Group Development and Group Roles

Stage 1: Forming

"Ice-breaking" stage Group members uncertain about their role, getting to know each other, the group purpose, and how they fit in Mutual trust is low looking to the leader for direction

Tuckman's Five Stages of Group Development

1. Forming 2. Storming 3. Norming 4. Performing 5. Adjourning (Termination)

Stage 4: Performing

Activity is focused on problem solving Contributors get work done without hampering others Climate of open communication Strong cooperation Great deal of helping behavior performing at full potential

8 Approaches to Deal with Dominators

Body Language Redirect Discussion Coach group on allowing everyone to share 15 second rules Sub Groups (place dominator with assertive people) Meet Outside Group to brainstorm with them Revisit Group Norms Self Check Wait for the Pause Give a Task Role

Stage 3: Norming Stage

characterized by close relationships and cohesiveness respect authority of leader know each other better, making progress towards goals

Stage 5: Adjourning Stage

group coming to an end can be difficult for members

Individual Roles

roles performed by group members to achieve individual goals examples: dominator, aggressor, blocker, player, recognition-seeker, joker, special interest pleader

Task Oriented Roles

roles performed by group members to ensure that the tasks of the group are accomplished contribute to the organization and completions of the task Examples: initiator opinion/seeker, elaborator, orienter, energizer, etc.

Maintenance Roles

roles performed by group members to maintain group relations within the group Examples: encourager, harmonizer, gatekeeper, standard-setter

Stage 2: Storming

Time of testing Testing leader's policies and assumptions and how they fit into the power structure Subgroups take shape Subtle forms of rebellion occur members may challenge authority or management style