What, So What, Now What?

What?
The community service event was an interesting experience for several reasons. I noticed that the groups were structured in such a way that there was little to no overlap in research interests between members. This was a benefit, as it allowed us to meet people outside of our programs/research areas.

So What?
I am glad that there was an intentionality to the creation of our groups. I think the idea that we were all there for the benefit of others gave the team building exercises a sense of purpose and direction, which sometimes lacks in other team building events I have done.
My experience at the community service event was different than I expected in that I thought more of our time would be spent building bikes, although I enjoyed the team building exercises.
Aside from learning about everyone's interests, my group members took differing approaches to the different tasks. I was able to observe these differing approaches and incorporated some into my strategies for accomplishing the tasks.

Now What?
I think that the group work and team building exercises were valuable and something I can take back to my lab. Focusing on shared goals and clearly defining those goals was successful at the event and will transfer well to a lab setting. This approach could be applied by redefining goals at each lab meeting.
If I could do the group events again, I think that I would pay more attention to what the purpose of each of the individual activities was (communication, awareness, networking, etc).