PDC hosts group dynamics exercise

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marelise Wood
  • 352nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF Mildenhall, ENGLAND --  Left brain, right brain, no brain. Type A, Type B, Type AB. 

For centuries there has been much debate on personality types, how people are categorized and what it all means. However, the one thing everyone can agree on is that we are all different and our differences affect how we make decisions, interact with others, and express ourselves. 

Now imagine all those differences being combined in a group faced with a challenging scenario. What's the outcome? 

That was the situation faced by participants in a group dynamics exercise held recently at the RAF Mildenhall Professional Development Center. 

The exercise, conducted by Master Sgt. Erasmus Henriquez of the 352nd Special Operations Group, explored how decisions are made in a team setting. A scenario was presented and 10 members of the class were chosen to devise a survival plan, individually. Once complete, the members accomplished the same task - as a team. 

"Several years ago, I worked on a study with the Quality Institute of America," said Sergeant Henriquez. "During the study, we formed many groups of functional experts to help remove or improve processes within their functions. As a facilitator, I focused on how the groups came up with ideas. I was surprised at how much adjusting I had to do. 

"The groups displayed many behaviors that were counterproductive to the team," the sergeant added. "Some group members had the solution before the problem was formulated. Some dismissed junior members' ideas. Some groups didn't have junior members. Some groups veered toward competition between women and men, military and civilian. Some groups based their decisions on who yelled the loudest. Other groups didn't say much and just went along with the ranking member's suggestion." 

To assess those behaviors, the participants not working on the scenario used observer sheets to document different components of group dynamics ranging from collaborating to supporting. 

At the end of the exercise, the "expert" solution was revealed and score sheets were used to determine the individual score and the score earned as a group. Observers then had a chance to share their assessments with the group, and group members were given the opportunity to provide feedback. 

"I think this type of exercise is important because the first step to improving group dynamics is making individuals aware of how they affect group dynamics and how they can improve their team behavior," Sergeant Henriquez said. 

Tech. Sgt. Arlene Lee, 100th Communications Squadron Client Support Team section chief, felt the exercise was a great benefit. 

"I found the feedback from the observers to be the most helpful," said Sergeant Lee. "When you are in the scenario, your focus is on getting to the end result. Hearing the view from the outside gets you asking yourself questions. 'Do I truly listen to others? Do I really believe that everyone's opinion matters? How do I react/interact with other people and utilize their strengths? Do I recognize weakness in myself and those I work with?' For me it brought home what my weakness is and how to re-adjust in my position in my office." 

With the class being so warmly received, Master Sgt. Jessica Hensley, PDC superintendent and Team Mildenhall career assistance advisor, has already scheduled future exercises in the upcoming months. 

Sergeant Lee went on to say, "I thought it was different and exciting. I was very happy that I was able to be a part of this event." 

Editor's note: Anyone interested in attending this class can register by clicking HERE. The next class is scheduled for Aug. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Mildenhall PDC and is open to officers, enlisted and civilians. For more information, call 238-5933.