THEORY OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT “Keeping together is progress; Working together is success.” Henry Ford

Introduction This slideshow will examine the basic concepts regarding groups and demonstrate how an understanding of groups can help leaders function more effectively.

Defining and Classifying Groups

Work Group Interacts to share information Decisions help each member perform within own area Does not engage in collective work that requires everyone’s participation Performance is the sum total of each member’s contribution

Work Teams Individuals with complementary skills working towards a common result Positive synergy: group’s performance > sum of individual inputs Leader = project manager Takes full advantage of each member’s strengths Ensures that characteristics of a successful team are present in members

When a Group Becomes a Team Shared leadership Accountability shared by the team as a whole Responsibility shared equally among members Mission and goals developed by the team itself vs. outside source Continual work vs. at regularly scheduled times Effectiveness measured in team vs. individual outcomes

The Five-Stage Model of Group Development

Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning

Forming Group members: Have just been introduced Familiarizing themselves “Testing the waters” Uncertainty about the group’s purpose, structure, and leadership

Storming Infighting Quite volatile Conflict, open rebellion, power struggles Acceptance of the existence of the group but resistance of the constraints Conflict over who will lead Completion: + Hierarchy of team leadership - Some groups never completely emerge

Norming Development of: Close relationships Cohesiveness and cooperation Group identity Camaraderie Increased organization Development of norms Acceptable standards of behaviour, goals, or values Completion: Solid group structure Recognition of norms

Performing Significant task progress being accomplished Coming together well to perform individual functions Team structure completely functional and acceptable Leader’s ultimate goal

Adjourning In temporary work teams Assigned task completed Disbandment Wrapping up activities replace task performance Members: Happy the job has been completed OR Sense of loss of the team camaraderie OR Reforming – begin different project