Eh...hehe. I did mention to blog daily... Oh well, this is still more often than none.

Social Ideas - On Teamwork:
I'm not the leader type, but somehow I get leader roles in groups just cuz I want stuff to be done... Is that really all it takes? Oh, and I appear to be pretty responsible, which I am as in I get things turned in on time and such. Stuff I've learned so far in managing a larger group (I've managed a 3 person group which was me and two others but this time it's 6!!!). Having more than 1 meeting a week is the best way to go. Really, if it wasn't for the times and locations I setup and reserved I think it'd be hard to get people to meet. Even so I guess we worked pretty well together, no internal conflicts like I had with the 3 person group (near cat fight stuff...>^.^<;;). Strangely I get the feeling from people that not many people want to be a leader due to the responsibilities it entails. Though I would definitely not be the best leader, in academics I really can reflect and see where I could improve. For one, I'm not the best at commandeering to people to get on task...As both a plus and a minus I'm flexible, as in I'm willing to bend the rules to accomodate other's needs. But, I did go out of my way to update members who were absent at the meetings. Developing an agenda is always good, but it needs to be flexible and include time for discussion. Long agendas are never kept as people like to engage their opinions and such. I was really happy that due to the biweekly meetings that in class my group actively had questions for the prof for their parts of the project, while other groups didn't have as many...so it seemed. Open discussion with a couple main tasks on the agenda makes for pretty good group meetings, especially the time where if you found something from your part of the project you could discuss with the group problems and ideas. Kinda like we are all peers and no one is really more capable than any other. Less tension to get those tasks discussed and such. Clarity is something I found I wasn't so keen on... heh... Clarity in task assignments and clarity in due dates and such, more of the commandeering stuff I lack. What I would improve or do again...if I could start over?
1. Schedule bi-weekly meetings at least more if possible.
2. Define a deadline schedule and stick to it and threaten bad karma or something if they don't, but if something does come up tell them to give the group 2 weeks notice so as to re-assign responsibilities for their assigned task. Oooh, have everyone choose a backup buddy more than one backup buddy ok for odd numbered groups!!! Even a leader has a backup leader. :]
3. Create short attainable agendas and leave room for group discussions
4. Assign tasks that fit the person and brings out the best in them. :]
5. Meet more with manager (instructor, boss) to verify project requirements (best meeting times done in step 2, the earlier the better)
6. Leader needs to touch base with manager often as possible by both.
7. Keep optimistic and listen to everyone's opinion.
8. Have fun! And when project over, always bring out the champagne (party-time!).