COMMUNICATING IN GROUPS & LEADERSHIP Interacting in Groups; Importance of Groups; Leadership & Communication “A group becomes a team when each member is sure enough of his or her own contribution to praise the ideas of others.” (Pinner, 2003: p216)

What is a Group? A group has 2+ members who interact and communicate with each other to achieve a common purpose. 9/12/2018

teamwork is crucial for success in an org. permits an exchange of info & ideas for individuals to be part of a team teamwork is crucial for success in an org. feedback invaluable – provides people to state views and listen to others. 9/12/2018

VALUES OF GROUPS Ideas – better decisions Objectives – aim or purpose Commitment – do the tasks & get it done Knowledge and understanding Teamwork – listening & working together Innovation – keep growing or progress 9/12/2018

Why do we join a group? We agree with its purpose We seek interaction For personal satisfaction For propinquity (nearness in time, place or relationship For productivity (useful; profitable) 9/12/2018

Functions of groups To achieve aims quickly and efficiently To encourage contact with others To expand one’s knowledge To improve problem solving methods To encourage commitment to others To encourage communication with others (V, O & NVC) 9/12/2018

Characteristics Interaction give & take – vital to group’s success. Face-to-Face helps interpret body language tune-in to +ve & -ve re-enforcements. Influence on one another each member adapts to beliefs expressed by other members. Feedback positive (praise) and negative (+criticism) 9/12/2018

Levels/Stages in Group Interaction Orientation (Forming) - seek clarification Conflict (Storming) – agreement established, leadership emerges Emergence (Norming) – group reach consensus Reinforcement (Performing) – unity, commitment to group purpose Adjourning – ability to let go, to move on (Tuckman B, 1965) 9/12/2018

Adaptive Skills Managerial Skills – Interpersonal Skills – - strategic planning (goals, aims, objectives) - financial and budget planning - organisation and monitoring Interpersonal Skills – - basic manners - ethics and behaviour - people skills 9/12/2018

PSYCHOLOGICAL & DYNAMICS - Preparation (thinking) Thought & contribution (wastage of time) Dynamics (interaction in groups) - way the group is led - influences of various members - degree of conflicts, co-operation and competition - the fewer the members – easier to control 9/12/2018

GUIDELINE FOR LEADING A DISCUSSION Preparation – stationary, venue and sitting and time. Preliminaries – introductions, queries, discussions, participation, record and presence. During discussion – ‘lead with your head and not your heart’, encourage involvement, feedback and creativeness. End – Summarise, finish on time and use compromise and commitment. 9/12/2018

GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION Co-operation Clarity & logic Acceptance and open-mindedness Contribution Interest Ask questions Knowledge of values, strengths & weaknesses Enthusiasm & progress 9/12/2018

Roles in Discussions Recorder – listen, think, organise and write (all @ the same time) Facilitator – trained/appointed to make work easy in groups with organisation and execution of ideas Leader – (task oriented) initiates, coordinates and discusses (process oriented) controls and encourage human interaction, discussions, feedback and conflict resolution if need be. Destructive (blocker/s) – 12 types e.g. non-participants, critics, aggressors, attention seekers (devil’s advocate), obstructionist, obstinant (stubborn), clown, overly talkative, rambler (dodger) etc… 9/12/2018

GROUP LEADERSHIP Promotes, leads, informs, interprets, encourages, stimulates, referee, judge, moderates and conciliates. * handles most important task * develops sense of direction * initiates discussion * delegates members’ responsibility A good leader leads with fairness and knowledge. 9/12/2018

Types of Leadership Authoritarian – dictatorial. Decisions pushed through regardless of objections Democratic – shared participation. Permissive/Supervisory – group members set ground rules, leader does the least work. 9/12/2018

CONCLUSION Groups are important and a necessity for many of us to grow and belong Relationships – work 2gether – to make it work However it is important to not only take but also to give and progress As leaders; it is important to lead by example, manage & control As members; learn to abide and commit to groups for interactive, positive outcomes & reinforcements. 9/12/2018