This week approximately thirty students, including me, were disconnected from society by living on the island of Texel for a week. The project was about a sustainable Texel in the year 2065. We worked on different subjects within this topic for about six weeks in advance. For me it was hard to know what to expect because my view on this week was a bit vague. There were some lectures during the week and at the end we would present a ‘plan’ to the municipality. What this plan would look like was something we had to work on. I experienced that working together with thirty people is rather difficult. Last week we did and sometimes we struggled but I have to say that the result was surprising. The following are some of those experiences that form the basis for optimal teamwork and end product.
-The main goal is set.
Very important. Everyone has to aim for the same otherwise chaos cannot be prevented. This week we worked a long time on something no one knew what it was. The result of that day was very little.
-A leader who is accepted by everyone.
Be sure to explicitly choose a leader before starting the discussion. This person is the one who will have the overview, lets everyone speak after each other and prevent disorganisation. At the end of a meeting, the leader needs to conclude and make sure everyone has a task. When someone undermines the authority of this leader, others have to correct this or choose another leader (Note: If everyone undermines the leader, please choose someone else). The bigger the group, the more ‘sub’ leaders you need to steer smaller groups within the whole. Besides, the leader should not be involved with the product too much, this makes a good discussion possible. If the leader is involved too much, it could be he/she can misuse the role.
-Not everyone can be happy.
People have to listen to each other and accept that there is not always room for their ‘brilliant’ idea. Recognize the situation that another comment or ‘new’ idea will confuse the process. The group has priority over an individual.
-Keep it light and stay friendly.
A nice and happy environment will get the most out of everyone. People can be more creative and will be able to work longer. Also, try to relativize. This project is not your masterpiece and failure is an option. Have a good time!
When the previous terms are met, only then you can start the conversation about the subject. So, pay attention at the start of collaboration. Last week, I did not have this knowledge, so it did not went well all the time. Now I know how important those things are and how difficult it is to work together on the same goal with a lot of people. I understand that getting something done in the real world as, for example, a government is difficult. Maybe this explains why until now little changes towards a more sustainable world are made, relative to what mankind would be able of. On the other hand, force people to work together by locking them up. You can be sure there will be a result at the end!