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Editors' Choice Article Improving Group Dynamics Helping Your People Work Together More Effectively | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Finally, one group member makes humorous comments at unhelpful times, which upsets the momentum of the discussion. These are classic examples of poor group dynamics, and they can undermine the success of a project, as well as people's morale and engagement. In this article, we'll look at what group dynamics are and why they matter. We'll then discuss some examples of poor group dynamics, and we'll outline some tools that you can use to deal with them. What Are Group Dynamics? Kurt Lewin, a social psychologist and change management expert, is credited with coining the term "group dynamics" in the early 1940s. He noted that people often take on distinct roles and behaviors when they work in a group. "Group dynamics" describes the effects of these roles and behaviors on other group members, and on the group as a whole. More recent researchers have built on Lewin's ideas, and this work has become central to good management practice. A group with a positive dynamic is easy to spot. Team members trust one another, they work towards a collective decision, and they hold one another accountable for making things happen. As well as this, researchers have found that when a team has a positive dynamic, its members are nearly twice as creative as an average group. In a group with poor group dynamics, people's behavior disrupts work. As a result, the group may not come to any decision, or it may make the wrong choice, because group members could not explore options effectively. What Causes Poor Group Dynamics? Group leaders and team members can contribute to a negative group dynamic. Let's look at some of the most common problems that can occur:
Use these approaches to improve group dynamics: Know Your Team As a leader, you need to guide the development of your group. So, start by learning about the phases that a group goes through as it develops. When you understand these, you'll be able to preempt problems that could arise, including issues with poor group dynamics. Next, use Benne and Sheats' Group Roles to identify positive and negative group roles, and to understand how they could affect the group as a whole. This will also help you plan how to deal with potential problems. Tackle Problems Quickly If you notice that one member of your team has adopted a behavior that's affecting the group unhelpfully, act quickly to challenge it. Provide feedback that shows your team member the impact of her actions, and encourage her to reflect on how she can change her behavior. Define Roles and Responsibilities Teams that lack focus or direction can quickly develop poor dynamics, as people struggle to understand their role in the group. Create a team charter - defining the group's mission and objective, and everyone's responsibilities - as soon as you form the team. Make sure that everyone has a copy of the document, and remind people of it regularly. Break Down Barriers Use team-building exercises to help everyone get to know one another, particularly when new members join the group. These exercises ease new colleagues into the group gently, and also help to combat the "black sheep effect," which happens when group members turn against people they consider different. Also, explain the idea of the Johari Window to help people open up. Lead by example: share what you hope the group will achieve, along with "safe" personal information about yourself, such as valuable lessons that you've learned. Focus on Communication Open communication is central to good team dynamics, so make sure that everyone is communicating clearly. Include all of the forms of communication that your group uses - emails, meetings, and shared documents, for example - to avoid any ambiguity. If the status of a project changes, or if you have an announcement to make, let people know as soon as possible. That way, you can ensure that everyone has the same information. Opinionated team members can overwhelm their quieter colleagues in meetings. Where this happens, use techniques such as Crawford's Slip Writing Method, and make sure that you develop strong facilitation skills. Pay Attention Watch out for the warning signs of poor group dynamics. Pay particular attention to frequent unanimous decisions, as these can be a sign of groupthink, bullying, or free riding. If there are many unanimous decisions in your group, consider exploring new ways to encourage people to discuss their views, or to share them anonymously. Key Points The term "group dynamics" describes the way in which people in a group interact with one another. When dynamics are positive, the group works well together. When dynamics are poor, the group's effectiveness is reduced. Problems can come from weak leadership, too much deference to authority, blocking, groupthink and free riding, among others. To strengthen your team's dynamics, use the following strategies:
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A Final Note
Positive group dynamics help teams get things done. And they make an impact outside meetings and team activities, too: when information flows freely between team members, everyone has the chance to make a difference. Next week, we'll outline how SQ3R and other learning techniques can help you get the most from your personal development. Best wishes,  James Manktelow Email us Mind Tools Essential Skills for an Excellent Career! |
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