1. Group Communication

2. How many people do you think make up a small group
How many people do you think make up a small group? What are some advantages to group work? What are some disadvantages? Types of groups? (Formal v. Informal)

3. Group Norms What does this mean?
What are some examples of general norms? Communication norms?

4. Group Problem Solving The Group Work Life Cycle:
Forming – group comes together, see how everyone fits together
Storming – differences begin to surface, try to gain a sense of order
Norming – develop a sense of group identity, establish acceptable norms
Performing – group work is accomplished, group is productive

5. Important Group Terms
Interdependence: each member of the group depends on one another - you either all “sink” or all “swim”
Synergy: group is stronger than any individual alone
Leadership: competent communicators who speak and listen responsibly and keep the group on task and do their best work
Groupthink: making poor decisions due to pressure from the group

6. More on Leadership How to become a leader: Appointed Elected
Emergent (likely what will happen for your group)
Leadership responsibilities:
Begin the discussion
Act as a moderator – keep the discussion moving and make sure everyone’s ideas are heard
Guide – don’t dominate – the discussion
Close the meeting – set a plan for the next steps

7. Reflective Thinking Identify Problem Analyze Problem
Establish Guidelines for Evaluating Solutions
Generating Solutions
Selecting Best Solution
Evaluating Solution

8. Being an Effective Group Member
Be committed – what is the goal?
Respect & Listen
Attend all meetings
Complete individual assignments
Be mindful of other’s needs

9. Group Roles
Task Leader – the person engages in behavior that guides the group towards its goal.
Socio-Emotional Leader – works on including all group members, as well as helps the group reach its goal; responsible for the groups well-being.
Information Provider – provides relevant information for the group to complete its tasks.
Central Negative – the “devil’s advocate,” can be a positive or negative role; questions and analyzes groups decisions
Tension Releaser – provides appropriate humor to help lighten tension; offers a lighter perspective

10. Group Roles, Cont.
Questioner – asks relevant questions to keep the group on task; good a clarifying and elaborating during discussions
Active Listener – offers feedback and supportive comments; participates and sincerely tries to help the group, although may speak less than others
Recorder – keeps a written record of the groups progress and activities
Silent Observer – sits quietly most of the time; has a tendency to withdraw and not actively participate
Self-centered Follower – concerned only with his/herself; not focused on needs or goals of the group; gets distracted easily, may miss or is late to meetings; sometimes engages in negative communication or behavior.