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Group Excercises

Old 06-02-2008, 11:06 PM
  #1  
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Default Group Excercises

I have a dilemma with regards to 'behaviour' during group excercises. Normally the group is presented with a scenario and a solution is to be found within the allocated time.

During my recent CRM refresher, we were presented with a survival excercise. We were given a list of items and we the group of four had to decide what to take with us and after that place in numerical order what we think is the most important items.

I was in disagreement with two of my group which item should be placed at the top of the list. I placed my thoughts through but the other 2 guys had their 'way'. The other in the group was indifferent. During the debriefing the item I was after was the most important according to a survival expert.

Such scenarios are presented during pilot interviews so my question/dilemma is this: How much should one press on with his argument? In my opinion I was not assertive enough. Having said that, pressing on might give the impression of knowing it all and trying to influence the group. In a way I do not want to be rude by pressing on and on the other hand do not want to give the impression that I am not assertive by giving in.

Would appreciate and thoughts on the matter.
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Old 06-08-2008, 06:52 AM
  #2  
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Joined APC: Mar 2005
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Woofer (love the username by the way)

At first blush, my reaction is "Can you play nicely in the sandbox?"

When working through a CRM type scenario it's all about working as team and coming up with the best possible resolution for the "whole." So there really isn't one "right" person. It's about working together.

Remember that you are evaluated independently, not as a group (if this is an interview situation) so the others' behavior will be judged accordingly.
It is quite possible that you didn't demonstrate enough assertiveness (do you have the "cajones" [did I spell that right?] to stand up to the Captain) but only you and the interviewers really know the answer to that one.

At some point during the exercise you must evaluate how the situation is progressing and whether or not an argument, per se, is warranted.

As far as assertiveness, I think the best approach is to state your opinion, wait for reaction, state your reasons why and then LISTEN to what the others are saying. Ask them why they have a different opinion - maybe you are missing something. If you feel your life, or the lives of others, is in danger by compromising then taking a stronger stand my be warranted. All the while evaluating what is happening to the scenario as you proceed. Situations morph as time continues and you need to show that you are cognizant of the situation as it changes.

In your scenario below please keep in mind that the evaluation process is not about who was right and who was wrong. Take comfort in knowing that your choice was the 'best' but the team effort is what counts. And that each of you are evaluated according to YOUR behavior.

Lori

Originally Posted by Woofer View Post
I have a dilemma with regards to 'behaviour' during group excercises. Normally the group is presented with a scenario and a solution is to be found within the allocated time.

During my recent CRM refresher, we were presented with a survival excercise. We were given a list of items and we the group of four had to decide what to take with us and after that place in numerical order what we think is the most important items.

I was in disagreement with two of my group which item should be placed at the top of the list. I placed my thoughts through but the other 2 guys had their 'way'. The other in the group was indifferent. During the debriefing the item I was after was the most important according to a survival expert.

Such scenarios are presented during pilot interviews so my question/dilemma is this: How much should one press on with his argument? In my opinion I was not assertive enough. Having said that, pressing on might give the impression of knowing it all and trying to influence the group. In a way I do not want to be rude by pressing on and on the other hand do not want to give the impression that I am not assertive by giving in.

Would appreciate and thoughts on the matter.
Lori Clark is offline  
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