UNIT 5 ASSIGNMENT 2

Unit 5 Assignment

In a team, there are different methods of communication. Every method of
communication has its advantages and disadvantages. It is, therefore, important to select the best
communication method based on the needs of a group. Verbal communication is chosen when
there is a need for immediate feedback. On the other hand, written communication is important
when there is a need to keep records. In a group setting, there are different conflicts that may be
experienced. Solving the problems is crucial in ensuring that the group becomes successful and
achieves its goals. The paper reflects on the communication methods employed in the team
project and the conflicts encountered.
Communication Methods Employed in the Team Project
In the team project, both verbal and non-verbal communication methods were utilized.
Verbal communication involves utilizing words (Booher, 2017). Through the use of words, the
intended message is communicated to the members of the team. In the team project, verbal
communication was utilized in one-on-one settings. When the team met, team members would
communicate using verbal communication. Important ideas were shared through the use of oral
communication. The team leader would often converse with the rest of the team, and individual
members would contribute. The reliance on oral communication was founded on the fact that it is
convenient and effective. Immediate feedback could be obtained. In group meetings, it was easy
to evaluate how group members reacted to the discussions. In addition, oral communication gave
the group members a chance to ask questions and to seek further clarification on various areas.
Oral communication was particularly effective due to active listening. Members paid
close attention, and as a result, members were able to interpret the message that was being put

UNIT 5 ASSIGNMENT 3
across. There was also sufficient time for meetings. Members were able to meet without
interruptions, and this allowed oral communication to flourish. When one person was talking, the
other members made sufficient eye contact. Members were also able to ask questions, and this
prompted a healthy discussion. Members were also silent, and this worked towards ensuring that
the speaker would communicate his message effectively. Before a meeting started, the agenda
was made clear to ensure that all members were actively involved in the proceedings of the
meeting. The team project was also a success due to constructive feedback. Constructive
feedbacks improve the communication process and foster good team relations.
The team also utilized verbal communication. Written communication was utilized
through the use of emails and text messages. Written communication was effective in
communicating important aspects of the team, particularly scheduled meetings and the agenda of
the meetings. Email communication was operative due to the fact that it is fast. Important
messages could be communicated in a timely manner through the use of emails. Emails sent to
group members contained attachments of important documents that members needed. Minutes
taken during meetings could be sent to group members through the use of emails. The group
found the use of emails to be effective due to availability and portability. In the digital age,
people have adopted the use of smartphones (Booher, 2017). As a result, emails can be retrieved
easily. The use of written communication was preferred when there was need to keep a record.
Emails ensured that records of important activities could be kept.
Conflicts in the Team Project
In the group setup, there were various conflicts. The group conflicts were substantive in
nature. Substantive conflicts refer to conflicts that arise over things such as tasks and goals
(Lipsky, 2016). During meetings, conflicts mainly revolved around goals of the group and the

UNIT 5 ASSIGNMENT 4
methods of doing things. Members had a hard time agreeing when meetings should be scheduled.
The conflict would often escalate, and members would rudely interrupt each other. Rude
interruptions often resulted in meetings being disrupted. Members were unwilling to agree on
certain matters, and this resulted in meetings failing to achieve their intended objectives. Some
members felt that they were being treated unfairly. They felt that their contributions were being
ignored. When their opinions were criticized, a conflict would arise. The members would
become angry and sometimes threaten to leave the group. The hostile attitudes sometimes
required the intervention of other group members.
Conflict Resolution Methods
The main conflict resolution method that was utilized was mediation. The first step is
clarifying the problem (Lipsky, 2016). Any conflict that arose was followed by members
intervening. Members would clarify the problem and mediate between conflicting members.
Members ensured that no conflict was ignored. When members felt that their opinion was not
being taken into consideration, other members would intervene and explain to the individual the
importance of cooperation. When members conflicted over goals and schedule of meetings, the
leaders would intervene and resolve the conflict amicably. Negotiation was an important conflict
resolution method since it ensured that all the members were involved in the conflict resolution
process. Through negotiation, the problem was defined and possible solutions proposed. The best
solution would be implemented by ensuring that all members reached a consensus.
Recommendations for Team Improvement
The team needs to ensure that criticism is given in an appropriate manner. One major
source of conflicts is the lack of constructive criticism. The team can greatly improve by

UNIT 5 ASSIGNMENT 5
ensuring that members offer constructive criticism to each other. Offering constructive criticism
appropriately can greatly help in improving the functioning of the group (Piller, 2017). The
group also needs to ensure that members brainstorm to find solutions. Brainstorming can help
solve the problems that the team encountered. The problems that arise in the group can easily be
resolved through ensuring that all members come together and generate viable ideas (Lipsky,
2016). In addition, members need to be open-minded. Conflicts arise when members are not
open-minded. A group brings together members with different views. When members are open-
minded, different problems can be resolved by ensuring that each member accepts the solutions
proposed. The team can greatly benefit through ensuring that every member is willing to
embrace open mindedness. Members who are not open-minded engage in character assassination
and this results in a conflict.
Overall, the team project presented an excellent opportunity to build teamwork. The
group relied on both non-verbal and written communication methods. Verbal communication
was utilized in meetings. On the other hand, written communication was utilized where there was
a need to keep records. The group can improve through ensuring that people work closely to find
solutions to the problems that were encountered.

UNIT 5 ASSIGNMENT 6

References

Booher, D. (2017). Communicate Like a Leader: Connecting Strategically to Coach, Inspire, and
Get Things Done (Vol. First edition). Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Lipsky, D. B. (2016). Managing and Resolving Workplace Conflict. [N.p.]: Emerald Group
Publishing Limited.
Piller, I. (2017). Intercultural Communication: A Critical Introduction (Vol. Second edition).
Edinburgh: EUP.