Intercultural communication teamwork and leadership/Groups, teams and leadership/Learning challenge tasks
Introduction
The Clark and the Kasl et al. articles presented in this challenge will provide you with knowledge about two research-based team learning models. These two articles provide case study examples of real-world business scenarios.
The Kasl et al. model gives an in-depth description of interpersonal communication processes, skills, attitudes, and operating principles required to support effective learning in all teams. Note the communication processes of framing and reframing perspectives, negotiating differences, and consensus building would be crucial for intercultural and interdisciplinary teams. Kasl et al. observe teams might work through Tuckman’s group development stages, yet never challenge inaccurate assumptions, or create new knowledge by reframing and integrating alternate perspectives.
The Hill team leadership model provides “a mental road map to help...diagnose team problems and take appropriate action to correct these problems” (Hill, p. 289). This model emphasizes the process of developing critical thinking abilities through mediating and monitoring functions, which can be performed by the formal team leader and/or shared by team members.
Both the Kasl et al. and Hill models point out that team participants need a wide repertoire of communication and action skills to meet diverse team needs. You can find a summary of Hill’s model on Clark’s website, and full original author descriptions of both models in the other references provided.
- Read the Clark and the Kasl et al. articles listed in the References below.
- After reading the two articles, self-assess your current teamwork strengths and challenges in your learning journal, using the following focus questions:
- What do you see as 3-5 of your main strengths in teamwork? How do these strengths help you work well with diverse others?
- What are 3-5 aspects of teamwork you find challenging? What strategies might you apply to overcome these challenges?
- Set 3-5 teamwork goals that are important to you and progress indicators for each goal. For example:
I would like to...
My learning strategies are...
I will know I have made progress on this goal when….
Remember, as with all learning goals, it’s important to review your teamwork goals at regular intervals. Keeping track of your goals in your learning journal can help you monitor your progress and continue to develop your skills. One way to structure your observations is to describe various positive and negative teamwork experiences i.e. who was involved, what happened, your perception of the important issues, how people responded, and the outcome.
References:
- Donald Clark. 2015. Team Leadership Model. Retrieved from: http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/team_leadership.html
- Elizabeth Kasl, Victoria J. Marsick, & Kathleen Dechant. 1997. Teams as Learners: A Research-Based Model of Team Learning. The journal of Applied Behavioral Science, Jun 1997, 33, 2, ABI/INFORM Global. p. 227-246. Free pdf available at: pocketknowledge.tc.columbia.edu/home.php/viewfile/download/124996
- Susan E. Kogler Hill. 2013. Ch. 12, Team Leadership in Leadership: Theory and Practice, 6th edition (Peter G. Northouse, Ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.: Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore, Washington DC.
