Effective Group Members

Question 1

7 Guidelines for Effective Groups

Answer 1

1. Establish clear, operational, relevant group goals that create positive interdependence and evoke commitment (everyone should have input, make sure everyone is clear on “what we are doing” and “how are we doing it”)
2. Establish effective, two-way communication (the entire group talks to one another; consider tone, word choice, how we will be perceived; ensure no one is being blamed, use “we” language, reflect on how you feel instead of assigning blame)
3. Ensure leadership and participation are distributed among all members (sometimes this happens naturally, but sometimes takes work; depends on individual goals vs common goal; everyone has different strengths)
4. Ensure everyone has the opportunity to influence others and contribute to outcomes. They will be accountable to themselves and the team. (allow quiet people to speak)
5. Match decision-making procedures with the needs of the situation (allow people to make decisions, come to a consensus, based on the importance of the task)
6. Engage in constructive controversy by challenging each other’s conclusions and reasoning (having a healthy dialogue, allows everyone to state their piece)
7. Face conflicts of interests and engage in integrative negotiations to resolve them (consider what was agreed upon before hand ie established rules, expectations, etc.)

Question 2

Conflict of Interest

Answer 2

When one group member has opposing goals when compared to the rest of the group. Groups need to notice and discuss conflicts of interest in order to work together in a positive and effective way. Be proactive and address it upfront,

Question 3

Increasing Positive Attributes

Answer 3

Affirmative actions, positive feedback, trust, goal setting, communication

Question 4

Trust

Answer 4

Takes time, is a risk, and has multiple rewards
Trusting behaviour: take a risk on people by trusting them
Trustworthy behaviour: prove to others that you can be trusted

Question 5

Goal Setting

Answer 5

Encourage clear, operationally defined goals

Achieve consensus to reduce hidden agendas

Question 6

Communication

Answer 6

Involves listening as well as being listened to

I- or We-statements instead of You-statements

Question 7

You-Statement

Answer 7

“You need to get this done or we won’t get a good mark”
This statement implies blame; it is challenging and confrontational
You-statements imply that one group member is responsible for all failing or achieving

Question 8

I-Statement or We-Statement

Answer 8

“We need the PowerPoint to be completed before we move forward; can I help?”
This gets the point across that something is missing, however, it does not imply blame
It also suggests that members can work together to achieve together

Question 9

How can we become effective group members?

Answer 9

We become effective team members over time through: experience, education, and conscious focus on change
We can all become effective group members if: we understand what needs to change, we focus on creating positive change, we practice positive change in real-life situations