Cliques, Gossip, Rumours and Leadership

Do you ‘hang out’ with a group of 2 to 12 people? Are those people mostly of the same age/sex? Do you as a group engage in the same activities? Individuals who share the same values, ideas and activities.

You are in a clique!!! *Cliques usually reside solely in high school/new ones generally form after.

A clique is an inclusive group of people who share common interests, views, purposes, patterns of behavior, or ethnicity.  inclusion and exclusion that characterize a clique.  Can help develop interpersonal relationships  Can help you feel good about yourself

Gossip & Rumours Rumours - piece of information or story that has not been verified. Gossip – talk that deals with subjects that are shocking or personal. *Usually help the group leaders maintain power.

Types Slander – rumours/gossip spread with intention to cause pain or damage. When written down now becomes libel. Fears and Concerns – tape into common fears, threat of physical danger, the unknown and unfamiliar

Group Cohesion

(cults) key steps in coercive persuasion: 1. People are put in physical or emotionally distressing situations 2. Their problems are reduced to one simple explanation, which is repeatedly emphasized 3. They receive unconditional love, acceptance, and attention from a charismatic leader or group 4. They get a new identity based on the group 5. They are subject to entrapment (isolation from friends, relatives and the mainstream culture) and their access to information is severely controlled

Leadership

has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”.  i.e. someone who is constantly able to influence the behaviour of others.  The type of leader depends on the nature of the group.

Types of Leaders Authoritarian Leader  Simply give orders  Works well when speed and efficiency are key Ex: military, police, hospital emergency rooms Laissez-faire Leaders  Make little attempt to direct or organize Democratic Leaders  Attempt to win consensus on goals and on courses of action  Effective if there’s a disagreement over goals and methods Ex: Government

Leadership Characteristics Several common characteristics include:  Strong sense of achievement, high level of energy, ability to make firm decisions.  Self-confident, creative, highly motivated  Flexible, familiar with activities and goals of group  Ex: MLK, JFK, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Pierre Trudeau, etc…

Leadership Traits Other characteristics that distinguished leaders from nonleaders:  intelligence  dominance  adaptability  persistence  integrity  socioeconomic status  self-confidence

What’s Your Leadership Style? 12 Questions A = Always S = Sometimes N = Never

Q #1-6 I would give members complete freedom to do what they want. I am friendly and approachable. I want to be the one who speaks for the group. I like to keep the work moving quickly. I dislike waiting for people to catch up to me. I would act without consulting others.

Q #7-12 I like to solve problems without help. Lots of detail doesn’t bother me. I appreciate help from others. I would encourage the group to set its own pace. I would have the group vote on decisions. I would work hard to get promoted.

Scoring Count 1 for A answers in Q: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 12. Count 1 for S answer in Q: 2 Count 1 for N answers in Q: 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11. Count 2 for all S answers *except Q#2 Count 3 for all remaining answers. Add them up…

If you scored low (1-12) your leadership styles is more authoritarian. YOU give direction. If you scored in the middle (13-24) your style is more democratic. You encourage team participation and decision making. If you scored high (24-36) your leadership style is more laissez-faire. You are hands-of, giving responsibility to others.