HARD TO SAY GOOD-BYE

In reflecting on the groups in which I have been involved and the “adjourning” stage of these groups, the aspects of the group which made for the hardest good-bye were the personal connections developed while working as members of a group. In my experience the first few stages of team development described in the article written by Gina Abudi including forming, storming, norming are presented with challenges and minor setbacks. Despite these challenges the groups’ arrival at the performing stage is typically experienced with group unity, appreciation for the work of all group members, and a collective satisfaction with the project’s overall outcome. Of all the groups in which I participated in, group working involving co-workers were the hardest to leave. My reflection of group working involving a co-worker was described in this week’s discussion question in which I worked in collaboration with a co-worker providing advocacy and counseling to teenage clients who were suspected victims of a crime. Although my co-worker and I did not agree on the validity of the client’s testimony and experienced frequent debates regarding this matter, a personal connection and bond was developed during our time assigned to this particular case which manifested its self after the closure of the case as we remained employed together in the same office. Due to the fact that my co-worker and I remained employed within the same officer after our case assigned was completed our adjourning state presented itself at the point in which I resigned from my position as a counselor and advocate. My resignation brought feelings of sadness and a disconnection from the partnership developed between me and my co-worker. Similar to the adjourning stage when I resigned from my counselor and advocate position, the adjourning phase at the completion of my master’s degree will be experienced with sadness but appreciation for the experience as well as the valuable knowledge and wisdom received. The adjourning phase is an essential stage of teamwork as it is used as a time for reflection. As stated by Adudi, the team leader during the adjourning stage should ensure that there is time for the team to celebrate the success of the project and capture best practice for the future. In a case in which the project was not successful, the adjourning phase should be used as a time to evaluate what happened to cause the project to be unsuccessful and capture lessons learned for future projects.