Group Dynamics & Facilitation Group Dynamics & Facilitation for Emerging Leadersfor Emerging Leaders

Emerging Leaders Level III

What is Group Dynamics?What is Group Dynamics?

The term “Group Dynamics” refers to the interactions between people who are talking together in a group setting (business, volunteer, social)

Understanding group dynamics is critical for facilitators to determine realistic expectations for group behavior, interpret needs and help groups reach their outcomes

Group Dynamics & Team Group Dynamics & Team DevelopmentDevelopment

Dr. Bruce Tuckman’s Team Development Model suggests that the behaviors of the team members change as the team matures

He believed that this maturity occurs in stages

Understanding these stages is critical to facilitation

Storming PhaseStorming Phase

Toby vs. Michael (4:43 to 9:15)

Who was leading?Who was pushing

their own agenda?Who played the

‘credential game’?Who backed-off?Who did people

align themselves with?

How Team Dynamics ChangeHow Team Dynamics Change

PerformingStormingForming Norming Transforming

Working Group

Pseudo Team

Potential Team

Real Team

HighPerforming

Team

Team Effectiveness

Perf

orm

ance

Im

pact

Facilitation for Group DynamicsFacilitation for Group Dynamics

FORMING STORMING NORMING PERFORMING

Teambuilding Elements to Reduce Disruptive Behavior

Problem Solving Elements to Reduce Group Think

Conflict

Harmony

Working vs. Non-working GroupsWorking vs. Non-working Groups

Working Group Trust Goals are clear and

specific Members feel included Shared leadership High cohesion Shared Responsibility Clear and direct

communication Awareness of group

process Norms are clear Diversity encouraged Members are empowered

Non-Working Group Mistrust, hostility and

withdrawal Incoherent/abstract goals Exclusion of members/

cliques Lack of caring and distant Blame game Communication unclear or

indirect Members or leaders use

power over others Low awareness Norms imposed by

leaders and may not be clear

Conformity

Team Psyche at Each Stage: What Team Psyche at Each Stage: What to Look Out For…to Look Out For…

Facilitators role: make sure nobody feels excluded, get group acquainted and set expectations, goals and objectives

Facilitators role: encourage cooperation, help team keep going on task, follow through with delegation

Facilitators role: provide

clarification about group

role, encourage and

challenge members to

face and resolve

conflicts

Facilitators role:

look for common

themes among group

members to provide

cohesion

Group FunctionsGroup Functions

Task FunctionsIllustrate behaviors that are concerned with getting the job done, or accomplishing the task

Maintenance FunctionsImportant to the morale of the group. Maintain good relationships and create an environment where each member can contribute to their fullest ability

Peck’s Community DynamicsPeck’s Community Dynamics

The Analogy of the GemThe Analogy of the Gem

Community has many facets. It is a place of realism, contemplation, “a safe place”, a laboratory for personal disarmament, a place where people can fight

gracefully, a group of all leaders and a place of spirit.

Inclusivity

Commitment Consensus

ReferencesReferences

Croft, L. Group Dynamics. Presentation Handout, University of Cincinnati

Nazzaro, A. & Strazzabosco, J. (2002). Group Dynamics & Teambuilding. Presentation Handout, WFH Global NMO Training Workshop.

Novak, B.J. & Kwapis, K. (2005). Sexual Harrassment (Season 2, Episode 2). The Office. Van Nuys: Valley Center Studios.

Peck, S. (1987). The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace. New York: Simon & Schuster.