference between a group and a team. A group is made up of many people who have their own agendas and work with their ideas in the forefront. On the other hand, a team is a group of people that put their differences aside to achieve a common goal. But, the team of people is encouraged to draw from their own ideas to further the creativity and productiveness of the group.

                By realizing that goals and a direction is needed, I can work to better any future team projects I may become involved in. This will help me to be a team player through setting common goals for our team meetings. With these common goals, duties should be established as to what needs to be done by whom and when. This way we will not have three people on the same task, with two other tasks not being managed. 

                Knowing how important it is to have everyone on the same page, in the future I want to understand more about why people do not follow tasks when they are assigned. Do they have a problem with authority causing them to not follow directions? Or, maybe because they did not get the task they wanted so they see their assigned task as unimportant. Another aspect I would like to examine is how group members affect each other. When there are negative feelings between members this could cause serious problems for the group as well have a major impact on the end results. 

Reflection

                Being in the field of leisure services, customer interaction is everything. The basis for customer interaction is, of course, communication skills. This area is a great skill to perfect and can be done on a daily basis. By attending the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Conference in 2012 and 2013, I was able to put my communication skills to the test. I made a point to interact with a professional at each session I attended, as well as throughout the Exhibition Hall. I noticed great improvements from 2012 to 2013. In 2012 I was not successful in making many connections in the Exhibition Hall, and only made a few contacts during the various sessions. However, in 2013 I made at least one connection at each session I attended. As for the Exhibition Hall, I surpassed my goals! I was able to make connections with seven different people, two of which turned out to be very helpful in my search for an internship, and a full-time career after completing my internship. One of the men had connections to a place that I was about to interview at…I got the job offer. The other was the Vice President of an sport tournament organization. Last week, I had an informal meeting with him to discuss his company and about a potential career with the company. From this communication skill building conference, I became aware just how important good networking skills were a must in the field of leisure services. Because we are such a small field, everyone has a connection; you just have to make the first step and start connecting with people in a friendly, yet professional manner.

                The communication skills that I took away from the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Conference will help my future career staring today. Meeting with the Vice-President of the sport tournament organization is a great first connection. I would hope he can connect me to an organization that is looking for a hire after I have completed my internship; if not within his organization. With networking also comes the tedious task of communicating nonverbally. Meaning, I need to continuously work at how I communicate with professionals, peers, friends, and family via e-mail, text message, voicemail, social media, etc. All are vehicles in which communication can be achieved, but some are more appropriate for different groups. I need to be a continuous learner when it comes to where and when it is appropriate to text a co-worker or instant message a peer. Mastering this skill could be the difference between being hired or continuing the search.

                By focusing on different ethical scenarios, I hoped to enhance my ethical decision-making skills on a minor as well as a broad scope. By being the agency contact for the STAR Party event, it was my responsibility to be the ultimate decision-maker. It became my duty to take into consideration the planning team, the attendees, and the agency when faced with a dilemma. One example in which I learned a great deal was working with and getting input from the group about another team member. This team member was not participating in the planning process nor was he contributing to the group discussions, group brainstorming sessions, or any other minor details of the event itself. Because the group came to me with the concern for this member it was up to me to keep him or fire him. This was a situation in which I had to take into consideration the best interest of the group, the attendees, as well as the agency. After thinking about the situation from an ethical standpoint, I decided the group member would stay. This decision was made because the group needed to do more to include this member, and when the event was taking place I knew the group would need all hands on deck. As for the agency’s perspective, I decided it would not have been fair to remove him from the group without hearing his side of the conflict. Going through this situation taught me that there is always a reason behind any conflict; the resolution may not present itself immediately because it is your job as the team leader to facilitate any issues that may arise.

                The skill of ethical decision making is one that I will need to rely on when in the real world. Some people may want a change done but on unethical terms. It is my duty to take into consideration the needs of the public because I am a leisure services provider. With this basis of ethical practices, I want to learn more about how unethical practices can be avoided. If there is something that can predict these unfortunate outcomes I want to know to be able to facilitate positive change.