Why you're required to work in a group
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Q: "In our business, everyone from the most junior to the
most senior needs to work with colleagues in some form of team -
even if they don't immediately like them! It's impossible to know
everything yourself, and the best ideas come from groups of people
working together" [UK Chief Executive]. |
During your studies you'll often be required to work in a group. It's
considered important to give you these opportunities because:
- human beings are social 'pack' animals who often operate within social,
work or family groups. An understanding of groups, how they work, and
how they influence our behaviour is therefore an important part of our
development
- it encourages you to get to know other people on your course
- learning can be enhanced by working co-operatively with others. You
can:
- share ideas
- stimulate one another's thinking
- be more creative
- help each other to stay motivated and focused
- encounter other perspectives and points of view
- have access to a wide pool of experience, knowledge and ways of
working
- clarify your thoughts by discussing, explaining, asking or answering
questions
- consolidate your learning by talking and listening to others at
a similar stage in the learning process
- increase awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses
- be more productive
- you can develop key transferable skills, such as:
- leading
- communicating
- listening
- co-operating
- supporting
- motivating
- negotiating
- problem-solving
- resolving conflict
- employers often look for graduates with an understanding of groups
and the skills necessary for successful team-working. Teams may be face
to face or virtual, and global business increasingly requires team-members
based in different countries to work together successfully.
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