Group Development

A society that places highest value on the worth and freedom of the individual also encourages the strongest independent thought, independent work, and independent responsibility. An inherent goal of a sound group in such a society is the reaffirmation of true independence while at the same time meeting group needs concerning tasks and morals.

- Joseph Luft, 1984, p. 170

Promoting Task

In the working stages specific tasks and assignments are central.
The following are signs that a group is developmentally task oriented.

Cohesion-two or more working together, not turn taking
Eager to begin work - self-sustaining - motivated
Here-and-now focus
Members show a personal responsibility to carry out and achieve tasks
Participants trust the leader and productive work occurs
Task roles are easy to assume, vacate, reconnect
Members appear to trust themselves and speak up and discuss needs
There is little game playing, little testing of limits or subversive activity
Integration of feelings and thinking
Very direct in communicating, etc.
Approach and resolve conflict
Goal identification occurs with ease
Honest, direct, useful feedback exchanged
Focus on common ground rather than weaknesses
Committed to group members and tasks

Enhancing Group Growth

Group work is rewarding and difficult. Community building, of necessity, involves a balance that meets individual and group needs --"all for one and one for all." A group is only as strong as its concern for the views and needs of every individual. And any one individual can sabotage the well being of all.

Norming & storming

storming & norming

norming & storming

. . . the perpetual dynamics of a fully functioning, growing, working group.

These are some of the key factors found in healthy and dynamic groups. Use these keys to enhance group growth and optimize the well being of the group community

If trust is an obstacle for the group, tasks can provide an alternative method for building a culture.

Equal distribution of power is critical to longevity and health of a group.

1. Use two leadership positions
   1. task leader - facilitates goal setting and helps the group focus on task
   2. social leader - keeps watch on the cohesion of the unit and comfort of individuals
2. Leadership revolves around the group, changing at each meeting.

Goal attainment is highly valued, but not at the expense of trust building or needs on an individual. At the same time, no individual may hold the group hostage to individual need. Conflict resolution skills may be employed to help balance these issues as they emerge.

Group dynamics includes locomotion, cohesion, and flow

Locomotion	- ability to move forward
Cohesion	- intensity of need for group to stay together
Flow	- the combination of task and trust define the amount of give and take in the group and the health and resilience of time spent together.

Integration and synthesis of a group is serious and crucial work. Understanding and meeting the needs of each person is essential. Functional groups integrate the needs of each member into decisions and actions. Attention to this dynamic produces the fastest results.

Humor provides a wonderful outlet for tensions and may reduce the frustration and anger that is generated during norming and storming.

Worksheet: Task Communication

Worksheet: Alert

Go back to Lesson 2

E-mail J'Anne Ellsworth at Janne.Ellsworth@nau.edu

Copyright © 2000 Northern Arizona University
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED