COMMUNICATING IN GROUPS AND TEAMS .

On your notes, please write your own definition of a group. What is a group? On your notes, please write your own definition of a group.

Groups Defined Group communication is the process of creating meaning among 4-10 people who share a common purpose, who feel a sense of belonging, and who have influence on each other.

What types of groups are there? List all the types of groups you are involved in.

Examples of Groups Friends (Social Groups) Family (Primary Groups) Educational Groups Therapy Groups Work Groups Problem solving Groups Teams (dance, football, etc)

Goals of group membership Why do we join groups? What is the purpose of belonging to them? Looking at the groups you listed, why do you think you are a part of each group?

Some reasons we join a group To have a sense of belonging To achieve a shared goal To learn something new To create an identity for ourselves

What makes someone a good group member? Write down all the characteristics you think make someone a good group member.

Characteristics of Effective Team Members Openness Supportiveness Positive Attitude Selflessness

A Successful Group will… Develop clearly defined responsibilities for team members. Celebrate successes. Develop clear goals. Work together to achieve a common goal. Have clear rules or norms.

Understanding Group and Team Dynamics Chapter 9: Understanding Group and Team Communication Rules team ground rules- these are things that are stated and explained when the group was formed. Norms standards that determine what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior in a group. These are usually not said, but understood. Examples?

Group Activity You will be assigned a group and a location. Once told to do so, go to that location and please begin to solve the puzzle. No contact with the teacher is necessary. You must use all the pieces to create ONE square. The pieces cannot overlap. You have 5 minutes to make the square.

Steps of becoming a group Forming- people get together and find out the task, the rules, the goal Rebellion- conflict in between individuals, struggles for leadership, resistance to rules Norming- conflicts resolved, rules are followed and understood, the rhythm of the group is more clear Co-operation- the team works together to solve the problem or achieve the task with little friction Which of these steps did your group experience?

Roles in groups Below are just a few examples of roles that might occur in a group: Leader Encourager Organizer Scribe/Secretary Information giver What role did you play in your group activity?

Dangers of being in a group Can you think of any reasons that being part of a group could be a bad thing?

Dangers of a group Group-think Sometimes groups become so well established that they start to think alike. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but can lead to consequences. They stereotype people outside their group They put peer-pressure on group members who disagree They encourage individual group members to limit their individuality or differing opinions. Mob-mentality- if the group they trust does something and thinks it is ok, then it must be.