1. Group Dynamics

2. Definitions Social unit of two or more people Number of people interacting to achieve a goal Interdependent individuals More than the sum of its parts Combination of above

3. Groups Social identity is tied to membership In-group bias affects leadership Many leader skills are necessary

4. Forces Acting on Groups Internal Characteristics of individuals in the group External Elements outside of the group

5. Groups and Culture Collectivist Focus is on the group as a cohesive entity Members share group norms Members share group goals Cooperative structure is evident

6. Groups and Culture Individualist Individuals in group are the primary focus Members often have to be reminded of shared goals Competitive in-group behaviors are evident

7. Groups: Good and Bad Good High productivity Effective decisions Other-orientation Emotional bonds Synergy influences change Bad Take unneeded risks Extreme positions No responsibility Anonymity Outsiders depersonalized Group-think becomes barrier

8. Why People Join Groups Social reasons Learn new skills Self-enhancement Achieve intimacy Coercion Make a statement Develop self-identity

9. Group Goals Shared among members Represent a standard of excellence Justify group existence Serve to clarify relationships Require commitment from members

10. Goals Influenced by… Desirability of goals Likelihood of success Goals are moderately challenging Members expect satisfaction Participants active in goal setting Level of group cohesiveness

11. Goal Types Cooperative Personal goals help to achieve group goals (and vice versa) Competitive Personal goals conflict with group goals (or vice versa) Independent Personal and group goals are not related

12. Group Membership Individual members Individuals unique Parts of a whole Expertise, biases, ‘baggage’ Identification with others Each group has its own personality

13. Group Cohesion Social Interpersonal glue Task Focus on common direction/goal

14. Group Participation Observable Verbal Physical Emotional Indicates commitment Influenced by group members Cultural differences

15. Group Influence Influence Positive/Negative Styles of Influence Logical argument Bullying Manipulation Positive motivation

16. Group Norms Unwritten rules Beliefs, values and actions of the majority Explicit (stated, written) Implicit (hidden, expected)

17. Group Atmosphere Climate/Personality of the group Fluctuates between positive and negative tone Leader strongly influences group atmosphere

18. Group Leadership Differences in… Experience Competence Style preferences Clearly impacts group success Emerges from and changes within the group

19. Group Task Functions Taking initiative Staying on task Specific to the group goals Outcome-oriented

20. Group Maintenance Maintenance function Group relationships Checking in with members Ensures involvement by all Helps with social cohesion

21. Decision Making All group members needed for effectiveness Leader and group accountability necessary Social skills are utilized Expect and accept group conflict Use creativity Group acceptance of decision needed

22. Decision Making Decision-making enhanced Positive interdependence Individual accountability within group Members support one another Members are socially skilled Group issues are processed Controversy is viewed as positive High motivation exists among members

23. Decision Making Decision-making hindered Poor group skills Social loafing exists Egocentrism is evident Power struggles occur Lack of time Lack of commitment Lack of knowledge

24. Group Judgment “Know what you know and know what you don’t know” Situational skills are important Self-confidence is necessary Selflessness and other-orientation valuable Commitment to the task and group needed Efficiency in actions Experience helps ensure good judgment

25. Group Conflict Necessary for group development Task conflict Related to group work Disagree on process, goals Emotional conflict Personal Can result in loss of trust

26. Behavior Styles

27. Behavior Styles: Director Logical thinker Quick worker Competitive Results oriented Prefers control Independent Decisive

28. Behavior Styles: Socializer Persuasive Impulsive Not into details Likes change Enthusiastic Creative

29. Behavior Styles: Relater Routine is good Likes rules Strives for security Seeks appreciation Wants facts Seeks consensus

30. Behavior Styles: Thinker Low risk-taker Perfectionist Cautious Detail-oriented Needs order Is deliberate Needs to be right

31. Beware of Labels Labels can help understanding Labels can constrain. limit Use information to Recognize Acknowledge Make decisions

32. Group Development Groups evolve and change Internal and external forces act on group development Development is cyclical Several models exist

33. GROUPD: Getting to know… Members seek clarification Mutual respect exists Group identity is beginning Leader provides structure Leader ensures belonging Leader must be dependable Leader provides expertise Is important to purposefully establish tone

34. GROUPD: Relationships Members determine the “pecking order” Members quickly agree to norms Members are looking for niche Leader role has been established Leader has credibility

35. GROUPD: Opposition/Conflict Struggle for power and control between leader and followers Members challenge the leader Task may be neglected Leader sets tone of acceptance Open communication is vital

36. GROUPD: Unity Leader and followers are coming together Group recognizes and works toward common goal Focus is on the task Informal leaders emerge and fluctuate Pride in affiliation is evident Loyalty is strong Leader can step back

37. GROUPD: Productivity Work toward goals is efficient and effective Group members understand one another Challenges to the leader may reappear Creative thinking is apparent Group is self-regulating behaviors Leader serves as ‘devil’s advocate’

38. GROUPD: Dissolution Adjourning stage Emotionally laden May see over-optimism Members may be in denial Group conflict re-emerges Members may withdraw Leader serves as facilitator

39. Effective Groups Share goals Engage in open communication Demonstrate caring for all Strive for strong cohesion Are committed to one another Engage in appropriate challenges Practice solid leader/follower skills

40. Ineffective Groups Show a lack of commitment Exhibit selfishness Have poor group skills Have no common goal Are too much alike Are overly diverse

41. Group Roles Positive Clarifier Compromiser Encourager Gatekeeper Harmonizer Initiator Etc… Negative Blocker Clown Digressor Disassociator Instigator Scapegoat

42. Team Building Team = Group of interdependent people Have a good deal of cohesion Team identity visible to all Share common goals Have similar ideas for strategies to achieve goals

43. Good Team Members Participate fully Are self-motivated Are open to new things Are sensitive to other views Cooperate Know own and others’ limitations Resolve conflicts Celebrate success

44. Team Essentials Care for Self Each other Facilities Equipment Have balance in personal life

45. Team Essentials cont’d Give the benefit of the doubt to others Bring their best to each situation Put others first Think “we”

46. Team Essentials cont’d Goals Meld personal goals with team goals Appreciate others for their… Strengths Limitations Diversity