Group Communication

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.