Communication Applications Unit 3:2 Group member Roles & Responsibilities

Group Member Roles & Responsibilities 1. A role is a pattern of communication that characterizes one's place in a group. People tend to behave in fairly predictable ways within groups. These roles may be helpful or harmful to the group.

Group Member Roles & Responsibilities a. Experts - These people believe they know a great deal about a subject and are willing to share their knowledge with the group. If they they start to take over and force ideas on other members, they may be looked on as “know-it-alls.”

Group Member Roles & Responsibilities b.Supporters - These people defend the ideas of others in the group. – They often help a shy person's ideas be heard – They stand up for people when others criticize their ideas – They tell members they like their ideas – However, if they never offer their own ideas, they often become known as “yes-people” or “head-nodders.”

Group Member Roles & Responsibilities c. Questioners - These people raise important points about ideas and make everyone think twice before rushing into decisions. – They may spark discussion and new ideas. – However, if they raise issues about every topic, they slow down the group's progress and become “question hounds.”

Group Member Roles & Responsibilities d. Challengers - These people are willing to argue or debate ideas rather than just accept them. – They force the entire group to think more carefully. – However, when they challenge everybody just for fun, they annoy other group members and slow the group's progress.

Group Member Roles & Responsibilities e. Compromisers - These people see how ideas can be combined into even better ideas. – This is valuable because it uses other members' ideas creatively. – However, they also need to produce their own new ideas.

Group Member Roles & Responsibilities f. Moderators - These people keep the group process moving and try to see that everyone gets involved. – They may remind the group of deadlines – They frequently remind members to stay on task – They may encourage quiet members to participate. – They may bring up group rules – However, when they try to police the group at all times, they lose their effectiveness

Group Member Roles & Responsibilities g. Tension Relievers - These people keep things from getting too serious or boring. – They may crack jokes, tease a member of the group, or make funny, supportive remarks. – They often lighten the mood when things get too tense. – However, they frequently don't know when it is appropriate and when it is not. They tend to become a disruption and prevent progress. – When they can't do anything but act silly, they are know as “class clowns.”

Group Member Roles & Responsibilities h. Observers - These people prefer to watch and listen during group meetings and avoid participation. – They may feel uncomfortable in the group. – They may be shy. – They may just feel that they don't have anything to add. – They may just not be interested.

Group Member Roles & Responsibilities 2. Group members' communication can support the group goals and help the problem-solving process or it can slow down the process. To be a competent communicator in a problem-solving group, you have to act as both a responsible speaker and a responsible listener.

Group Member Roles & Responsibilities Speaker Responsibilities Be prepared Share your ideas Speak with self-respect Ask questions Support others

Group Member Roles & Responsibilities Listener Responsibilities Practice good listening skills Avoid barriers Use your thought speed Listen for connections Give nonverbal feedback