The Idea Behind Group Work T ogether E veryone A chieves M ore “It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn't matter who gets the credit.” - unknown

Reflecting on yesterday’s activities

Reflecting on yesterday’s activities What went well What needs work

Remember… There is a lot of content today not for you to memorize, but for you to call upon for reference Leave here today with a knowledge of what makes a group run well, and how to be a positive contributor to a group

How Can YOU Benefit from Working In a Group? Higher Level of Reasoning Critical Thinking Interpersonal Communication Skills Problem-solving & Decision-making Skills Conflict Resolution

Characteristics of EFFECTIVE Groups: Goals are clear Everyone is valued Ideas are expressed Issues are resolved quickly Conflict is not avoided 6

Characteristics of INEFFECTIVE Groups: Some members dominate while others are inactive. People work only to ensure that their own ideas are stated. When someone speaks, others formulate their own ideas or interrupt the speaker. When someone speaks, others may believe they understand but often do not. Lack of clear goals. Disputes are avoided and not resolved. 7

Roles That Group Members May Assume The point here is not to memorize these, but to identify yourself and try to transition to a positive role if not already there 8

4 Positive Roles in Group Work The Initiator - has initiative and imagination good at creative thinking, generating ideas and getting things started may have large egos and require recognition for his/her contributions The Reconciler often older than other participants and good at defusing conflict may emphasize the importance of the main objective, in light of smaller issues causing tension always seek to keep them involved, especially if you detect a rise in tension. 9

4 Positive Roles in Group Work The Pathfinder good at refocusing the attention of the group less likely to get carried away by new ideas helps keep the meeting progressing in line with its agenda The Supporter tends to have something supportive to say about almost any issue sees the positive side of any case and therefore may find tough decisions very difficult 10

Negative Roles in Group Work The Aggressor tends to question and challenge everything & criticizes ideas good at highlighting problems, but unlikely to offer any solutions try to involve them early on, but also try to involve a reconciler - to defuse any potentially contentious remarks The Interrupter - constantly interrupts others may disagree with what's being said or feel they have a better idea. the best strategy is to stop them and point out that someone else was talking and that they should be allowed to finish 11

Neutral Roles in Group Work The Silent Participant sits through a meeting without making an audible contribution, even though they should have something to say (may be shy or think they have nothing to contribute) They should be encouraged to take part and told that their opinion matters The Joker while a good sense of humour can be very useful at times constantly making jokes or playing the fool is not. they may distract others and not play a productive role the best way to deal with a joker is to have a word with them privately. 12

Destructive Behaviors People who avoid responsibility People who won’t admit when they make a mistake People who wait until the last minute People who are competitive

Being a Strong Team Member What do you need to bring to the table?

What do YOU need to bring to the TABLE? No Ego Active Listening Accepting of Differences Communication Skills Sharing (materials, knowledge etc.) Be Responsible/Reliable Be Open - Never Criticize Be Generous- give credit where it is due Set an Example – it is easy to complain; instead take action and improve the situation

Conflict Resolution 101 Recognize that confrontation can be positive Try not to take what is happening personally. When you are upset… sleep on it before acting! Choose an appropriate time and place to deal with the conflict Use an appropriate manner (tone, body language, level) 6. Utilize your most effective communication skills: really listen avoid passing judgements (use “I” statements instead of “you”) stick to what you feel and perceive be flexible and prepared to work with the other person 7. Check the facts, including the “big picture” perhaps the other’s point of view. 8. Come with ideas for solutions

Conflict Resolution Case Scenario: You are working on a group project and notice that one member, Joe, routinely arrives unprepared to work and jokes constantly throughout each meeting. The group is beginning to feel that Joe is a distraction and hindering the team’s productivity. 1) How would you approach this issue? 2) How will your group resolve this dispute?

Winter Survival Scenario Team Activity Winter Survival Scenario