Chapter 6 The Working Stage in a Group: Performing Prepared by: Nathaniel N. Ivers, Wake Forest University

Roadmap The Working Stage of a Group Peer relationships – Johari Window Tasks during the working stage Problems that may arise in the working stage of a group Strategies for assisting groups in the working stage Achieving Outcomes in the Working Stage

Working Stage of a Group Focuses on the achievement of individual and group goals Emphasizes the movement of the group itself into a more unified and productive system Described as the group’s “performing stage” (Tuckman & Jensen, 1977) and “action stage” (George & Dustin, 1988)

Working Stage of a Group Group leaders and members feel more freedom and comfort to try out new behaviors and strategies. “Therapeutic forces,” such as openness to self, others, and new ideas, “are well-established” (Ohlsen et al., 1988, p. 88).

Peer Relationships in the Working Stage Members tend to express genuine concern for one another on a deep, personal level Participants establish how physically and psychologically close they wish to be to others and behave accordingly. Members are more willing to self-disclose.

Johari Awareness Model Sometimes called the Johari Window Represents what happens in the arena of self-disclosure when a group is in the working stage (Luft, 1984)

Johari Window Quadrant 1: Open quadrant Information known to self and others Quadrant III: Blind Quadrant Information originally unknown to self but known to others when the group began Quadrant II: Hidden Quadrant Undisclosed information known only to oneself Quadrant IV: Unknown Quadrant Material hidden from self and others because of a lack of opportunity

Task Process during the Working Stage Rounds Role playing Homework Incorporation

Problems in the Working Stage Racial and Gender Issues May be subtle or blatant Cultural Encapsulation Group Collusion Cooperating with others unconsciously or consciously to “reinforce prevailing attitudes, values, behaviors, or norms” (Butler, 1987, p. 1) The purpose of such behavior is self protection Groupthink

Assisting Groups in the Working Stage Modeling by the Leader Exercises Group Observing Group Brainstorming Nominal-Group Technique Written Projections Group Processing Teaching of Skills

Outcomes of the Working Stage Usually tangible, as goals have been worked on and achieved Learning and sharing of ideas and information among members Catharsis – release of pent-up feelings Cognitive restructuring Confrontation Feedback Corrective Emotional Experience Humor