There’s No “I” in Team:Group Dynamics

Dubuque Circles InitiativeLeadership Track Series

Let’s Start with an Exercise!

First Then

List everything you do in a typical day from the moment you fall asleep

Write at least 10 different answers to the following question: Who am I?

Count on your list all of the activities you perform with groups and those you perform alone. Calculate a percentage of group activities.

Count on your list descriptions that include information about the groups you belong to. Calculate a percentage.

Laying the Foundation

Groups typically have the following characteristics:◦Two or more individuals◦Interacting and interdependent◦Perceive themselves as members of the group◦Come together to achieve particular shared

objectivesGroups are “groupier” when they are small, able to interact on a variety of issues, and have a past and envision a future

Groups Have Structure

NormsRolesStatus systemsCommunication structure

Structure

Groups Have Goals

Goals◦Generating◦Choosing◦Negotiating◦Executing

Tension between 2 goals◦Task accomplishment◦Socioemotional needs

Nature of Groups

Groups are recognized as important unitsHelps in directing and channelizing the

constructive effortsCommon goals of the company is fulfilledGroup dynamics was first introduced by

corporate giants like Toyota, Motorola, GE, etc.

Why People Create Groups

Sense of securityStatusSelf-EsteemAffiliationPowerGoal Achievement

Types of Groups

Formal Groups Informal Groups

Deliberately created to perform a specific task

Hierarchy existsRules and regulations

guide the behavior

Formed as a consequential part of the company by easing out any kind of stress or tensions

Helps in groups’ survival and provision of benefits

Group Productivity

As performance norms and cohesiveness increases, productivity increases

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Task Roles in Groups

Information and Opinion Giver/SeekerStarterDirection GiverSummarizerCoordinatorDiagnoserEnergizerReality TesterEvaluator

Relationship Roles in Groups

Encourager of ParticipationHarmonizer and CompromiserTension RelieverCommunication HelperEvaluator of Emotional ClimateProcess ObserverStandard SetterActive ListenerTrust BuilderInterpersonal Problem Solver

The Stages of Group Development

Forming◦Dependence

Storming◦Counter-dependence

Norming◦Interdependence

Performing◦Independence

Adjourning/Reforming/Transforming

Improving Group Dynamics

Clarifying Expectations

“Expectation” is that often-unspoken idea we have of how things are going to be, or how people will behave, or how people will react

Everyone in a group will likely have a slightly different expectation which can color an individual’s reactions to the stated agenda

Spend a minute or two clarifying members’ expectations

Equalize Participation

ListingStackingPacingChecking the ProcessTaking a BreakCall for ConsensusPassing the Clipboard