Observe and Analyze a Workplace Team Identify a team discussion that you can observe, one that will enable you to get maximum value from this assignment; a problem-solving discussion with between five and eight members is ideal. You might observe a planning committee, task force, department meeting, or another group where all members have an opportunity to participate. You may not want to have a central role in the discussion so you can focus on observing and recording other team members' behaviors. If circumstances make it impossible for you to observe a face-to-face team meeting, you may choose another context for this assignment. Next, review the materials that will help you readily identify the responses team members make: Module 1: HURIER Listening Model Module 2: Response Options: Increase Behavioral Flexibility Module 2: Foster Positive Relationships Through Your Supportive Response Module 2: Increase Awareness of Nonverbal Behavior Overview of Procedure You should now be ready to observe a team discussion. Assign each team member a number in a clockwise order, beginning with #1. Observe using the Team Observation Form as your guide. While you are listening, record as many verbal and nonverbal responses as you can by placing an "X" in the appropriate response category. Some responses may fit into more than one category. Be sure to take notes to supplement your record of Xs on the form and to better assess and recall-the team dynamics. You will need to observe the discussion for at least 15 to 20 minutes to adequately identify participants' behaviors. Most of the responses on your farm have been previously identified in Module 2 as blocking or facilitating a listening environment. The observation form will help you to distinguish these behaviors. Is someone constantly looking out the window? Disagreeing with the speaker? Placing blame? Nodding their head? Put an X in the appropriate box to indicate when a specific behavior occurs. Finally, you will also be asked to recommend an action plan to improve members' listening effectiveness and strengthen the team's listening environment. Team Observation Form Behaviors That Facilitate or Block Team Listening Team Member #1 Behaviors That Facilitate Ask questions Restate, paraphrase Summarize Encourage Express feelings Express agreement Supportive Behaviors Provision, to me" Express support and concem Problem focused Respectful Descriptive Empathic Nonverbal Encourage Listening Smile Head nod Comfortable focus and eye contact Forward lean $2 13 $4 #6 Team Member #1 82 08 #4 #5 Behaviors That Block Dominating Avoiding Talking too much Disrespectful comments Loafing Distracing behaviors Inappropriate humor Defensive Behaviora Certainty Blame centered Superiority Indifference Evaluative judgmental Not participating/negative Nonverbal Discourage Listening Tum or look away from speaker Negative facial expression Posture indicating boredom Fidgeting Engaged in another activity