Understanding the Situation
The collaboration situation resembles an individual communication situation, but it involves more people.
Member (Group member)
Issue or Problem (Issue or problem the group is facing)
Medium (Meeting)
Context (Time and place)
Your Turn Think of a group with which you have recently collaborated. Plot the situation by drawing a diagram like the one above. Name the members, fill in the issue or problem, and list the time and place of the collaboration (context).
Answering the 5 W’s and H
Whenever a group gathers, the members must focus on the issue or problem facing the group. Reviewing the 5 W’s and H will provide this focus.
Who? Tasha, Sammi, Greg, Latrisha, Dave, and myself
What? Need to create a bridge design that will hold a 10-pound weight
Where? In physics class
When? Over the next two class periods
Why? To understand loads and weight distribution
How? Using Popsicle sticks and wood glue
If a group has met before or meets regularly, discussing “old business” and “new business” will serve to focus the group members.
- Old business refers to decisions made and actions taken during the previous meeting. Group members must not only acknowledge these issues but also monitor whether the requested actions have taken place.
- New business refers to any new issues or problems that the group faces. The new business of the current meeting will become the old business of the next.
Your Turn Answer the 5 W’s and H (who, what, where, when, why, and how) about a group that you either worked with or will be working with. If you are currently in the group, review one of your meetings. List the old business that was discussed and the new business you took on.