Script
The scene is a continuation of the Imagine you volunteers team meeting as they brainstorm ideas for the annual fundraiser.
The CEO: (In a calming voice)
“Let us all calm down. Holding the dinner and silent auction and asking businesses for donations are great ideas. I will go get Nan, and we can discuss this calmly.”
(Walks out of the room to look for Nan. A few minutes later, she comes back with Nan in tow).
“Now that we have all had time to cool down, let’s calmly discuss this matter.” (She looks at Nana and Jim). “Both your ideas are great as they address our immediate problems. We need donations and fundraiser money. Now, let’s devise a strategy that can run both ideas concurrently. Nan, as you want to engage local businesses in donations, I will put you in charge of that task. Jim, just before Nan left, you agreed with Laura’s idea that both activities can be done at once. Come up with a suitable dinner and silent auction strategy that works with Nan’s idea.”
(Turns to Laura and talks to her in a positive tone)
“Laura, what are some of your suggestions on how both ideas can be combined.”
Laura: (Gives a reserved smile and in a soft voice, she begins speaking)
“I thought that we could request businesses to donate to the food drive and use their donations for the dinner and silent auction. This way, businesses will get the opportunity to advertise their products through donations while the organizations can raise more funds by using the donations in the dinner and silent auction.” (Looks expectantly to the team)
The CEO: (Turns to Nan and Jim)
“Nan, Jim, is Laura’s idea viable?”
(Nan and Jim give silent nods to the CEO)
The CEO: (In a positive voice)
“Great! Let’s make both ideas work to our advantage. Laura, you will help me organize the implementation of both ideas.”
(Gives an approving smile to all staff members)
“Let’s all remain calm during this process and do our best. We will reconvene tomorrow and start planning our way forward. Thank you for coming and have a wonderful day.”
(Meeting adjourns, and all members leave quietly)
Discussion
The scenario highlighted shows ineffective teamwork. Some of the issues evident from the discussions held by the Imagine You staff include poor-quality communication, domination, and defensiveness. Poor quality communication is apparent through the disagreement between Nan and Jim, and as a result, Nan gets defensive and walks out of the meeting. Domination is evident through Nan’s and Jim’s inability to listen to Laura’s contribution. Furthermore, Jim later proposes Laura’s suggestion as his own.
Team members should practice constructive criticism, equality and give compliments to promote professionalism. Constructive criticism allows team members to understand new perspectives and improve their work or approach towards other members. In the scenario highlighted, constructive criticism would benefit Nan and Jim as they can better understand each other’s perspectives without negative attitudes. Equality is crucial as it helps build cohesion and positive morale in the team. Therefore, it could help team members work cohesively and table their suggestions without fear of judgment in the highlighted scenario. Lastly, compliments reinforce confidence and boost positive behavior, especially when done by the leader, and may e more important in Laura’s case.
The scene continuation above reveals what could happen should the CEO take leadership. Strong leadership ensures effective communication. Strong leadership may result in the leader’s domination; however, in the scenario highlighted above, a strong leader would help end the arguments and outbursts seen in Jim’s and Nan’s conversation.
As highlighted in the scene continuation above, team leaders can improve team productivity by delegating responsibilities. Delegation helps individuals develop professionally and promotes a sense of ownership. Other strategies that enhance team productivity include using feedback to help team members better understand their work and the promotion of a good work environment.
Teamwork is important in organizations. It helps team members share ideas and work responsibilities, promoting efficiency and positive work environments. Therefore, team members must maintain professionalism and create a positive work environment that encourages individual and organizational success.
