LD #7 PLANNING FOR SUCCESS
Purpose: To develop an understanding of group planning for successful task completion and to explore the roles of indiiduals with a group.
Materials: Objects for building a structure (phys.ed. equipment works well)
Handout (VODSS)
Activity:Part I1. Divide Leaders into 2 groups.
2. Each group is given an identical pile of building materials.
3. Each group is to build a structure that will be evaluated on height, stability and aesthetics. All items must be used functionally (ie can't fill a bin with items).
4. The group will be given 2 minutes to complete the task. (Use your judgement - if they are being too successful, shorten the time. Part I should fail.)
5. Judges evaluate. (Be harsh - in a nice way! - you want the structure to collapse)
Part II1. Each group is now given 10 minutes of planning time. (Again, if planning very well, you may allow them more time.) They must use pen and paper to plan and sketch. They MAY NOT build or touch the objects during this time. Sketches must be approved before they begin building.
2. The groups are then given another 2 minutes (plus!) to complete the task.
3. Judges evaluate. (Hopefully observe improvements in structures)
Debrief:- How did you feel during the first task? (chaos, frustration, etc.)
- Relate to other LP topics: During the planning time, what were the group dynamics? What leadership styles emerged? Did a "main leader" or chairperson emerge? Was there conflict in the group and how was it resolved? How did you problem solve? Did you develop a strategy? How did you? Were all idea considered? Leadership/followership?
- How did you feel during the second task?
- Without formally identifying VODSS, recap the activity using VODSS.
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Visualize - rough work
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Organize - brainstorm, diagram
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Deputize - delegate (who will build what)
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Supervise - was there a supervisor or did the "chairperson" also build
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Summarize - when you finished and were waiting to be judged, were assessing your work
- Identify "VODSS"
- Handout on VODSS - How to be a successful chairperson
- Go through handout (choosing a few key points - avoid reading it all word for word) liking each concept to a music council event. (ie Semi-formal, fundraiser, concert)
HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL CHAIRPERSON
There are
five key words which will guide you in the successful approach to your project or event. Here is a breakdown of these guide-posts.
VISUALIZEThe first thing you must do is fully understand the nature and object of the project. Take time to sit down and think the project through. Here are some questions that you might think about:
1. Why am I doing it?
2. What am I hoping to accomplish?
3. How many committee members will be required?
4. When is the project to be completed?
5. How much money will it take and where will it come from?
It is suggested that, as a chairperson, you talk with teachers and students who have worked on similar projects in the past. They can be a valuable resource when you are preparing your plans.
ORGANIZEYour next move will be to select a group of students to work with you. The teacher in charge can help you decide who would be most helpful.
This group of helpers should only be large enough that each helper is responsible for one major job. It is dfficult to control a group that is too large.
DEPUTIZEA successful organizer and leader has the ability to assign responsibility for the various tasks so that he/she is free for planning and supervising.
Make sure that when jobs are assigned each person:
1. Knows exactly what to do.
2. Knows who to report to.
3. Knows who to ask for help.
SUPERVISEThe chariperson is responsible for the actions fo the committee and to make sure that they accomplish their tasks.
The best way to supervise is:
1. Give people authroity and responsibility.
2. Allow them to make decisions concerning their tasks.
3. Hold them responsible for results.
This will allow your helpers to do their jobs, so that as chairperson, you will not have to do all the tasks involved in order to complete the projects.
SUMMARIZEWhen the project or event has been completed, it is important to review what has happened. A
complete report is very helpful for future reference. This report could include:
1. Number and names on committee.
2. An outline of the work done.
3. Copies of all correspondence, reports, etc.
4. A financial report.
5. Recommendations for future committees. This could include tips on how things could be changed as well as what worked great.
Give the committee members recognition and credit for their help!There is a
double reward for being a chairperson. you have the opportunity to serve a useful function and complete a successful project which will give credit to you and the group. You also have a chance to grow from within and to improve your self-confidence. This allows you to become better equipped to live a happy, useful life, and to take your place as a leader in future enterprises.
