The
focus of the adjourning phase of team development is more on the well-being of
the team members as they wrap up their time with the team (Abudi, 2010). I have
experienced adjournment a few times over the years and the hardest ones to bid
goodbye are those where relationships grew close either by working through a
difficult situation or conquering a challenge. It may also be a group of long
standing where we have grown close personally and professionally. Of course in
order for those close relationships to form, trust and respect were firmly in
place.
I could not remember any formal closing rituals I have experienced.
This may be why I have been having some apprehension and sadness over our core studies coming to
an end. It’s funny that this assignment is coming this week as I was just
wondering if there would be an opportunity to hear classmate’s plans going forward and who might be joining me in my emphasis of teaching adults
in the field. I have found the feelings of sadness growing a bit each week as we approach the end of this class and feeling a bit ridiculous that I would have
such reactions. It is amazing how I have come to know and respect people so
much in an online format. I hope to connect with many of my colleagues in these
last two weeks to bid them well and let them know I will miss the meaningful
interactions we have enjoyed. I actually get emotional thinking about it.
I believe when you pour such effort into a collective goal
and depend on each other as we do in these classes, an adjournment is
essential. It is important to detach from the safety of our group as we step
into new territory; stronger and wiser. I know for myself, I need the emotional
closure as we near the end of this challenging adventure; without a doubt the
most difficult and rewarding thing I have ever done.
Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A
case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html
