Team Building and Collaboration

Of all the groups I have worked in, the hardest ones to adjourn were those in which the spirit of the group flourished.  The obstacles and walls that were needed to get over and how the group worked together to get through those obstacles make the group memorable to me.  I have worked in groups where we had to really work hard to come together and think of a way around something, and I have also worked in groups where there really weren’t many challenges and everything seemed to go as planned.  The groups where we had to work the hardest stand out to me, and it is the friendships that I made within those groups that make the thought of the process a happy one.   

When saying good bye I have experienced parties (usually when we have done well) and meetings in small conference rooms about what we could have done to improve performance when we have not done so well. 

One company I worked for as a purchasing assistant which was right underneath the junior buyer.  I worked there for several years and built a good understanding of the junior buyer’s position.  When the junior buyer moved onto another position everyone mentioned that I would probably move up into her spot.  I was excited and knew I was ready.  However, in a department meeting it was announced that the position would be open to the public.  I felt like all eyes had turned to me to see my reaction.  After the meeting I asked the department head why I had not been chosen.  He said management said it was lack of knowledge.  I was outraged.  Six months later I found a job with a new company and when I left I said good bye to everyone except my bosses and management.  I did not want to remember their faces at all. 

When leaving this collegial environment I will have many happy experiences and lots of knowledge to take with me.  I will most likely obtain as many email addresses and phone numbers as possible.  I like to stay in touch with colleagues who I may be able to help and gain help from as well as we continue on our journey.  It will be a hard good bye because of the growth we all have achieved together. 

Although adjourning is sometimes a sad moment, it is necessary to thank everyone for their help and time.  Just like ending a phone call or a casual conversation, adjourning at the end of a project is a way for closure and to congratulate.