| GroupWorks
Newsletter |
 |
| Launched
in 2003, the newsletter brings you information and tips you can use to
manage groups. It’s a starting point for learning more about improving
group work and a place you can get your questions answered. Published
bimonthly. |
|
| In
this issue |
|
| Vol.
1, Issue 1, May/June 2003
|
|
| Memo
from Lou |
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| Welcome
to the first issue of GroupWorks. |
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| Our
aim is to bring you practical information and insight into issues that
make working in groups challenging and worthwhile. |
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| You
work in groups everyday and want to do so more effectively, whether
it’s as a work team, a staff, interdepartmentally, with other agencies
and field offices, or with important stakeholders, including the public. |
|
| But
this is no easy matter. Many obstacles loom. Unrealistic expectations,
time constraints, different missions and objectives, and geographic
distance between group members are just a few factors that hinder
progress. |
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| The
pressure to involve stakeholders, including state and local officials,
has never been greater. The consensus process is more demanding than the
simpler review-and-comment process, but senior officials want
consensus—and they want it on a deadline! |
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| How
people collaborate, communicate and cooperate with others to accomplish
the organization’s missions and objectives is the main focus of my
professional life. |
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| I’ve
worked for and with public and private agencies for 20 years.
The heart of my work has focused on group work processes—hence
the name of this newsletter. My formal education includes a M.A. from
George Mason in Organization Behavior. But it’s my continuing
education with agencies while on the job that keeps my skills sharp and
my interest in the field keen. |
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| The
newsletter is designed to inform you of some of the issues involved and
methods used in working with groups. And I look forward to learning more
about your needs in this vital area. |
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| Two requests: |
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|
1.
You can help make this newsletter more relevant to your needs.
Send in questions via e-mail. Call me if you would like me to address a
particular topic. Attend a brown-bag lunch or contact me to schedule one
in your office. |
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|
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2.
If you know of someone who you think would like to get on our
circulation list, please call, e-mail or fax me with the person’s
mailing address. |
