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Chapter 6Working in Teams

Technical Communication, 10/eJohn M. Lannon

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Managing a Collaborative Project

Appoint a group manager. Define a clear and definite goal. Decide on the type of document required. Decide how the group will be organized. Divide the task. Establish a timetable. Decide on a meeting schedule and format.

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Managing a Collaborative Project

Establish a procedure for responding to the work of other members.

Develop a file-naming system for drafts. Establish procedures for dealing with problems. Select a group decision-making style. Appoint a different “observer” for each meeting. Decide how to evaluate each member's

contribution. Prepare a project management plan. Submit progress reports regularly.

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Sources of Conflict Interpersonal differences Gender differences Cultural differences

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Guidelines for Active Listening

Don’t dictate.Be receptive.Keep an open mind.Be courteous.Show interest. Hear the speaker out.

Focus on the message.

Ask for clarification.

Be agreeableObserve the 90/10

rule.

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Thinking Creatively

Explain each of the following ways of “thinking outside the box.”

Brainstorming Brainwriting Mind-mapping Storyboarding

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Tools for Electronic Collaboration

Basic e-mail Text messaging and chat systems Groupware Digital whiteboard Web conferencing Teleconferencing Videoconferencing

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Ethical Abuses Intimidating one’s peers Claiming credit for others’ work Hoarding information

Activity: Go to http://www.business-ethics.com and see what it takes to be nominated for the top 100 corporate citizens.

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Any Questions?

For additional help reviewing this chapter, please visit the Companion Website for your text at http://www.ablongman.com/lannon.