Group Methods Flashcards
What is Inevitable in group work?
Conflict is an inevitable consequence of
people working in groups
‘After 15 years of observation we have
reluctantly come to the conclusion that
working together in harmony does not come
naturally for human beings’
What is conflict?
- Conflict is a process, that
begins when one party
perceives that the other party
has frustrated, or is about to
frustrate some concern of
his/hers. - Perception may be based on
what the other party has
actually done or may be based
on what they think they have
done or said.
Desirable outcomes of conflict: (5)
Reduces groupthink (stagnation of ideas)
Stimulate interest
Medium through which real issues/problems
surface
Demarcate sub-groups and individuals so all
understand each other better
- Assist group to develop new norms within its
changing environment
Undesirable outcomes of conflict: (4)
Inhibit the effectiveness of group’s work as
members refuse to share ideas/ effort
Key resources of knowledge and time are
wasted (inefficient use of resources)
Can be cause of group break-up
Members lose confidence/interest in working
together
What are the 7 difference sources of conflict?
Differences in interests and beliefs
Scarcity of resources (money, positions)
Difficulty of task
Fear (pressure) of failure
Skills levels of members (tolerance levels)
Rivalries between people for recognition
Incompatibility of members – based on
differences or because of similar character
Successful conflict resolution requires
two things to be achieved:
– (1) the substantive issue must be addressed;
and
– (2) the relationship between the parties must
improve.
When Managing conflict in Groups what do we need to do? (3)
➢Depends on how well people understand
and address the root causes of the
conflict
➢Essential to this is good listening and
observational skills as well as ability to
empathise
➢Avoid personal attacks and stick to the
issues (‘be hard on the problem but soft
on the people’)
What are the 3 Main approaches to conflict
management?
1- Classical approach:
conflict is regarded as
undesirable and is suppressed. Leads to feelings
of discontent (avoidance, suppression or surface harmony
in Tubbs)
2- Compromise approach:
middle position is
found – no winners/losers
3- Problem-solving approach:
discussion,
negotiation and determination of best solution
under the circumstances
STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING CONFLICT (5)
-Avoidance
-Surface Harmony
-Suppression
-Problem solving
-Compromise
When conflict occurs what should you focus on?
Negotiate (Focus) on the merits:
- Separate the people from the problem
- Focus on interests – not positions
- Generate a variety of options before deciding
what to do - Insist that options and results be judged by some
objective standards / criteria
What is the purpose of meetings? (5)
▪ To make decisions on behalf of the group
▪ Defines the group
▪ Update and revise what they know through
the sharing of knowledge and experience
▪ Appreciate both the collective aim of the
group and how they contribute to it
▪ Creates a commitment to decisions made
Whats the 5 Roles of the Leader in Meetings?
- Ensure that the purpose is
clear - Ensure agreement on the
agenda content - Create an atmosphere that
facilitates good discussion - Structure the discussion to
achieve the purpose - Ensure decisions and tasks
agreed are clearly stated
What are the 3 phases of a meeting?
- Planning the meeting
(agenda and goals) - Preparation – setting
up the meeting (logistics) - Leading the meeting
event
The key to effective
delivery is …
good planning
and preparation
When planning to lead a meeting what do we need to ensure? 3 points
1) Be clear on the overall purpose:
– what is important to decide/ do at this meeting to
enable group to progress? (no good purpose/ no meeting!)
2) Research the topics (homework):
– collect the facts and information on each topic so that
you can give a good overview and have a good
understanding of issue when being discussed
3) Consider the group members (think about the audience):
– what are they likely to know and feel about issues?
– what are the likely objections and/or conflicts?
Meeting Agenda:
the framework for discussion:
What does the agenda become?
The agenda becomes the contract around which
discussion at the meeting can be managed for
effective outcomes.
➢ Circulated in advance of the meeting (along with the
minutes of the previous meeting)
➢ Indicates the items (issues) to be discussed and so
helps members to prepare for discussion
➢ Should be structured to facilitate a successful
outcome i.e. items listed and prioritised on basis of
importance and amount of time needed
List the meeting agenda structure: (4)
- Heading: Title/ Date/ Time and Venue
- Minutes of previous meeting and Matters
Arising - Agenda main items – presented clearly so
that group members understand content and
what is expected of them - AoB (Any other Business)
When preparing to lead a meeting what should you do ? (2)
Prepare your own notes:
* Based on points the group may need to consider on
each agenda item?
* Based on how much time is available for each
aspect?
Have everything ready:
* Inform people of time, date, location (agenda) in
good time
* Arrange venue and facilities – check the venue if
unfamiliar with it and ensure facilities are adequate
When having a meeting what is very important about location and whats things to factor into account?
Ensure facilities and venue are
suitable
➢Think comfort - a quiet and
comfortable space with no interfering
noises or traffic
➢If something about the venue is wrong,
try to rectify it, don’t just ignore it
➢Best seating is in a circle where all
members can see faces of others– avoid
arrangements in which people cannot
look directly at the person who is
speaking
Whats a good and the best arrangement for meetings:
CIRCLE – BEST
ARRANGEMENT
OPPOSITES – POOR
ARRANGEMENT
What are the 3 stages to Leading the Discussion?
- Background
and Agenda - Items
- Summary &
Conclusion
Leading discussion (Role of Leader):
1. Background and Agenda:
What should you try and create?
What should be included in this part?
What should you explain?
What’s the focus on?
- Try to create a relaxed starting point by talking
with/ greeting people before meeting starts - Introductions are important when some people
do not know each other - Note apologies from those not in attendance
- Explain context and purpose of meeting
- Focus on agenda - clarify and agree on the
agenda (allows ownership by attendees) – give it
the time it needs if members want to amend it
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Number 2: Item to item:
What should you do as a leader?
- Clearly introduce and open up
for discussion in a way that
focuses on the agenda item - Guide discussion through set of
questions and/or points (already
noted in preparation stage) - Summarise discussion on each
agenda item i.e. bring main
points together so that progress
can be seen and agreed upon
What should you encourage discussion by? (4)
❖Firstly drawing out facts
❖Follow facts by opinions,
ideas and feelings
❖Ensure personal ‘attacks’ are
avoided
❖Clarify misunderstandings
that arise – can only be done if you
have an understanding of the topic
Good questions to encourage
discussion are:
(5)
Give examples of how good questions are asked:
❖brief
❖relate to a single point
❖relate directly to the topic
❖are generally open
❖help develop constructive thinking
- What do you think about …..?
- Is there a better way to ….?
- How can we avoid ……?
