Group dynamics and leaders Tuckman – stages of group development Situational leadership styles Facilitation skills Questions for you

1.Tuckman – Stages of Group Development Performing Adjourning Norming Storming Return to Independence Forming Dependence/ interdependence Independence Tuckman - Development Sequence in small groups. Psychology Bulletin, vol. 63, 1965, pp384-99

Forming Storming Leaders How much influence do you / I have ? How do I handle disagreement? Who is everyone? What are our goals? Do I fit in? People’s Questions Cautious Polite Low conflict Energy and noise Establishing boundaries Competition and conflict Group Behaviour More directive style ? Welcome & introduce members Confirm purpose / structure Allow expression Manage and resolve disagreements Encourage 2-way communication Leaders

Norming Performing Leaders How can we improve? How can we play to strengths? How maintain this success? How develop relationships? How successful as a group? People’s Questions Make decisions Solve problems Highly productive Openness & understanding Trust begins More constructive Group Behaviour Talk openly about issues Maintain vision and purpose Delegate as much as possible Observe and feedback Maintain vision and purpose Develop people Leaders

2.Situational Leadership Kenneth Blanchard and Paul Hersey 1969

3.Supporting / Delegating (‘facilitation’) More of a referee rather than a player : Responsible for boundaries and process more than content Listens and watches actively Asks open questions looking to stimulate thought Paraphrases and brings clarity Keeps everyone on track ‘Holds us a mirror to the group’ and gives feedback on pace, participation, pulse.

Questions What stages are your groups in? How open / guarded is the group dynamic? Which of the ‘situational leadership’ styles is your natural preference in a church setting? Where are the challenges – your personal style vs the stage of your group development?