A Time to Act
On February 2, 2007, the United Nations scientific panel studying climate change declared that the evidence of a trend in global warming is “unequivocal,” and that human activity has “very likely” been the driving force in that change over the last 50 years. The findings of the panel added new momentum to a debate that now seems centered less over whether humans are warming the planet, but instead over what to do about it.
Consider this. I want to start a project in my community that will spread awareness about global warming and measures that can help control it. I have taken the responsibility for bringing together a mixed group of ten (10) members who differ ...view middle of the document...
This stage is important for the team to grow, but can be upsetting and lower motivation if not controlled.
Norming. The team will emerge with a consensus of one project goal and plan at this stage. There will be some anxiety because of differ in their age, gender, ethnicity, and religion, but all the team members should be supportive of the plan of action and have the motivation to work for the success of the team’s goals. The strategy is to introduce formal process checks and invite feedback. A common pitfall in norming is “no clear method on how to process incoming information and data” (Wong, 2007, p. 117).
Reforming. The group will assess what work is still outstanding with respect to their objectives and goals. Wong (2007) states that, “rework of issues and process checks is required to get the clarity the team needs to make the final push to completion” (p. 118). Teams that meet regularly are able to move easily through the reforming phase.
Performing. By this time, our high-performing team is functioning as “troops” to combat global warming. This phase will effectively and smoothly produce a balance of tasks, processes and orientation. More importantly, there will be problem-solving activities to spread awareness of the threats of global warming among school children.
In closing, it is important to mention...
