Preparation for group success

During one group project the class was split into two groups and then each team had to solve a word problem. The part that was most interesting to me was how the set up from the beginning of the project played such a crucial in determining the success of each team.
My group set up the table in the middle of everyone and allowed all group members to express their feelings. Each members' ideas were heard and acknowledged. Because of this, everyone continued to contribute throughout the assignment. This was made possible because everyone could see each other and the board we were writing on. The puzzle was eventually solved through much trial/error and teamwork.
It was very interesting to me how the other group said that they set up their table against the wall so only a few people could see the board. The more outspoken voices were the only ones contributing and getting their opinion heard. This effected the rest of the group dynamics. A lot of this team quit partially through because they were uninterested. This group did not complete the assignment and the morale at the end was very low.
Discussing the group set ups really got me thinking about how the tone of a group is set right from the beginning. The group I was not in, sent a very different message then we did by pushing the table against the wall. They basically were saying that only the people that could push themselves to the board were the only voices worth hearing. I'm sure that the people standing in the back gave up quickly since contributing was too difficult.
The decision our group made to take the extra 5 seconds to move the table out from the wall was the first step to success. Making everyone feel accepted is going to benefit the outcome heavily. This needs to be applied in future leadership opportunities. I am going to make sure I take the extra time to make the people around me feel valued and appreciated. Morale is extremely important in obtaining maximum results. I can a test to this from past experiences too.
I think it was Aubrey that mentioned working with different managers at her job with varying authority styles. I can agree with her that working with uplifting and positive managers makes us do our job better. If my supervisor acknowledges me when I walk in the door my mood immediately increases. Setting the tone of the day on a positive note sets up the rest of my day for a good outcome.
Both of these examples are just small steps that do not take much time. It is the little details that end up making the greatest impact. When the environment for ideas is positive and open, people do their best work. I want to always apply this ideology into my life. At the end of the day, most work is meaningless but building relationships can last forever. I never want my reputation to be someone that just cares about the outcome and not the journey.