If a group has fulfilled its goals and objectives, it will
move into the adjourning stage. This may happen rather quickly for a
project-specific team. At this stage it is important to achieve closure for the
group on a positive note. Group members may feel a sense of loss and their
motivation may decline when the group's work comes to an end. Some observers
have even called this the mourning stage of group development.
Through out the years, the many groups I have had in my life the hardest ones were my coworkers and families. I learned so much from them as so they have learned from me. Some of the families I still keep in contact with and others I would see out in public and greet with a big warm hug. One of the groups I have a hard time leaving is the group who participates in the relay for life for the American Cancer Society. We all went from representing ourselves to becoming a group and have worked together to make sure goals are met.
When my Master's come to an end, it would be hard to say good bye to the supportive classmates and professors. We all respond through technology and to communicate through discussions, blogs, and emails. The trust we have with each other is the great knowledge ones have to offer others. Adjourning is important because if you ever needed guidance or information you can always go back to the group because you left with a positive note.
Maria,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your wonderful team with us! Seeing the connection you have with each of your Relay teammates is sure affirmation of joy you share with each. Your comment about the importance of adjourning in relation to the positivity you leave your group on makes me feel confident in the incredible support system we have grown into through our studies. Although leaving our connections may be frightening, it sure is a great feeling to know that we now have so many trustworthy colleagues to reach out to for a whole slew of different situations!