These problems are not like normal homework problems to be done after just reading the chapter. Instead, they are assignments that should be done in the context of an actual group activity to improve group process. Although a group of four or five students is envisioned, the exercises will work with somewhat larger or smaller groups. They are often used during class sessions so that the instructor can provide immediate feedback.

Each group member describes an example of friction in a prior group situation, and the group does the following:

1. Determines which of the categories of friction from Section 28.1.3 best describes the example.

2. Develops a suggestion for how the situation could have been handled better.

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28.3.1 When Groups Become Teams The process of developing a team from a group is called team building. There are many specific procedures for team building used in countless short courses. A characteristic of most team members is that each has attended one or more such short courses or workshops. The best general advice to generate team skills is to attend such a workshop. These workshops are available through most universities and corporations, as well as through technical organizations (such as AICHE, SWE, or Tau Beta Pi). It is not necessary (nor even necessarily preferable) for all members of a team to have attended the same workshop; diversity of team-building approaches can enhance the activity. Before or after attending such a workshop, team-building skills can be honed by using heuristics such as the following: