1. Chapter 6

2.  3.5 Demonstrate prevention and management techniques.  3.6 Establish and implement goals for improving personal communication with others.  7.1 Evaluate appropriate and inappropriate methods of interacting with others in the workplace.

3.  What do you think are the benefits of being involved in school clubs and organization? What are the benefits of joining a group versus carrying out an activity by yourself?

4.  Group interaction skills help people fill leadership or group member roles.  Perhaps you have organized games at a family picnic or served as a sports team captain; these are all examples of leadership roles.  In other situations, you fulfilled your role as a group member.  Group interaction skills CAN be learned.

5.  Many jobs require that workers cooperate as part of a team.  Learning effective leadership and group interaction skills will help you succeed on the job.  Being an effective group member is just as important to a group’s success.  Once you understand these roles and responsibilities, you can use your skills to plan, organize, and evaluate group activities.

6.  In an active group, everyone must work together as a team for the good of the group, called TEAMWORK.  All members of the group must be recognized as important for teamwork to take place.  Good leaders provide direction, at the same time, they listen to and include the ideas of the team.  An active group is more likely to be a successful group.

7.  To be successful, a group needs to have goals for purpose and direction.  Group members need a setting in which they can work together.

8.  A GROUP consist of two or more people interacting in a way that has an effect on each other.  What will be the outcome of that interaction?  When the group identifies that outcome, it is identifying its goals.  Goals give a group a sense of purpose and direction.  Groups are important because they can accomplish what no single member can do in the same amount of time.  Common goals bring group members together.

9.  What are personal needs and goals that lead people to join a group? Rather it be a church home, group of friends, etc.  Some people join a group to make friends. They want to meet new people who share similar interests.  Ex. People who enjoy music may join a music club.  If your group does not meet your goals, you are more likely to leave it.

10.  A successful group will have clearly defined goals to which group members can relate.  But as your needs change, the group to which you belong change.  This process continues throughout your life.  Ex. Little League, Girl Scouts, or Boy Scouts.  Older adults may join senior citizen groups, etc.

11.  Active groups have members who are involved in several ways.  When you’re involved, you’re more likely to se your group’s goals met.  By being involved with setting rules, members can influence the group’s interaction.  Members help set the rules for the group, and group rules are the standards of behavior that are expected from group members.  When team members know what is expected of them, they are more likely to carry out their roles.

12.  Group members join together because they feel they belong to the group.  The group as a whole cooperates and takes responsibility in carrying out tasks.  Support within the group brings feelings of satisfaction and keeps the group intact.  It also attracts new members into the group.

13.  Active groups are concerned about the environment in which their group activities take place.  Can a group of 20 discuss a sensitive issue in an overcrowded cafeteria?  Groups are more productive in a friendly setting.  In a hot stuffy room, group members will not be attentive. They will be more concerned about getting out of the room than completing the business.

14.  Every group needs some type of structure.  Some people will function as leaders, while others function as group members.  Leaders guide and motivate the group.  Group members support their leaders to help make the group successful.

15.  Another important part of a group’s structure is outlined in its constitution.  A CONSTITUTION is a formal written statement that governs how the group functions.  GOAL  To help youth assume their roles in society through family and consumer sciences education in areas of personal growth, family life, vocational preparation, and community involvement.  PURPOSE CONSTITUTION

16.  The constitution usually indicate why the group was formed. Also, the constitution would include the broad goals of the group.  The constitution often includes a statement about the group’s officers.  Most groups have a leader who may be called a president or CHAIRPERSON. Also most groups have a SECRETATRY, who records minutes of each meeting.  The MINUTES usually include a description of what happens at the group meetings.  Some groups have additional guidelines for group activities called BYLAWS. These state when meetings are held, how often, when elections are held, and what procedures are used.

17.  Get in groups of 3s and make a flyer for FCCLA. This flyer should be appealing to others to make them want to join this organization.

18.  A LEADER is the person who takes charge in a group.  That person strongly influences the thoughts and behavior of the group members.  To be an effective leader, this person must possess certain traits and skills.  What traits and skills should a leader possess?

19.  Has positive self-esteem.  Shows enthusiasm.  Sets a good example for others.  Shows empathy. Listens to group members and recognizes their needs and opinions.  Motivates the group to work toward a goal.  Makes decisions and stands behind them.  Takes a stand on issues.  Does a fair share of work; carries out duties.

20.  Effective leaders have four main responsibilities.  1.) identify the group’s goal. (What does the group expect to accomplish?)  2.) Develop a plan that will help the group reach its goal. (What resources are available?)  3.) Carrying out the plan of action. (Who is going to do what task?)  4.) Help the group evaluate its accomplishments. (Did they reach their goal?)

21.  Styles of leadership vary with the situation and the structure of the group.  Different groups require different kinds of leadership.  A style can be learned and chosen to meet the situation. For ex. 1 team may be formed to present a report on sports nutrition. Another team may be formed to come up with an idea for a class party.  These two groups need two different styles of leadership.

22.  Task-oriented is a style of leadership that focuses on the job that needs to be done.  The task is broken down into specific parts.  Each member may have a specific job to carry out.  A leader needs to identify the skills and abilities of each team member ahead of time.  During the task-oriented setting, you may check on or assist members to be sure they are getting their parts done.

23.  Task-oriented leaders tend to use an authoritarian approach to leadership.  A leader who uses this approach likes to be in control of the situation and makes most of the decisions.  Sometimes the authoritarian approach to completing a task is most effective.  Ex. A group of firefighters would not sit down and discuss how to put out the fire. Instead, each person would follow the leader’s instruction to complete the task.

24.  Some groups need a more democratic style of leadership, meaning group members need to be involved in making decisions.  A relationship-oriented leader recognizes this need.  This style of leadership places greater emphasis on the feelings, thoughts, and needs of each group member. (everyone would be involved in planning)

25.  How do you know if you are ready to lead a group?  How can you determine whether or not you would be a successful leader?  Your effectiveness in a leadership role depends on the situation, your personality, and other group members.

26.  Most situations require a successful leader.  To be flexible, you may need to use parts of each leadership style.  Part of the time you may need to focus on group relationships. (encourage group members to add their opinions and ideas)  Then, as the ideas are put together, you may need to become more task-oriented.

27.  Considering your personality traits is an important part of determining your leadership style.  Greater flexibility can help you succeed in many situations.  How adaptable are you to different situations? Can you use more than one leadership style to lead a group to reach it’s goal?

28.  Examine the task to be completed and the relationship that exists between the leader and group members.  If you feel that you could fit that role, you may be the one to lead the group to reach its goal.  Consider whether you will be able to get the group members to work together.  Will they respect you and be loyal to you? (ex. What would exempt you from being captain of the basketball team?)

29.  As a group leader, you will have several different roles to fulfill.  As a leader, you will need to be a motivator to get people enthused and involved.  You will also need to be a problem solver. Often problems will come up as you try to meet group goals.  It is your role to solve those problems.

30.  All leaders need to practice good communication skills. (and good listening skills)  As a communicator, a leader needs to make sure that members understand the ideas that are shared.  Skills for sending, receiving, and interpreting messages are necessary so everyone in the group shares the same meaning.  Messages need to be clear and accurate, while nonverbal messages need to support what is said.

31.  How do you get people to discuss their ideas?  People are more active in a group when they have been involved in the planning process.  Discussion can be used to come to an agreement on a course of action.  Every group has a mixture of different personality traits.  A good leader tries to encourage everyone’s participation rather the person is outgoing and talkative, or reserved and observant.

32.  At times of discussion, the leader may need to redirect the group to keep them on track.  Ex. “That’s a good thought, Toyree, but today in class we’re discussing group interaction.”  Some small group discussion techniques, include brainstorming, role-playing, and round table discussion.  Some large group discussion techniques are panel discussion, form, and debate.

33.  How do you get people involved?  One of the main roles of the leader is to get all members of a group involved.  Be persuasive. You can persuade them to make suggestions or to do research. You can encourage them to do their best in the group.  Show recognition. Listen to group members’ ideas and include them in setting goals and developing a plan. Praise and special events are some methods used.

34.  Look successful. If group members believe that they are part of a successful group, their enthusiasm will increase. People like to associate with those who appear to be talented and likely to succeed.  Include friendly competition in group activities. Enthusiasm is increased if group members feel that they are competing with another group. Group spirit is increased.

35.  Maintain a democratic environment. Group members are likely to have a better attitude when their opinions and feelings are considered. People like to be asked for their opinions, and even if another form of action is taken.

36.  In any group project, unplanned situations will arise.  As a group leader, how can you help to solve problems?  Use the problem-solving process. –identify the problem, help determine ownership of the problem, etc.  Show empathy to the person with the problem. (put yourself in the other person’s shoes and imagine what that person is feeling or thinking)

37.  Group members have various needs.  Some may have joined the group for social reasons.  Others may be concerned about seeing a particular task completed.  Still others may be looking for a way to see some of their ideas fulfilled.  Be effective as a group member!

38.  As a group member, you are just as important as the leader.  The task will not be completed or the goal reached without your involvement.  To be an effective team member, you have to fulfill certain roles and responsibilities.

39.  Be a clear communicator. Express your ideas so others can understand you. Listen to each other. Use active listening!  Be cooperative. You may need to give up your personal desires in order to reach a group goal. (personal food preference for food eliminated when planning a menu for an event) When all members cooperate, they will be more willing to work together for the benefit for the whole group.

40.  Be willing to participate. Your thoughts are important. Be willing to help carry out the plan. The willingness of several people can make the goal easier to reach.  Control your participation. Communication in a group first involves paying attention to others. Listen carefully so that you understand the purpose and goal of the discussion. Determine what is needed in the discussion.

41.  Be an informed participant. A group can be more productive if the members know the meeting schedule ahead of time. After studying the meeting schedule, ask yourself the following questions: What facts are needed? What do I think about his topic? How can I express my point of view so others will listen? What reasons can I give that support my point of view? What questions can I ask the other members?  As an informed participant, you can help a group be successful.

42.  Control your emotions. Intense emotions lower the chance of sending clear and accurate messages.  Be empathetic to others’ emotions. If another group member becomes upset or angry, you can help that person regain emotional control. Try to be respectful of group members and their feelings.

43.  Support the group. Team leaders need the support of the team. Let your leaders know they are doing a good job. They appreciate constructive input that team members have to offer.

44.  You and another interested person can easily start a group.  Together you can plan the purpose of the group and write down who you want to accomplish.  Contact students who have similar interests or similar needs.  Use letters, newspapers articles, or announcements to let other people know that you want to start the group.

45.  If the group will be a local chapter, you can write headquarters for information and they will help you get started step-by-step.  You will need to appoint someone to lead the organizational meeting.

46.  ELECT OFFICERS. Most clubs or groups have a least a president and a secretary.  The different officers elected depends on what type of organization you have.  Officers are usually nominated and elected once a year.

47.  IDENTIFY RULES AND PROCEDURES. Group members can be involved in deciding how the meetings will be managed.  However, to be most efficient, meetings should be conducted according to certain procedures.  Many organizations follow PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE. This is an orderly way of conducting a meeting and discussing business. (Robert’s Rule of Order)

48.  Following a set procedure helps a meeting progress smoothly.  Discussions are orderly, group members know when they can speak and when to complete business.  Voting procedures give members input in making group decisions.

49.  An AGENDA is a list of what the group will be doing and discussing at the meeting.  As the group leader, you would be expected to prepare it.  The leader distributes a copy of the agenda to group members prior to the meeting. This lists the major points to be covered during the meeting.

50. Group Member Agenda 1.) Call to order 2.) Reading and approval of minutes 3.) Officer’s reports 4.) Committee reports 5.) Unfinished business 6.) New business 7.) Program 8.) Announcements 9.) Adjournment

51.  After each meeting, the leader and other officers can evaluate the meeting.  A short checklist of evaluation questions works well: what techniques worked well? What areas did not seem to go well? Were there any problems that surfaced in the meeting? If so, how can these be handled in the future meetings? How can the group members be encouraged to participate?