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
Hi Tammra,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you that it's hard to say goodbye with the team that has grown together or experienced difficult situation. Thank you for sharing your personal thoughts about the adjourning stage of the classmates in the course. I kinda feel something similar too. It's amazing to see people build connection through the online course. Thanks for sharing.
Lufei
Hi Tammra, I am just like you that adjourning stage is the most difficult stage for me. I am excited, as when that stage comes, it means that the project has come to an end. However, it also means that it is time to say goodbye to the people who we worked with in the whole process to get the project done. Especially when I am in a good and collaborative team, it is really hard for me to stop thinking of the productive and rich moments that we had together. I always would like to keep in touch with people that I happily worked with before, but it is hard. I hope I can try harder to keep the friendship with those people in the future, as they are my treasure as well. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Tammra
ReplyDeleteI think the adjourning stage is hard also, I hate Good bye's.
I cannot believe that our course is coming to an end where does the time go. When I start a new course I always look for familiar name and when I see the I smile to myself.
Thanks for sharing
Hi Tammra,
ReplyDeleteIt has been quite a long time since the first course. Your thoughts and ideas always inspired me in my professional work. The examples and experiences you shared through discussion board and your blog have been great and come in handy. I like to read your posts and replies so that I gain new insights and ideas for my work and my personal life. I really appreciate your support throughout these courses and I wish you all the best in your future studies.
Regards,
Lufei
Hi Tammra,
ReplyDeleteI am sad to see the end of such a wonderful term and to say goodbye to such a cohesive group of colleagues! I admit this was one of my favorite classes, and I truly enjoyed our back and forth discussions on the topics. Thanks for commenting and giving me the feedback I needed to grasp the material.
Hope we meet again!
Angie
Tammra,
ReplyDeleteIt has been wonderful working with you over the past year, I wish you the best in the future. I hope you reach all of your goals. Good Luck!