I have difficulty...

I/we have difficulty dealing with a very dominant team / a team member that is very much in the background.

In groups, both attitudes can be functional. Groups composed of only one type of participant face specific problems. If there are only ‘other-oriented’ members, groups lack sufficient ‘critical’ attitude and the capability to handle assignments effectively. If there are only ‘I-oriented’ members, groups lack sufficient ‘thoroughness’, and indecisive discussions could occur. The group is more likely to run out of time. Assignments will often be completed hurriedly, without thorough argumentation.

It is important to understand the possible functionality of each attitude for group work. In doing this, conflicts between the two attitudes can be prevented and maximum use can be made of each attitude. Table B3c presents a simple diagnostic tool that can help you to identify the personal attitude of each group member. A number of questions are listed. They can be divided in four categories: (A) if you participate in a discussion, (B) how you participate in a discussion, (C) how you relate to a teacher/tutor, and (D) how you study in general. If you have mainly answered ‘yes’ to the ‘other-oriented’ questions or to the ‘I-oriented’ column, your profile is clear for the moment: you are either a more dependent or a more independent group member.

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Seven core skills

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