Interacting in Groups

1. TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More. Interacting in Groups

2. Objectives 1. Explain the difference between prescribed norms and emergent norms. 2. Define the 3 group roles. 3. List the qualities that affect group dynamics. 4. Describe the 4 characteristics of group discussion.

3. The informal, often unstated rules about what behavior is appropriate in a group. What are “group norms?”

4. Two Types of Group Norms… • Prescribed Norms: • A rule or appropriate behavior that is routinely taught to new group members. • Emergent Norms: • Any group norm that develops from the group interaction and the mix of the group members’ personalities.

5. Group Roles • Initiator: • Works towards getting the group started toward achieving the group goal. • Moderators – keep the group moving, give deadline reminder • Tension Relievers – make jokes to relieve the tension. • Facilitator: • A person who adds energy to the group by helping group members follow through on task. • Challengers – play Devil’s Advocate in order for all sides to be heard. • Agitator: • Injects negativity into the group process. • Monopolizers - interrupt, ramble, repeat • Distracters – bring up irrelevant things to waste time • Skeptics – don’t like any solution the group comes up with.

6. Lessons from “Remember The Titans”

8. Who’s what?

9. Non-participant Distracter Clown Complainer Critic Absentee Types of agitators…

10. Group Dynamics • The energy created as group members communicate and interact with each other in committees, teams, and other groups. • What affects group dynamics? • Norms • Member’s roles & personalities • Interaction or lack of interaction of members • Group purpose

11. Group Discussion: Occurs when three or more people exchange ideas on a specific topic for a specific purpose. Is there a difference between discussion and conversation? How do we solve problems in groups?

13. *Discussion Formats* • PRIVATE GROUP DISCUSSIONS • sometimes called a round table discussion • used in business and government • used to share information on a specific subject • each member of the group gives a report on one aspect of the subject and then the group discusses the separate reports and how they fit together.

14. *Discussion Formats* • PANEL DISCUSSIONS • a group that discusses a topic of common interest to its members and to a listening audience • usually composed of four to six members who are experts on a particular topic • the group shares information and opinions • questions from the audience may be entertained

15. *Discussion Formats* • SYMPOSIUM • four to six people present short prepared speeches and then discuss the ideas which have been presented. • has a listening audience • audience has a chance to ask questions and make comments

16. 4 Characteristics of Group Discussion • 1. The group is interactive. • Everyone’s involved. • 2. The group’s focused. • Everyone stays on task. • 3. The group is organized. • The group moves from one point to the next. • 4. The group is cooperative. • WORK TOGETHER!!!

17. Review • What is the difference between prescribed norms and emergent norms? • What are the 3 group roles? • What qualities affect group dynamics? • What are 4 characteristics of group discussion? • What are 3 effective strategies in group participation?

18. Now it’s time to put your learning to work!!! The End