September 14

Motivating Your Team

At UTSA, you will be working in groups in most of your classes. Think how you can adapt the tips from the following video into how you build your team for your group project for MUS 2263.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6I8vAF08i8

20 Replies to “September 14”

  2. When it comes to working in groups this video pretty much sums it all up. I think it’s also important to remember what kind of group member you personally are, and use your strong personal skills and apply them in the most positive way to the group. I actually took a course last semester that was called Small Group Communication and that’s what the entire semester was, was working in groups to complete a big project. I wouldn’t say I’m the most perfect group member because of it but there is a lot to learn from each other by working in groups. I have never known anyone to be super fond of it, but if we’re all here to get the job done, and finish school successfully then there shouldn’t really be any problems. It’s like the video said to set a goal, and as long as we all share the same goal then everyone should be on the same page. My link strictly focuses on small group communication because in my opinion communication is a major key not only to working in groups, but working through life. Where would we be without communication?

    http://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/chapter/13-1-understanding-small-groups/

  4. I’ve had the opportunity of leadership positions in the past within a group. In my experience it can be fairly easy and other times more difficult working with a team. I definitely think forming a relationship with your team members is important because it makes the work more personal and often times more enjoyable working with an acquaintance or a friend rather than just a stranger. Things will not always go how you planned them, but you must be open to other people’s ideas and input along the way.
    https://www.leadershipthoughts.com/5-tips-to-motivate-your-team/

  5. Working in groups is always a challenge for all parties involved because it requires cooperation, respect, and motivation. I think it is important to value others and motivate each other. I found an additional article I liked because it mentions how diversity and expression are important when becoming familiar with other group members. It reinforces and adds to the topic of inclusion as stated in the video.

    http://rady.ucsd.edu/blog/posts/4-ways-leaders-can-foster-inclusion-in-diverse-groups-and-organizations.html

  6. I know that personally, when I would see “Group Project” or “Group Work” on a class syllabus, I immediately regretted signing up for the class. I wasn’t the biggest fan of having to rely on strangers and having my grade be affected by them. But as time went on I saw group work as a wonderful learning opportunity. Everyone has their own unique ideas and approaches to solving a problem. Oftentimes others will recommend something that you would have never thought of on your own. As long as everyone feels included and puts in effort, group projects can be very rewarding.

    https://teachingcenter.wustl.edu/resources/teaching-methods/incorporating-group-work-in-the-classroom/benefits-of-group-work/

  7. I think positive communication too is necessary for a group to work well together. As long as everyone’s on the same page, work can get done smoothly. If there’s a problem, it can be resolved if someone speaks up about it. This can only work if everyone is comfortable around each other, so it’s best to be friendly, open, and respectful. Here are some other good tips to remember when working in a group: http://www.speaking.pitt.edu/student/groups/smallgrouptips.html

  8. I consider myself to work well within groups, and I think it derives from the fact that I’m a generally positive person. It is easier for me to help motivate others through that positivity and by taking initiative. Exhibiting great work ethic is also a good way to help motivate others. Alongside showcasing my strengths, I also like to encourage others to use theirs. It adds to the overall quality of the project/assignment, and increases the likelihood that they would contribute more to producing a great final product.
    Below is an article I found about working well within groups (using the standpoint of MBAs). The tips are laid out simply, but provide a lot of insight.

    https://www.ft.com/content/6e9fde16-c950-3ac4-a1aa-447fc990b947

  10. I’m glad I know the terms Intrinstic and extrenstic. I feel those two terms alone are important, because they deal with how a person can view their work. Being motivated is a great in a work environment because it creates a sense of appreciation and I feel that would be great in a group setting. Motivating each other, I feel, would be very effective when it comes to getting the job done. Overall, I feel a person should have some sort of intrinsic motive from within. If you dread what you do, you won’t fully succeed.

    Here are a couple of ways to motivate intrinsically:

    http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/intrinsic-motivation/

  11. Working in a team is hard. You need to put in what you want out of the group, and some people just suck so and life isn’t fair so just pick your members wisely. This is all pretty basic stuff for working in group, i’d say from past experience just prepare for the worst in case the worst happens. That way no matter what you cover yourself.

    obligatory working in group link: https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/how-to-work-well-in-a-group.html

  12. I agree with my classmates above. Group work has it’s ups and downs, but viewing it in a positive way can make the experience better. However, in my opinion and experience there are many groups we may work with and encounter throughout our lives, but also every group needs a leader. One thing a leader or really group members have to understand is being inclusive of all members. When there is a group there is always at one point or another going to be that one member that does not feel comfortable, but as members of the group we need to make sure each member feels comfortable voicing their opinion or allow them to take an equal part in the group.

    In the link below it talks about inclusive groups and cooperative learning when it comes to group work or projects. It gives the outlines on how big of a group it should be and what is too big for a group. It also gives a better perspective on how to make each member feel included even when certain situations arise.

    https://ctlt.calpoly.edu/inclusive-groups-cooperative-learning

  15. This short clip was really good for showing the most popular ways of motivating people and explaining why some methods are better than others. I especially believe in getting everyone in the group involved with the purpose and hopefully helping them to feel like a needed contributor to the team. I know I feel encouraged to help the group more when I know my work or input is needed. Here’s another short video that provides a little more information on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

    https://www.coursera.org/learn/leadership-collaboration/lecture/VGAY5/intrinsic-and-extrinsic-motivation

  16. I’m not the type of person who works with groups since I always work by myself. Even this video did encourage me to try working with others even though it’s not my comfort zone. I am willing to follow since I have never lead a group either.

  19. i like that he talks about the two different kinds of people. you can really look at the two different kinds of people and pick out the best qualities of each and move on from there. these are nice approaches to relationships in the work area, that will be beneficial. attached is a step by step on how to deal with difficult workers.

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